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The Red
In 1937, the Japanese imperialists launched a brutal war of aggression against China. Xu Tian was a color-blind accountant in Shanghai with military training who decided to stay close to his mother after the death of his father. After an accident involving a group of patriots led by a friend of his late father, he was touched by the patriotic spirit. He used his sharp mind to help the patriots transporting important materials, which also drew the attention of Japanese occupying the city to himself. During this period, he befriended Jin, a conman-turned-businessman and Tielin, a police officer working in the Shanghai French Concession. At the same time, pharmacist Tian Dan rented a room in Xu's house after losing her parents in an incident Xu was deeply involved. On the backdrop of the national crisis, people were living their intertwined lives with their own agenda, be it for revenge, for duty, for self-interest, or for ideology.
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Plot Summary
In 17th-century Europe, a cartographer named Jonathan Green embarks on a perilous journey to the East. His quest leads him to mysterious lands where he encounters mythical creatures, sorcery, and dangerous secrets. He must overcome these challenges to complete his map and uncover the truth behind ancient legends.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed to negative reviews, with many critics citing its convoluted plot and reliance on visual effects over substance. While some appreciated the ambition and fantasy elements, the overall execution was deemed lacking by most.
What Reviewers Say
Visually ambitious but narratively weak.
Relies too heavily on CGI without a strong story.
A convoluted fantasy adventure with limited appeal.
Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a significant portion found the film to be confusing and lacking in engaging storytelling, though some appreciated the unique fantasy setting and special effects.
Fun Fact
The film is the second installment in a trilogy, following "Viy" (2014), and is part of a broader series of fantasy films based on Nikolai Gogol's works.
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