Rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Wow, what a film! You know a film is good when it's approaching three hours and you're still interested. I've seen another Bertolucci film, "The Dreamers", and he definitely has a knack for beautiful films.
The film is so sprawling I don't even really know where to begin. Well, first I'll start by saying this was actually filmed in China, in the Forbidden Palace, and as such, the script is obviously not as truthful as it might have otherwise been since it had to be approved by the Communist Party. But, this is a film that simply overcomes such an obstacle; it's so well-made that though the history may be glossed over in places, it doesn't matter as much since the film is so good. Basically, the beauty of the film triumphs over the restrictions over how truthful it is (although, to give it credit, it seems to be pretty truthful considering the circumstances of filming in Communist China).
The film starts as a young boy, about two or three years old, is somehow picked to be the next emperor. This is never fully explained and I still wonder how he was picked. Regardless, he is taken from his mother, who is happy and sad at the same time, and whisked away to the Forbidden Palace, where he meets the ancient and extravagant Empress just before she dies.
Once she dies, he becomes the Emperor and grows up spoiled and in luxury, getting whatever he wants and commanding everyone. Even as a small child, whatever he says the servants must do.
The Emperor being greeted by his eunuchs
Once he is a teenager, though, he realises some harsh realities. The Forbidden Palace is a city unto itself behind a gigantic wall, and though inside he is called an Emperor and he thought he was emperor of all China, outside the walls, where he is never allowed to go, things are much different.
There is political upheaval and apparently some group has taken over the government. They have left the emperor in power as symbolic only and left him to his Forbidden Palace, basically imprisoned inside it.
The Emperor having some fun with his new wife
So life goes on for him unhappily, having never left the Forbidden Palace since he was first brought there as a baby, and now knowing he's not really in power, so to him, everything inside the palace seems ridiculous. all the customs and traditions everyone is still following as if nothing has changed outside the palace.
Then the Communists take over and a LOT more happens. This is basically the story of his entire life. The film actually begins with him as a man, being arrested in Manchuria and taken to a prison and trying to commit suicide. Then the film goes back in time to show his life.
The Emperor in full regalia after a lot has changed in his world
If you know history, perhaps you will be aware of what all happened during his life. If not though, as I didn't, you will find the twists and turns of his life pretty surprising.
That's a good set-up for anyone interested in watching the film. I don't want to say anymore and spoil the plot.
This is a grand, sprawling epic of a film about one person in extraordinary circumstances unfortunately caught in a changing world, filmed with exquisite beauty. I recommend this film.
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