The Last Emperor film review

Review

Cast & crew

The Last Emperor

(1987)

This majestic epic from director Bernardo Bertolucci was the first western production to be allowed to film inside the Forbidden City and the winner of nine Oscars. It is one of the most visually arresting pictures of recent years, with Ferdinando Scarfiotti's design beautifully juxtaposing the pre- and post-revolutionary Chinese worlds, and the red and yellow trappings of the simple uniforms of Mao's republic stunningly captured by cinematographer Vittorio Storaro. However, the glorious images distance the viewer from the momentous events that overtook 20th-century China and, in spite of a multifaceted performance from John Lone, Emperor Pu Yi remains a stranger, even at the end of the film. DP

Contains swearing, brief nudity.

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Running time

209mins

Country of origin

It / UK / Chi

Genre

Epic Biographical Drama

Original language

English

Screenplay

Bernardo Bertolucci, Mark Peploe, Enzo Ungari

Theatrical distributor

Optimum Releasing

UK cinema certificate

UK cinema release date

March 2004




awards information


	Award	Category	Name	Nominee/Winner

	Academy 1987	Best Picture		Winner
	Academy 1987	Directing	Bernardo Bertolucci	Winner
	Academy 1987	Writing (Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium)	Bernardo Bertolucci	Winner
	Academy 1987	Writing (Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium)	Mark Peploe	Winner
	BAFTA 1988	Best Achievement in Direction	Bernardo Bertolucci	Nominee
	BAFTA 1988	Best Actor in a Supporting Role	Peter O'Toole	Nominee
	BAFTA 1988	Best Film		Winner
	Golden Globe 1987	Best Director Motion Picture	Bernardo Bertolucci	Winner
	Golden Globe 1987	Best Motion Picture Drama		Winner
	Golden Globe 1987	Best Screenplay Motion Picture	Mark Peploe	Winner
	Golden Globe 1987	Best Screenplay Motion Picture	Bernardo Bertolucci	Winner