The director of the Chinese movie Battle of Wits, Jacob Cheung, suggests the wisdom and techniques in the battle are the most telling point in the movie.

 

The film's story centers on a battle during China's historical Warring States period when the small Liang Kingdom beat the powerful Zhao Kingdom thanks to the guidance of a wise military strategist. 　　

 

Andy Lau stars as military strategist Ge Li who is an apprentice to philosopher Mo Zi. Since the main teachings of Mo Zi focus on humanity and avoiding attack the movie closely scrutinizes the apprentice who influences his tutor.   　　

 

The director refuted the association saying he just hoped to explain to modern people that there’s no real hero in battle and to express his anti-war views.  　　

 

Cheung also said most Hollywood war movies emphasize the use of hi-tech weapons while this film showed various approaches and techniques on attack and defense. 　

 

Many Chinese blockbusters pay more attention to the stars involved and hi-tech special effects when telling a poor story. However, although Cheung acknowledged there were many special effects in this movie he explained they were part of the story.  　　

 

The long-anticipated Chinese war epic will premiere across Asia on November 16. 　　　　

 

(CRI November 6, 2006)