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The Last Emperor
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The Last Emperor

The Last Emperor

1987
Drama, History
2h 43m
The story of the final Emperor of China. (imdb)

Directed by:

Bernardo Bertolucci

Screenwriter:

Bernardo Bertolucci, Mark Peploe

Starring:

Vivian Wu, Ric Young, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Peter O'Toole, Victor Wong, Kaige Chen, Joan Chen, John Lone, Ruocheng Ying, Dennis Dun, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Maggie Han

Genres:

Drama, History, Biography

Countries:

China, France, Italy, UK

Languages:

English, Mandarin, Japanese
imdb IMDb
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The Last Emperor

1987
Drama, History
2h 43m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 64.01% from 2353 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 19 Jun 2011
94
99th
This story is simply a phenomenal one with a tightly written script, top notch production values, and great acting. One can easily credit the tumultuous time and break neck culture change as being factors in creating such a profoundly effective movie, but it's hard to forget that this was also placed in capable hands as well.
Rated 19 Jun 2011
funkyastroFunkyAstro
Rated 26 Mar 2010
80
80th
Wonderful imagery, would have enjoyed it more if it were in subtitles. Great story of the Chinese liberalism bringing them in to the modern world while the remaining conservative belief is left kicking and screaming into the 20th century.
Rated 26 Mar 2010
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 13 Feb 2010
75
71st
Flawed in its portrayal of Chinese culture during this period but the heart of the character is still relevant. The use of English language is also very distracting and unnecessary. This film is ambitious and has its beautiful moments but created self imposed boundaries by only looking at it through a distinctly western viewpoint. The reinforcement of existing western cliches about China also doesn't support the film very much and seems to emphasize the almost mythical nature of the subject.
Rated 13 Feb 2010
magbMagb
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
39th
Interesting if slightly dry biopic with tons of beautiful imagery. Most of the acting isn't all that, unfortunately.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
teddedonTedDedon
Rated 25 Apr 2007
92
88th
An unforgettable period epic that spans of the last Emperor of China's rule. This beautifully directed masterpiece has excellent acting and imagery all around and the costumes and locales are absolutely mesmerizing. This is a fine example of an epic film in both length and scope coming together cohesively to form one of the most incredible films ever made.
Rated 25 Apr 2007
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 22 Aug 2010
6
35th
willofgaiawillofgaia
Rated 27 Jan 2007
75
32nd
An example of a film which succeeds on technical merits alone. The cinematography is stunning and the direction sublime, but, with the very notable exception of Peter O'Toole, the performances range from mediocre to, quite simply, bad.
Rated 27 Jan 2007
croweycrowey
Rated 22 Feb 2022
74
69th
A little slow paced, but visually rapturous. The story is great.
Rated 22 Feb 2022
mike365365mike365365
Rated 28 Feb 2021
62
46th
I hated the portrayal of the adolescent emperor, it was just terrible acting. Movie gets better when the adult actor takes over.
Rated 28 Feb 2021
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 28 Sep 2020
74
74th
The underlying story of Pu Yi's life--as a child emperor and later as a puppet--is really fascinating and had me reaching for more info after the credits rolled. The movie is undoubtedly dragged down by the English language, some poor acting, and a script that feels like it needed to go through a few more drafts.
Rated 28 Sep 2020
filliganFilligan
Rated 17 Jul 2020
86
63rd
Structurally this is par for the course, but so much energy and atmosphere from this have remained in my brain since I first viewed it. For a western telling, it's refreshingly respectful of history and culture. This came out just at the right time to win nine Oscars: the mid-80s during Hollywood's fascination with China and the Academy's penchant for epic biopics. Yet I think it's an inspired choice.
Rated 17 Jul 2020
nobambanobamba
Rated 07 Apr 2020
95
97th
