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A typical Chinese historical war epic about 3 blood brothers as they stumble towards their demise. A standard rise, divide and fall tale without believable motivations. There is a sense that Jet Li, Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro are giving it their all but the whole just doesn’t come together.
It felt that the film should have been epic but it wasn’t. It contained much more drama than action but unfortunately the drama was atrociously executed. Poignant moments were ruined with ludicrous and poorly timed sequences. Whether it be an inexplicable showdown with a random Jesus character or screaming comically as the heroes behead enemy leaders, nothing quite works and you’re left with the feeling that there was meant to be something more. You long for more action, only because you know they may be able to pull it off, but unfortunately the action quickly dissipates as the film’s drama sets in.
The Warlords is an overtly tragic tale of heroes you don’t believe in. Boring in its inevitability and wasted potential. And yes I get it, the government always wins. How true to life that they always know best…