The Last Emperor
dir. Bernardo Bertolucci · 1987
Plot
This sweeping account of the life of Pu-Yi, the last emperor of China, follows the leader's tumultuous reign. After being captured by the Red Army as a war criminal in 1950, Pu-Yi recalls his childhood from prison. He remembers his lavish youth in the Forbidden City, where he was afforded every luxury but unfortunately sheltered from the outside world and complex political situation surrounding him. As revolution sweeps through China, the world Pu-Yi knew is dramatically upended.
Why watch
"The Last Emperor" is a visually stunning exploration of the life of Pu-Yi, the last emperor of China, capturing the poignant clash between personal memory and the sweeping tides of history. This film invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity and cultural dislocation, all while enveloped in breathtaking imagery.