Wow, what an epic. This piqued my interest to learn more. John Lone did a phenomenal job portraying Pu Yi at various ages. The film was long but it almost feels like much of the second half flew by without much detail. There's enough here for 2 films, 1 about a cruel child emperor and 2nd about adult loneliness as a puppet. I understand Pu Yi never had any liberty from his childhood though. Fav scene: trying to give a speech about Manchurian independence but the Japanese walked out on him.
Rated 07 Apr 2020
kavuKavu
Rated 14 Oct 2019
85
86th
Brilliantly directed, with a well written story that keeps the viewer entertained for the long runtime.
Rated 14 Oct 2019
tancantancan
Rated 05 Oct 2019
90
91st
In 21th century where everyone has ADHD, this is a film that you can watch for 3.5 hours non stop and not get bored. (Though I watched 1.25x pace) It is artistic and you'll have lot to think about the film yet it is a biography. Incredible!
Rated 05 Oct 2019
gnalkhereGnalkhere
Rated 27 May 2016
60
24th
The sound of the black ball being placed in the dying empress's mouth will irk me forever, that's how good the sound design was in the film. A film that's consistently good that nothing pops out in the end
Rated 27 May 2016
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 17 Jul 2011
70
19th
Like the Asian Lawrence of Arabia, but without the entertainment aspects that make Lawrence one of the greatest movies of all-time. It is technically superb though.
Rated 17 Jul 2011
vinegarbobVinegarBob
Rated 02 Jul 2011
60
35th
Although on a technical level this film is impeccable, I feel on almost every other level it fails, and sometimes miserably. The acting is uneven, and the script is weak. Given the subject matter, and some of the talent on board you'd expect this to be really engaging, but I found it to be profoundly dull. And I'm sorry but everyone speaking English here is just not good enough.
Rated 02 Jul 2011
cameron326cameron326
Rated 01 Apr 2011
55
13th
Hmm, seemed alright but just couldn't get over the Chinese actors speaking English!
Rated 01 Apr 2011
kevinjosephkevinjoseph
Rated 17 Mar 2011
74
85th
The fact everything's in English is pretty distracting (basically the equivalent of a George Washington biopic in Mandarin), but there were some gorgeous shots and fantastic acting. Worth a see!
Rated 17 Mar 2011
davidkahaneDavidKahane
Rated 21 Sep 2010
95
92nd
Bertolucci's masterwork probably won its Best Picture Oscar due to its effortless embrace of the epic, but its the acute realization of the most intimate portions of its story that makes it a great film. Bertolucci and his co-screenwriter Mark Peploe rightly realize that the intricacies of the different personality entanglements are what require the most caring attention. Lone does practically everything that can be asked of an actor including sing, and he does it all with consummate skill.
Rated 21 Sep 2010
vesupriavesupria
Rated 05 Apr 2010
8
88th
Excellent character study, but it's more than that it's about power (whether concrete or alleged), dealing with rapid changes and growing up, and tradition vs progress. The attention to detail, especially in the scenery and costumes was spectacular, and definitely a highlight. I liked the subtle symbolism throughout the film, and it's recurrence at different stages. But all in all, it drums into us that history is quite a bloody cycle of change and death, and nothing lasts forever.
Rated 05 Apr 2010
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 28 Jan 2010
94
93rd
A beautiful film that creates an entire lost world.
Rated 28 Jan 2010
jacobkoshjacobkosh
Rated 15 Jul 2009
75
31st
Emotionally cold - dare I say inscrutable? - but sumptuously-staged costume drama in the old-school manner.
Rated 15 Jul 2009
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 29 Jun 2008
75
54th
It feels rushed, like a Cliff's Notes version of early 20th century Chinese history. The acting is a little stiff, and except for Chen and O'Toole, no one stands out. Nonetheless, one cannot deny the visual splendor, with incredible attention to detail, spectacular pageantry, and Storaro's gorgeous cinematography. It's a real feast for the eyes. And for a movie of this length, better that it feels rushed than feeling sluggish. There are plenty enough interesting moments to make it worthwhile.
Rated 29 Jun 2008
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 19 Mar 2008
4
70th
A remarkably rich character study masquerading as an epic, somewhere between King Lear and Citizen Kane in its portrayal of consumptive power, only this story's titular character has none. Bertolucci combines his eye for bold, beautiful imagery (courtesy of Vittorio Storaro) and broad themes with impressive restraint and finesse, creating a story that captivates in both its epic scope and its subtle grace and sadness.
