Review of The Last Emperor (1987) by Dennis L — 29 Apr 2012

Pu Yi's tragic story provides Bernardo Bertolucci with the chance to explore his familiar theme of collaboration and its moral consequences (as he did in THE CONFORMIST and 1900).

Great production design! (check out the hall where the Empress Dowager dies).

Great costumes! (nuff said).

Great cinematography. (notice how the camera pans at the right moment, doesn't zoom in too much to let you absorb the details).

Great direction. (check out the first coronation scene. The digital grading is yellowish with the yellow tarp (yellow = imperial color). As 3 yr old Pu Yi emerges, it signifies the Hall of Supreme Harmony giving birth to a new emperor. Classic Bertolucci!).

The movie is slow and deliberate. Which is a good thing. There's really so much to absorb - the set design, the script, a different culture - pacing it any faster would ruin it.

Great music. ( really sad soundtrack adds to the drama ).

The criterion collection that I got was definitely worth it. Great features and a very informative commentary track. The subject matter was well researched. The discussion really added a new dimension to the story and gave the listener useful insights on the movie making process.

Story: 10/10.

Boredom Factor: 3/10 ( Slow pace may be discouraging to stupid people ).

Mood Required to Enjoy: Serious.

Talk to Action ratio: 9:1.

Watch Again Rating: 10/10.