The Last Emperor 1987

A dramatic history of Pu Yi the last of the Emperors of China from his lofty birth and brief reign in the Forbidden City the object of worship by half a billion people through his abdication his decline and dissolute lifestyle his exploitation by the invading Japanese and finally to his obscure existence as just another peasant worker in the Peoples Republic.

Review

"The Last Emperor" is a near perfect film. It was nominated for nine Oscars in 1987 and it won nine (including the Best Picture Oscar). The movie is about the life of Pu Yi (John Lone) Chinas last emperor. In spite of becoming emperor at the age of three Yis reign was more of a burden than anything else. Yi would ultimately end up living an unsavory life of imprisonment which is heartrending to the viewer. "The Last Emperor" is visually stunning. The minute details are amazing. However the story stands up high as well. Historically accurate for the most part "The Last Emperor" is easily one of the top 10 films of the 1980s and overall an exceptional achievement in every cinematic department known to man. 5 stars out of 5.