The Battle Epic Collection (DVD)

Triple bill of Chinese historical action dramas. 'The Warlords' (2007) tells the story of a trio of warriors in the era of the Qing Dynasty - General Ma Xinyi (Jet Li), Cao Er-Hu (Andy Lau) and Zhang Wen-Xiang (Takeshi Kaneshiro) - who make a pact of brotherhood to one another vowing that anyone who harms one of the brothers will be killed. When the country is plunged into chaos and political upheaval following the Taiping Rebellion, the three blood brothers must struggle to maintain their loyalty as war rages around them. 'The Banquet' (2006) is a bloody epic about court intrigue in China's Five Dynasties period, loosely based on Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. The setting is an ancient Chinese kingdom, where malice and treachery rule. The latest turmoil arises with the sudden death of the emperor. Suspicion falls on his ambitious brother Li (You Ge), who takes the throne as well as his brother's young, beautiful wife, Empress Wan (Ziyi Zhang). The only obstacle in his path is his brother's son, Prince Wuluan (Daniel Wu), a melancholy youngster who harbours a sexual longing for his stepmother and has consequently exiled himself to a colony in the wilderness. When the new emperor's ninja assassins reach the colony the prince barely escapes with his life. Returning to the palace, he is at once embroiled in schemes, counterschemes and suspect declarations of love. The film climaxes at a late night banquet where murder is the main dish on the menu. In 'Battle of Wits' (2006), warrior Ge Li (Lau) holds back the forces of marauding general Xiang Yanzhong (Ahn Sung-ki) in 370 B.C. China. During the civil war period of China's history, from the fifth to the third century B.C., the Zhoa state sets out to conquer the small city state of Liang. As the invaders near the city, the fearful inhabitants beg for help from the local Mozi warrior clan but fear for the worst when only a single, solitary warrior, Ge Li, comes to their aid. All is not lost, however, as Li proves himself to be a master tactician, convincing the doubting townsfolk that they can repel the invaders. As the battle lines are drawn, Li, with the help of two local fighters, defies the odds and prepares for one last decisive battle.