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The Last Emperor
1987
The story of Pu Yi, who ascended to the Imperial Throne in China at the age of three and became the country’s last Emperor. Although it is 160 minutes long and shot with breathtaking scope and sumptuousness, Bernardo Bertolucci's film is a story about claustrophobia. Pu Yi is a prisoner in the palace he rules over. Outside, .. Read more
| Starring | John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole, Dennis Dun |
|---|---|
| Director | Bernardo Bertolucci |
| Genres | Drama |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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This majestic epic from director Bernardo Bertolucci was the first western production to be allowed to film inside the Forbidden City and the winner of nine Oscars. It is one of the most visually arresting pictures of recent years, with Ferdinando Scarfiotti's design beautifully juxtaposing the pre- and post-revolutionary Chinese worlds, and the red and yellow trappings of the simple uniforms of Mao's republic stunningly captured by cinematographer Vittorio Storaro. However, the glorious images distance the viewer from the momentous events that overtook 20th-century China and, in spite of a multifaceted performance from John Lone, Emperor Pu Yi remains a stranger, even at the end of the film.
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A lavish spectacle which caught the imagination of audiences, though many found the compression of 60 years of Chinese politics baffling.
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"...A film of unique, quite unsurpassed visual splendor, THE LAST EMPEROR makes for a fascinating trip to another world..."
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
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9 out of 9 people found this review helpful
An interesting view on an individual piece of history
An interesting cross between a character piece and historical documentary. It follows the life of the Last Emperor from spoilt childhood through partying early adulthood to liason with the Japanese and eventual imprisonment by the Communists.
We are often viewing his life either from the perspective of his English tutor or from him remembering his early life from prison. So the early years are also treated with the perspective of an outsider either in time or station in life. A long film but one that will keep your interest in the detail of his life.
If you have children ignore the 15 rating this was before 12 certificates were created and I remember being taken to see it by my parents when I was 12 and finding it facinating and not at all shocking. There is only a very small amount of breast feeding and other minor nudity consistent with the story. -
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Tedious, but some insight
An incredibly tedious, slow moving film with hidden gems and insights into old Chinese culture.
Only bother if you are interested in learning about old Chinese Imperialism, and the last Emperor, otherwise it will bore you witless. -
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Didn't go anywhere
I was looking forward to this movie with anticipation but in the end was quite dissappointed with the outcome. The film never really got going and I ended turning off before the end.
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
View all -
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Tedious, but some insight
An incredibly tedious, slow moving film with hidden gems and insights into old Chinese culture.
Only bother if you are interested in learning about old Chinese Imperialism, and the last Emperor, otherwise it will bore you witless. -
2 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Dull
I gave this one star because there is not an option to give it none. This is on my list of the worse movies of all time - not because it was particulary more tedious and boring than any other, but because it is about 2 hours too long. If it were a half hour film, then it would be worth one star.
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9 out of 9 people found this review helpful
An interesting view on an individual piece of history
An interesting cross between a character piece and historical documentary. It follows the life of the Last Emperor from spoilt childhood through partying early adulthood to liason with the Japanese and eventual imprisonment by the Communists.
We are often viewing his life either from the perspective of his English tutor or from him remembering his early life from prison. So the early years are also treated with the perspective of an outsider either in time or station in life. A long film but one that will keep your interest in the detail of his life.
If you have children ignore the 15 rating this was before 12 certificates were created and I remember being taken to see it by my parents when I was 12 and finding it facinating and not at all shocking. There is only a very small amount of breast feeding and other minor nudity consistent with the story. -
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Tedious, but some insight
An incredibly tedious, slow moving film with hidden gems and insights into old Chinese culture.
Only bother if you are interested in learning about old Chinese Imperialism, and the last Emperor, otherwise it will bore you witless. -
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Didn't go anywhere
I was looking forward to this movie with anticipation but in the end was quite dissappointed with the outcome. The film never really got going and I ended turning off before the end.
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
The Last Emperor
Superb drama and spectacular scenery.
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Superb!!
I first saw this a while ago a on TV and since then have been looking for it ever since, Finally I own it. It is probably the best film I own and I dont own any old pap!!
It follows the young emperor from baby to adult where he is imprisoned in his Temple.
The film is shot superbly and deserves all 5 stars. -
A beautiful story
A wonderful interpretation of a wonderous part of cultural history, portraying the traditional wonder of Chinese Imperial life, and the pain of war and power. Peter O Toole takes this movie up a notch to a powerful, artistic one to remember, and although very long, It touched my heart.
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SUPERB
Amazing, historical account based on the true events of the Last Emperor of China.
Not the usual sort of thing we would view. But this was Brilliant!!
Taken dramatically from his family as a little boy, it charts the development of his rule - from a toddler with no clue, to an arrogant pre-teen, to a teen to a 20 something! Beautiful costumes! Very moving, great history lesson without the boredom! See the 2nd DVD to see how it was made! They filmed it whilst tourists were watching at the actual remains of the Palace. Fantastic. -
Timeless
I have seen this film before and really should just buy it because I will see it again. I love the feeling that I have spent the night reading one of the best books I have ever read. The story is fantastic, the cast are all amazing and the visual imagery is unforgettable. If you just think this film is going to be a story just about China or just about one person you will be blown away by how much you enjoy this film.
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Fantastic!
What an amazing film! The acting is superb by all the cast who play the emperor, the mood of that era is captured really well.
It's one of those films you watch where you then need to search the internet to find out more. -
LAST EMPEROR
Has it really been nearly 20 years since this film was released? How time flies. What an absolutely cracking film, certainly in my top 10.
Critics' reviews (5)
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This majestic epic from director Bernardo Bertolucci was the first western production to be allowed to film inside the Forbidden City and the winner of nine Oscars. It is one of the most visually arresting pictures of recent years, with Ferdinando Scarfiotti's design beautifully juxtaposing the pre- and post-revolutionary Chinese worlds, and the red and yellow trappings of the simple uniforms of Mao's republic stunningly captured by cinematographer Vittorio Storaro. However, the glorious images distance the viewer from the momentous events that overtook 20th-century China and, in spite of a multifaceted performance from John Lone, Emperor Pu Yi remains a stranger, even at the end of the film.
-
A lavish spectacle which caught the imagination of audiences, though many found the compression of 60 years of Chinese politics baffling.
-
"...A film of unique, quite unsurpassed visual splendor, THE LAST EMPEROR makes for a fascinating trip to another world..."
-
The odyssey of Emperor Pu Yi, from ruler of half the world's population to humble gardener in the People's Republic... read more on Time Out
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"...Numbingly beautiful....Sumptuous chinoiserie..." -- Rating: B+
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The story of Pu Yi, who ascended to the Imperial Throne in China at the age of three and became the country’s last Emperor. Although it is 160 minutes long and shot with breathtaking scope and ... -
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