John Woo was one of the reasons I got into watching Hong Kong films many years ago. Unfortunately it's been ages since he's put out anything that I've been able to tolerate, let alone enjoy. His constant use of Woo-isms (just give the doves a rest, already) and attempts to go Hollywood left me cold.
So I didn't have high hopes for Red Cliff, especially after I heard Chow Yun Fat walked off the set right at the start.