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How do?

Just put Tomb of the Dragon Emperor on (I know, I know), and I really am blown away by the opening scenes. Just a shame about the middle bits. Ending remains pretty decent in terms of spectacle.

And I reckon I wants to explore Chinese cinema more, when it comes to historical epics. I’m thinking less the Braveheartesque takes, and more ‘proper’ history. I’ll even take documentaries.

Always been fascinated at just how long that civilisation stood, especially given how Europe never quite got its arse into gear in the same style.

I enjoyed watching the 2010 Three Kingdoms series. It's all free on YouTube.

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL33A390995E9A7F00

Oh nice! Can get YouTube on my telly, so shall definitely give that a watch.

Zhang Yimou’s Hero made a big impression on me when it first came out. Not sure how it holds up.

Well, it’s on Prime, so going on the watch list!

I thought Red Cliff was good.

There's also Saving General Yang. It's a lot like Saving Private Ryan, but Chinese historical epicy.

I'd 2nd the Red Cliff recommendation.

Not Chinese as such, but the 2007 film Mongol is pretty good. Plenty of epicness in it.
I'm about half way through a book on the history of China - with the chopping and changing of dynasties, disposability of emperors and the invasion/assimilation of multiple ethnicities, it's difficult to say for sure whether the China that stands today is the same China of ancient history, or whether there have been multiple versions of China, at times running concurrently and fighting each other, and all claiming the heritage to be the "true" Zhonguo. It does make for fascinating reading.

If you want something to listen to i would recommend The History of China podcast.

Learn to fear dowger Empresses...

https://thehistoryofchina.wordpress.com

 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
I enjoyed watching the 2010 Three Kingdoms series. It's all free on YouTube.

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL33A390995E9A7F00

Been meaning to get into something related to Three Kingdoms, but I’m personally not too keen on pirating. You don’t suppose this is an official release on YouTube? Not judging anyone if they watch it, just a personal thing.

I don't know for sure, but I understand China is eager to export its culture. I'd be surprised if they weren't uploaded free on YouTube in the hopes of non-Chinese citizens consuming Chinese entertainment.