The Last Emperor (1987)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film: 164 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 218 Minutes)

Rated: PG-13  

Genre:  Biography, Drama, History

Director: Bernardo Betolucci

Starring: John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O’Toole, Victor Wong, Dennis Dun, Maggie Han, Ric Young, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

IMDB Rank: 7.7/10

Part 1 Time:  87 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 125 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  77 Minutes (Director’s Cut: 93 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? The imperial family is playing tennis in the Forbidden City courtyard.Gunshots are heard in the distance. China has now been taken over by warlord Feng Yuxiang. His troops enter the city and to inform the imperial family that they are expelled from the Forbidden city and must leave within one hour.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “I want you to drive our majesty.” Reginald Johnston (Peter O’Toole) speaks to a servant.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Your majesty” servant speaks to Pu Yi (John Lone) while leaving the Forbidden Kingdom.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, this is Emperor Pu Yi first time leaving the Forbidden Kingdom since he was an infant. China is now controlled by various warlords, who are in multiple power struggles to control the country. How will Pu Yi and the imperial family adjust outside of the Forbidden Kingdom and will they be able survive?

Which part is better? Part one focuses on the childhood and adolescence of Emperor Pu Yi as he struggles to live inside the Forbidden Kingdom. The second part explores Emperor Pu Yi’s adult life. With him seeking refuge with the Japanese Empire, gaining back control of Manchuria (Northern Chinese State) and ultimately being detained in a Chinese prison (as he swore allegiance to the Japanese). A strong case can be made for either part being superior, but a slim advantage goes to part one as it shows the elegance and mystery of daily life inside the Forbidden Kingdom.

Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Writing- Screenplay on Material from Another Medium, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction- Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Music- Original Score