“Wisdom is the mightiest weapon” Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Official Movie Site: kongzi.sina.com (China), funimation.com/confucius (US) Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Theatrical poster for CONFUCIUS, starring Chow Yun-Fat as the iconic philosopher. © 2010 Dadi Film Media.

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired the U.S. home video rights to CONFUCIUS (??, Kong Zi, 2010). This $23 million dollar budget biopic film financed by the Chinese government, stars Chow Yun-Fat as the iconic philosopher, Confucius, whose teachings and philosophy have deeply influenced life in Asia and beyond. Directed by Hu Mei, best known for her work in the acclaimed historical drama series YONG ZHENG DYNASTY and THE EMPEROR IN HAN DYNASTY and captured on Film by Oscar-winning Director of Photography Peter Pau (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) this cinematic masterpiece will be a must have for lovers of history. The film begins with Confucius as an old man, reflecting back on his life. Through flashbacks, we see him in his early 50s being promoted from Major to Minister for Law in his home state of Lu. He battles with ethical issues after saving a slave boy who was sentenced to be buried alive with his recently deceased master. A series of complex political decisions and war result in Confucius being outcast and relegated to become a wandering scholar. This film details his epic journey of numerous hardships and losses as Confucius perseveres to earn his place as one of China’s revered philosophical figures. CONFUCIUS received numerous nods and a win at the 30th Annual Hong Kong Film Awards including: Winner– Best Cinematography, Nominated – Best Actor (Chow Yun-Fat), Nominated – Best Cinematography (Peter Pau), Nominated – Best Art Direction, Nominated – Best Costume Design,Nominated – Best Original Song (Faye Wong) The DVD will be released March 27, 2012. For additional information about the film and to view the trailer log on to funimation.com/confucius.

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