I kept skipping over this movie due to the violence expected in such a war movie. But I finally gave in just so I could remove the movie from my queue and I was pleasantly surprised to find an engaging, well-acted, historic movie. Bloody fight scenes were done without excessive violence (as compared to other war movies). So at least I could sit through those without feeling nauseated. There were some plot lines that caused me to scratch my head, such as why the general's wife was so agitated by the general. And the final, closing scene showing her waiting for him then disappearing into the house, closing the door, was puzzling and didn't quite make the impact. Other than that, there were many memorable moments to savor, especially the final showdown fight scene--epic! This is not a propaganda movie by any means: if your country is attacked by pirates, from any country, you'd do your damnedest to protect it and drive them away, wouldn't you? The movie presented the pirates' side with equal respect and dignity. I agree with another reviewer that there were times I didn't know whom I should be rooting for. The Japanese General, in particular, was presented as noble, dignified and clever in warcraft, and his love for his nephew shone. He could have escaped, but he stayed; for the shame of returning from a failed war campaign was too great to bear. So the captain went down with his ship. And he showed great humility, to boot. When the Chinese General asked him for his name, his response was simply, what's so important in a name. He deemed his stature as a great samurai being relegated to just a pirate, per se, was degrading to his name. And this proud samurai chose to die his own way. I couldn't help but respect the character.
Review of God of War
