Last updated on September 19th, 2023 at 08:37 pm
The Last Emperor is a 1987 film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, which tells the story of the life of Puyi, the last emperor of China. The film is based on Puyi’s autobiography and was shot entirely in China, with the cooperation of the Chinese government. It was a critical and commercial success, winning nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.
Storyline
The Last Emperor begins with Puyi’s childhood as the emperor of China, where he is isolated from the outside world and raised in a palace by eunuchs and courtiers. As a child, Puyi is unaware of the true nature of his power and is used as a pawn by the adults around him. As he grows older, Puyi begins to question his role as emperor and the nature of power itself.
I am the Emperor, and I want dumplings.
Emperor Pu Yi
The film then explores Puyi’s life as a puppet emperor under the control of the Japanese during World War II, and his eventual captivity and rehabilitation by the Chinese Communist Party. Throughout the film, Puyi struggles to find his place in the world and understand his identity. It is one of the 101 best films on my watch list.
Moral
The Last Emperor is a powerful exploration of the nature of power and the human condition. Through Puyi’s story, the film examines the futility of clinging to power and the destructive nature of absolute authority. It also highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-discovery in finding one’s place in the world.
The film also touches on themes of isolation and the effects of being raised in a privileged and sheltered environment. Puyi’s character serves as a commentary on the dangers of being out of touch with reality and the importance of being able to empathize with others.
Analysis
The Last Emperor is a 1987 film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci that tells the story of the life of Puyi, the last emperor of China. The film is based on Puyi’s autobiography and was shot entirely in China, with the cooperation of the Chinese government. It was a critical and commercial success, winning nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.
You don’t understand, do you? It’s the kind of thing that makes me sick. All this food, the silk, the carpets, the gold, all this waste, while people are starving. And the Emperor sits here and worries about his dinner!
Big Li
One of the key elements that make The Last Emperor so powerful is its portrayal of the nature of power and the human condition. Through Puyi’s story, the film examines the futility of clinging to power and the destructive nature of absolute authority. Puyi’s character serves as a commentary on the dangers of being out of touch with reality and the importance of being able to empathize with others.
Another key aspect of the film is its stunning cinematography. The film was shot entirely in China and features breathtaking visuals of the country’s architecture and landscapes. The film’s use of colour and light is particularly striking and adds to the film’s emotional impact.
The film also features strong performances from its cast, particularly from John Lone as Puyi. Lone’s portrayal of the emperor is both sympathetic and heart-breaking, as he portrays the character’s inner turmoil. The film also features notable performances from Joan Chen and Peter O’Toole.
In conclusion, The Last Emperor is a cinematic masterpiece that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. Its portrayal of the nature of power and the human condition makes it a thought-provoking examination of the world, while its stunning cinematography and strong performances make it a film that will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.
Conclusion:
The Last Emperor is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that tells the story of one man’s journey to understand himself and his place in the world. It is a thought-provoking examination of the nature of power and the human condition. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, the film is a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today.
The film is not only a cinematic masterpiece but also a moral story that teaches us to question the authority and the power, to be self-aware and self-discovering, to empathize with others and to have a sense of humanity.
