The Art of War by Sun Tzu

A movie review: The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Question #1: Sun Tzu himself claims that he can train anyone to be a soldier. Because of this, King Helu challenged him to train those palace women or concubines into a fighting force. To prove this, Sun Tzu chose 2 of the most senior Concubines to serve as Platoon leaders and then charging them with making sure that discipline is observed within their unit. However, when he started ordering them to perform the drill, the women burst out in laughter. He tried again with the same result. Sun Tzu claimed that this failure of the troops to obey was the fault of the commanders. So, despite the warlord’s pleas, he ordered the two concubines beheaded as an example for the rest of the company. Thereafter, the women did not utter a single sound and performed the drill exactly as commanded. Sun Tzu was able to prove his point and was appointed as general. The strategy/principle learned from this is that war is a matter of life and death. Also that we can conquer anything if we maintain discipline and will be courageous at all times.

Question #2: The kingdom of Wu which was led by Sun Tzu won the battle against the state of Chu, which was led by Prime Minister Nang Wua. The Wu won the battle by: (1) Despite being outnumbered, Sun Tzu does the unexpected by invading Chu. He attacked them directly but he also chose to attack soft targets. He then attacks with blistering speed and brutal efficiency. (2) Sun Tzu uses maneuver, surprise and deception to win. Nang Hua would then launch counter offenses but the Wu soldiers would be gone by the time that they arrive and are already attacking the next soldiers. This was frustrating the leaders of the Chu. Because of this he then gains better understanding of the enemy. (3) Sun Tzu also uses the Guerilla attack by choosing when and where he would fight. He avoided his enemy’s strongest army and attacked its weakest.