Confucius ( Kǒng Zǐ) is a 2010 Chinese biographical drama film written and directed by Hu Mei, starring Chow Yun-fat as the titular Chinese philosopher. The film was produced by P.H. Yu, Han Sanping, Rachel Liu and John Shum. Production on the film began in March 2009 with shooting on location in China's Hebei province and in Hengdian World Studios in Zhejiang. The film was scheduled to screen later in 2009 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, as well as the 2,560th birthday of Confucius himself. However, the release date was later moved to January 2010. Funimation released an English dub version on home video in 2012. Plot The film begins with Confucius as an old man, thinking back. Then we see him in his early 50s, being promoted from Mayor to Minister for Law in his home state of Lu. He is confronted with ethical issues after saving a slave-boy who was due to be buried alive with his former master who has just died. There are a lot of complex politics and war, ending with Confucius being rejected and becoming a wandering scholar. After many hardships and losses, he is invited back as an old man. We see him finally preparing the Spring and Autumn Annals, expecting that this book will determine his future influence. Cast Chow Yun-fat as Confucius or Kong Qiu, also known by the honorary title Zhong Ni. Zhou Xun as Nanzi, the royal consort of Wei. Xu Huanshan as Laozi, the sage of Daoism. Yao Lu as Duke Lu Dinggong, ruler of Lu. Ma Jingwu as Duke Jing of Qi. Bi Yanjun as Duke Ling of Wei Wang Huichun as Li Chu, a minister in the Qi Court. Li Huan as Kuai Kui, crown prince of Wei. Chen Jianbin as Jisun Si, head of the Jishi Clan and minister in the Court of Lu. Lu Yi as Jisun Fei, the son of Jisun Si. Wang Ban as Shusun Wu, head of the Shushi Clan and minister of the Court of Lu. Wu Liansheng as Mengsun He, head of the Mengshi Clan and minister in the Court of Lu. Kai Li as Lady Qiguan, the wife of Confucius. Qiao Zhenyu as Kong Li, son of Confucius. Chen Rui as Kong Jiao, the daughter of Confucius. Ren Quan as Yan Hui, disciple of Confucius. Li Wenbo as Zilu,