The Last Emperor

Name: The Last Emperor
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
Genre: Drama, History
Released: 1987-01-01
Duration: 163 min
Rating: 7.6
Cast: John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole, Ruocheng Ying, Victor Wong

1987Dir. Bernardo Bertolucci2h 43m

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Runtime2h 43m

Released1987

Budget$23.8M

Box office$44M

DirectorBernardo Bertolucci

About This Movie

The Last Emperor is a fascinating portrait of Pu Yi, the final Emperor of China. Bertolucci's direction has this sweeping yet intimate feel, capturing the opulence and isolation of the Forbidden City. The pacing can be slow, but it allows you to absorb the weight of history and personal tragedy. The cinematography is lush, and the production design immerses you in the era. John Lone’s performance as Pu Yi brings a nuanced blend of vulnerability and detachment that’s pretty striking. The film’s themes of power, loss, and identity linger long after it’s over. Just the sheer scale of the practical effects and sets they built, it’s a monumental achievement in filmmaking for sure.

Winner of 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.Filmed on location in China and Italy.Stunning use of color and visual storytelling techniques.Features a score by composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.