The Last Emperor Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A toddler becomes emperor, gets bored, joins the Japanese, and then becomes a gardener; it’s basically ‘From Crib to Green Thumb’ with extra steps.

🍿 The Last Emperor: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Imprisonment and Flashbacks

The film opens in 1950 with Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, arriving in a Chinese prison camp as a war criminal. Haunted by his past, he attempts suicide. The film then transitions into a series of flashbacks depicting his life from childhood.

The Boy Emperor

At the age of three, Pu Yi is thrust onto the throne, becoming the Emperor of China in 1908. He is isolated within the Forbidden City, surrounded by eunuchs and court officials, and shielded from the realities of the outside world. He lives a life of luxury and privilege, but also of confinement and control.

Abdication and Exile

As revolution sweeps through China, Pu Yi is forced to abdicate the throne in 1912. However, he is allowed to remain in the Forbidden City with his court. Later, he’s expelled in 1924 and seeks refuge in the Japanese concession in Tianjin, embracing a Western lifestyle.

Puppet Emperor of Manchukuo

In 1934, the Japanese install Pu Yi as the Emperor of Manchukuo, a puppet state in Manchuria. He becomes a pawn in their political games, his power largely symbolic. His personal life deteriorates as his wife, Wanrong, struggles with opium addiction and mental instability.

Capture and Re-education

At the end of World War II, Pu Yi is captured by the Soviets and later handed over to the Chinese Communists. He is imprisoned and subjected to a re-education program aimed at transforming him into an ordinary citizen. This period forces him to confront his past actions and grapple with his identity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Pu Yi (Adult) (John Lone): China’s last emperor, Pu Yi, navigates a tumultuous life from imperial heights to imprisonment and eventual re-integration into society.
• Wan Jung (Joan Chen): As Pu Yi’s empress, Wan Jung struggles with isolation and opium addiction amidst political upheaval.
• Reginald Johnston (R.J.) (Peter O’Toole): Reginald Johnston serves as Pu Yi’s tutor and confidant, introducing him to Western ideas and providing guidance.
• The Governor (Ruocheng Ying): The Governor oversees Pu Yi’s re-education in prison, challenging his past beliefs and guiding him towards reform.
• Amakasu (Ryuichi Sakamoto): Amakasu is a manipulative Japanese figure who exploits Pu Yi’s desire to reclaim power in Manchuria.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Reginald Fleming ‘R.J.’ Johnston: “Words are important.” – Johnston emphasizes the significance of language to young Pu Yi.
• Reginald Fleming ‘R.J.’ Johnston: “If you cannot say what you mean, Your Majesty, you will never mean what you say and a gentleman should always mean what he says.” – Johnston’s lesson to the young emperor about honesty and integrity in communication.
• Pu Yi: “I was the Emperor of China.” – Pu Yi tells a young boy in the Forbidden City, encapsulating his identity crisis.
• Prison Governor: “Is that so terrible, to be useful?” – The Governor challenges Pu Yi’s perception of his life, questioning his sense of worth.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £23,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $43,984,230
• Worldwide Gross: $43,994,979

💥 The Last Emperor Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into the world of ‘The Last Emperor.’ The grandeur of the Forbidden City is breathtaking, and the story of Pu Yi’s life, though tragic, is incredibly compelling. The scene where he’s forced to abdicate as a child and then later recognizes the cricket was heart-wrenching. I felt so much sympathy for him, despite his flaws. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Fans of epic dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in Chinese culture”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Opium use”
  • “Historical violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief suggestive scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A visually stunning and emotionally resonant epic, ‘The Last Emperor’ transcends cultural boundaries to tell a deeply human story of identity, loss, and redemption. Bertolucci’s masterful direction and Vittorio Storaro’s breathtaking cinematography create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
• Vincent Canby: “‘The Last Emperor’ feels like an elegant travel brochure, piquing curiosity but leaving the center of the screen dead; it’s visually entertaining but lacks a strong emotional core, ultimately failing to fully capture the extraordinary life of a commonplace person.

Audience Reactions

The visual spectacle of the Forbidden City was absolutely mesmerizing.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s stunning visuals, costumes, and epic scope.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and historically significant epic, though some find the pacing slow, the film is generally lauded for its grand scale and compelling story.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1988
2. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1988
3. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 1988
4. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1988
5. Academy Award (Best Art Direction)- 1988
6. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 1988
7. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 1988
8. Academy Award (Best Original Score)- 1988
9. Academy Award (Best Sound)- 1988

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was the first Western-produced feature to be granted permission to film inside Beijing’s Forbidden City by the Chinese government since 1949.”
• “Over 19,000 extras were used in the film, contributing to its epic scale.”
• “Bernardo Bertolucci had to negotiate extensively with the Chinese government to gain unprecedented access and cooperation, marking a significant cultural exchange.”
• “The Forbidden City had been closed off to Western filmmakers for decades, making the production a landmark achievement in cinematic history.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Last Emperor?

The Last Emperor is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for purchase or rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Last Emperor, you might like these similar films:

• Lawrence of Arabia (1962): Both films are sweeping historical epics with stunning cinematography and explore the themes of identity, power, and cultural clash.
• Gandhi (1982): Another biographical epic that delves into the life of a significant historical figure and explores themes of political and social change.
• Seven Years in Tibet (1997): Explores a similar theme of cultural immersion and personal transformation against the backdrop of significant historical events in Asia.
• The Conformist (1970): Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. A political drama exploring themes of conformity and personal responsibility set against the backdrop of pre-war Italy.

🛒 The Last Emperor Related Products

• The Last Emperor (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: The definitive home video release of the film, featuring a pristine transfer, extensive bonus materials, and insightful commentary; a must-own for serious cinephiles.
• From Emperor to Citizen: The Autobiography of Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi: Pu Yi’s own account of his life, providing a fascinating and personal perspective on the events depicted in the film; essential reading for those seeking deeper historical context.
• Chinese Dynasty Historical Miniature Figures – Qing Dynasty Toy Soldier Set: Relive the era of the Qing Dynasty and Emperor Pu Yi with the mini figures.
• Forbidden City: Imperial Palace in China: See and learn the history of the forbidden city with this informative book.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Last Emperor features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Rain (I Want a Divorce)” – performed by Ryuichi Sakamoto
• “The Baby (Was Born Dead)” – performed by Ryuichi Sakamoto
• “Where Is Armo?” – performed by David Byrne

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What Happened to the Last Emperor of China? (Short Animated Documentary)

Curious about the fate of the last Emperor of China? This well-researched video delves into his extraordinary life after his reign, offering a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

You Won’t Believe What Happened to the Last Emperor of China #shorts

Prepare to be amazed! This quick and captivating video uncovers fascinating tidbits about the last Emperor of China, leaving you eager to learn more about his remarkable life.

Cultural Revolution Clip Last Emperor

Step into the heart of China’s tumultuous past with this movie clip from ‘The Last Emperor.’ It vividly depicts the transformative Cultural Revolution and its impact on society.

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