Review of The Last Emperor (1987) by Kit L — 29 Sep 2007
Extraordinary. This movie from the late 80's directed by Bernardo Bertolucci is sumptuously filmed, with great acting and set design to boot. It tells the story of Puyi, the last emperor of China. And it is largely a movie of contrasts.
The scenes involving the young Puyi and the old Empress Dowager are precious. The grandeur of the Forbidden Palace, intriguing and stifling, is both protection from and a hindrance to the dirtier but freer world outside.
And the golden succulence of the emperor's childhood is a far cry from the gloomy, depraved life he holds after the revolution, as corruption and poverty settle into his life.
This review of The Last Emperor (1987) was written by Kit L on 29 Sep 2007.
The Last Emperor has generally received very positive reviews.
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