Rated 19 Mar 2008
theyshoot07theyshoot07
Rated 02 Mar 2008
50
20th
# 991
Rated 02 Mar 2008
bellamyrbellamyr
Rated 02 Jan 2008
88
86th
Visually stunning, lavish and authentic costumes and scenery. Huge sets and rich cinematography. An unlikely storyline for a winning film but strong scripting and excellent casting make this a rich and intense gem of a film.
Rated 02 Jan 2008
rodoki11rodoki_11
Rated 14 Aug 2007
99
99th
Bertolucci manages to pull off a fascinating character study in the midst of an engrossing historical epic. Cecil B. DeMille, are you listening?
Rated 14 Aug 2007
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 24 Feb 2007
70
82nd
Great film.
Rated 24 Feb 2007
panzerwolfpanzerwolf
Rated 12 Jun 2024
70
57th
What a loooooong movie. For me, the beginning and the middle part were certainly the best and most interesting ones and then my interest started dropping towards the end. Seeing how the Emperor was living in the Forbidden City was captivating. It is a beautifully shot and arranged movie and there's a lot of beauty, both bold and subtly, to behold here. Beautiful, but long, with some odd choices with the language that lessened my enjoyment of the story by taking me out of it.
Rated 12 Jun 2024
yesistastyyesistasty
Rated 04 Mar 2024
87
56th
The production design is astonishing. And the story is fascinating. Hindered by some lackluster acting and some truly embarrassing dialogue.
Rated 04 Mar 2024
addsAdds
Rated 22 Jan 2024
45
18th
Spent most of the movie being either bored or confused. This should have been epic but it was so dull.
Rated 22 Jan 2024
ottott
Rated 08 Jul 2023
50
27th
where is the intrigue? this material could be cut in to pieces and used as docudrama with some talking heads in between and that's a bad thing
Rated 08 Jul 2023
leonardisLeonardis
Rated 09 Dec 2022
90
62nd
I don’t know that it’ll sway anyone tired or bored of historical biopics, but those who like that sort of thing (like me) will likely be pretty enthralled. I thought the directing was very competent and the screenplay, while certainly not perfect, was just dramatic enough and respectful enough as well. Would have loved it more had it been in the Chinese language, but it’s still well made and beautifully executed. Much of the cast is very good and I walked away wanting to learn more!
Rated 09 Dec 2022
metismetis
Rated 06 Aug 2021
80
70th
8??????????????/???????????/??????????Sacrilegious…
Rated 06 Aug 2021
nathanbatesNathanBates
Rated 09 May 2021
60
36th
Beautifully-shot film that exemplifies "the end of an era." The first half felt magnetic, perhaps due to the overwhelming majesty of it all, but the second half felt dry and sterile.
Rated 09 May 2021
chengmingchengming
Rated 22 Dec 2019
60
35th
As monumental as it is in scope and decor, it stays rather flat on story and dialogues. Once it starts focusing more on political events than on Puyi, it becomes quite a drag.
Rated 22 Dec 2019
doyler29doyler29
Rated 26 Jan 2019
80
68th
This is a really handsome film. It's a stately epic that tells the story of the last man who was emperor of China, and manages to make it a fairly intimate portrait despite the huge historical sweep. John Lone is really good as the Emperor. Joan Chen and Peter O'Toole are wonderful in supporting roles. The real star is Vittorio Storaro whose cinematography is incredible. This is a beautiful film and I think Storaro is responsible for it's Best Picture Oscar.
Rated 26 Jan 2019
xacviantxacviant
Rated 30 Sep 2017
76
40th
Beautifully mounted and it tells an engaging true story, but the choppy script and editing (and uneven acting) keep it from being truly satisfying. Its success at the Oscars (winning 9 awards in all) now seems slightly baffling.
Rated 30 Sep 2017
caffecaffe
Rated 25 Jan 2017
51
36th
I saw the long version. I should probably have seen the short version.
Rated 25 Jan 2017
ribcageribcage
Rated 28 May 2016
80
77th
A pretty and touching film. I even feel like i learned something from it even if puyi is certainly made more sympathetic than he was in reality. John Lone is great and this made me wish he was in alot more movies. The various child actors were good as well. Some of the smaller parts were given to actors with unfortunately stunted delivery. Like any biopic plenty of license must have been taken but this at least gives the illusion of being comprehensive
Rated 28 May 2016
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 10 May 2016
80
77th
