War never brings peace, it only brings suffering. These words by Duan Lanquan, the empress' savior and later lover, sums up the very core of this film that depicts numerous battles, betrayal, tragedy and treason, among others. The performances of lead characters are very impressive, most notably Kelly Chen as empress Yen Feier, Donnie Yen as Gen. Muyong Xuehu and Xiaodong Guo as the traitor Wu Ba. This is a film not only of physical war but of an  inner war of conflicts, principles, idealisms as well as a hunger for power. Particularly laudable was the cinematography with scenic landscape shots all throughout the film. Very laudable was the move of Empress Yen Feier to declare  the end of war and to foster peace among the ten kingdoms, her change of heart a result largely because of her association with Lanquan and who awakened in her the purity of love. A compelling film with a touching story to tell and a historical drama that you shouldn't miss!