Emperor of Qin

Rating: 4/10 (12 December 2007)

I've notice some of the comments here berating this film because it casts the emperor of Qin in a sympathetic light. It is true that Qin Shin Huang is a ruthless tyrant who killed scholars, burned books and buried an army of 40,000 alive; it is equally true that his dynasty lasted mere 15 years. However, you rabid anti-CCP mouth pieces fail to realize that Qin Shi Huang lifted China out of 500 years of constant war, paving the way for successive dynasties by unifying not only China, but its writing and culture. Had it not been his brutal methods, China might well sink into another 500 years of tribal chaos after his death.
That being said, I do not like this film. This whole movie revolves around the message of unity, but it does not lend this message any solid support. Its plot is mired by muddy narrative, and the motives of its characters unconvincing. There are also many very cliché plot elements familiar to those who subscribe to wuxia literature and films. Another fantastical light show prepared for mass consumption by the western audience.