The acting ranges from terrible to incredible. The film feels its length, also feels substantial. Beautiful visually. I would have preferred if it weren't almost entirely in English.
Rated 10 May 2016
revvadaulReV_VAdAUL
Rated 28 Jun 2014
85
67th
A well made film about a truly remarkable life.
Rated 28 Jun 2014
glm01glm01
Rated 29 Oct 2013
85
83rd
85.000
Rated 29 Oct 2013
mgaaamg_aaa
Rated 11 Sep 2013
90
38th
The costumes had a lot of details in The Last Emperor. I a great history perspective.
Rated 11 Sep 2013
talonmalontalonmalon
Rated 23 Aug 2013
85
69th
The Last Emperor makes good use of its great length. It is based on fact and tells of China's last emperor, and it is quite engaging.
Rated 23 Aug 2013
barisiusbarisius
Rated 11 Apr 2013
60
22nd
Artificiality of bad English... People should've spoken with their mother tongue.
Rated 11 Apr 2013
3drevelation3dRevelation
Rated 05 Apr 2013
82
84th
An interesting summary of 20th Century China. It is a bit long and a bit boring at times, but the film is well shot and acted. I like the score.
Rated 05 Apr 2013
chrisreynoldChrisReynold
Rated 01 Apr 2013
75
92nd
Great movie with beautiful cinematography. Filming it in the English language is a problem, as is the slackening of pace in the middle, but the use of imagery and metaphor is a strong point in its favour.
Rated 01 Apr 2013
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 03 Feb 2013
70
46th
A visually rich character study, pulled off wonderfully by Lone.
Rated 03 Feb 2013
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 14 Jun 2012
99
97th
Sublime, hypnotic epic, masterfully utilises a flashback structure in order to convey a vast amount of expository information about Pu Yi and his 'reign', without ever becoming dry or uninvolving. Entire cast is wonderful, especially Tao Wu as the teenage Emperor and perpetual scene-stealer O'Toole as his British mentor. Very benign for Bertolucci who adopts an almost Spielbergian tone, especially in the early scenes set in the beautifully appointed Forbidden City. One of the last great epics.
Rated 14 Jun 2012
theyshoot11theyshoot11
Rated 02 Dec 2011
53
6th
#931
Rated 02 Dec 2011
stevekimesstevekimes
Rated 14 Nov 2011
85
73rd
The story of a spoiled brat who has to finally change when the world changes around him. Very good bio.
Rated 14 Nov 2011
graveyardtangraveyardtan
Rated 11 Aug 2011
90
84th
The Last Emperor owes quite a bit to another famous O'Toole film, as well as the works of Kurosawa, but its brilliant cinematography and color pallet give the film its own unique look, a look which in turn influenced dozens of filmmakers. The party scene following the return to Manchuria is masterful.
Rated 11 Aug 2011
lady_moeLady Moe
Rated 08 Aug 2011
86
66th
Very long but engrossing from beginning to end.
Rated 08 Aug 2011
skremer76skremer76
Rated 17 Apr 2011
10
0th
about as boring as you can get
Rated 17 Apr 2011
frnk23frnk23
Rated 06 Feb 2011
80
94th
only problem is the english it is quite distracting and takes a while to get used to
Rated 06 Feb 2011
snowgirlSnowGirl
Rated 03 Dec 2010
90
52nd
It is pretty match the history.
Rated 03 Dec 2010
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 01 Dec 2010
40
97th
"The Last Emperor is most decisively a lesson of nobility." - Arthur Ryel-Lindsey
Rated 01 Dec 2010
lukey86lukey86
Rated 20 Jul 2010
93
79th
This film gets a higher ranking b/c how damn beautiful it is. The story is pretty good too.
Rated 20 Jul 2010
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 20 Jun 2010
74
40th
Does a lot of things well but nothing particularly great. It's interesting and pretty but also kind of dry.
Rated 20 Jun 2010
syrenasyrena
Rated 09 Apr 2010
87
82nd
This was just beautiful, though it did feel a little slow in the second half.
Rated 09 Apr 2010
hquintelhquintel
Rated 21 Feb 2010
100
94th
Almost perfect! Three act structure and pace extremely adequate for large spectrum of audience. Voice-over skilfully used and ending very impressively touching. Artists and costumes with great realistic historical, psychological ans sociological impact. Nevertheless a simple story to follow and enjoy
Rated 21 Feb 2010
overratedoverrated
Rated 14 Jan 2010
88
96th
The Last Emperor can be easily attacked for presenting a simplified Western version of the story, replete with Orientalism and everyone speaking in English. It is also incredibly beautiful to watch - Bertolucci was a pioneer in depicting the Forbidden City as China was just opening its doors to the rest of the world. There is a sweeping tragic grandeur that has stayed with me for years since I first watched it as a kid. It is an aim of mine to one day see it on the big screen.
Rated 14 Jan 2010
quickyapiQuickyAPI
Rated 18 Dec 2009
77
79th
Long, but surprisingly captivating epic story about the last emperor of China. There's some great imagery here, and a story that draws you in. The acting isn't exactly top notch, except from Peter O' Toole, but the story makes up for it. Especially the interaction between the former emperor and the director of the prison he's held in, is quite interesting to watch.
Rated 18 Dec 2009
woozybWoozyB
Rated 11 Jul 2009
70
32nd
I honestly can't rate this one effectively, because I saw it in several parts when I was 11 for Social class (we were studying China), and also since our teacher had to skip all the naughty bits.
Rated 11 Jul 2009
westknifewestknife
Rated 06 Jun 2009
75
56th
A solid epic biopic of Pu Yi. I felt the acting could have been stronger, but the visual style of the film is terrific and beautiful. Also it was weird to have all the characters speak Chinese-accented English, I actually expected the movie to be in Chinese. But overall definitely worth a watch.
Rated 06 Jun 2009
quickyQuicky
Rated 13 Apr 2009
79
80th
Long, but surprisingly captivating epic story about the last emperor of China. There's some great imagery here, and a story that draws you in. The acting isn't exactly top notch, except from Peter O' Toole, but the story makes up for it. Especially the interaction between the former emperor and the director of the prison he's held in, is quite interesting to watch.
Rated 13 Apr 2009
lovelyricha1lovelyricha1
Rated 09 Apr 2009
75
54th
a very difficult film indeed-the first time i saw it, i almost fell asleep midway, even now i can hardly sit thru it at one go..but it really is an epic, if seen from a political historical point of view its really a masterpiece.
Rated 09 Apr 2009
turinturin
Rated 02 Feb 2009
65
53rd
Very nice cinematography, but english dialogs spoken by the Chinese turned out all but wooden and annoying. The idealistic portrayal of 'resocialization' the camp and helpful, understanding wardens there is a bold, dangerous and enraging piece of chinese-ordered propaganda.
Rated 02 Feb 2009
marcopolo_iiMarco_Polo
Rated 04 Dec 2008
71
63rd
Beautifully shot, sunning vistas, so aesthetically rich, and totally engaging. A proper 'big' production.
Rated 04 Dec 2008
buglovinbuglovin
Rated 03 Jul 2008
70
75th
Amazing Cinematograhpy. It felt a little slow when I rewatched it recently, but maybe that's because Hollywoods pace has speed up since the 80s.
Rated 03 Jul 2008
joojooJooJoo
Rated 26 May 2008
6
95th
Balances a look into a time and place now lost while engaging on a human level with believable characters. An unimaginable feat of cinematography & music that with the aforementioned creates an immersion I have only rarely felt.
Rated 26 May 2008
nilkynarfynilkynarfy
Rated 30 Apr 2008
70
61st
Overlong, kinda masturbatory, but the visuals are really rally really really really nice.
Rated 30 Apr 2008
nandorizzinandorizzi
Rated 08 Apr 2008
70
61st
An overproduction with magnificent images. A bit long and very dramatic, but it is worth watching, the movie has a good story.
Rated 08 Apr 2008
jahbinijahbini
Rated 02 Mar 2008
94
88th
Wonderful film experience. Not to be missed.
Rated 02 Mar 2008
aarona1caarona1c
Rated 26 Aug 2007
60
53rd
Great, but slow.
Rated 26 Aug 2007
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
55
53rd
Nice use of the tune "Am I Blue?".
Rated 14 Aug 2007
mysticrose62MysticRose62
Rated 14 Aug 2007
55
20th
very good movie .. extremely interesting and educational
Rated 14 Aug 2007
svicciarellisvicciarelli
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
94th
Deep, sweeping and moving - a cinematic treasure.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
servantdagonServantDagon
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
77th
Beautiful epic. John Lone is fascinating to watch, and Peter O'Toole is a treat.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
psleepslee
Rated 03 Aug 2007
80
75th
Surprisingly good. The first half was typical "Oriental" stylings and exoticism, but the second half becomes a very good movie about the forced modernization of China. I wish I knew who the lead actor was because he was brilliant, but I'll bet he went on to do Marshall Law cameos and other shit. Damn.
Rated 03 Aug 2007
gleebgleeb
Rated 06 Jul 2007
70
37th
Epic in its scope. But a bit too close to hewing to the Party line. I guess you have to if you want to shoot in China, though.
Rated 06 Jul 2007

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