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The Last Emperor (1987)

PG-13 | | Biography, Drama, History | 15 April 1988 (USA)
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The story of the final Emperor of China.

Director:

Writers:

(screenplay), (screenplay) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

, , | See full cast & crew »
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4,409 ( 238)
Won 9 Oscars. Another 48 wins & 16 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
... Pu Yi - Adult
... Wan Jung
... Reginald 'R. J.' Johnston
Ruocheng Ying ... The Governor (as Ying Ruocheng)
... Chen Pao Shen
Dennis Dun ... Big Li
... Amakasu (as Ryûichi Sakamoto)
... Eastern Jewel
... Interrogator
... Wen Hsiu (as Wu Jun Mei)
... Chang (as Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa)
Jade Go ... Ar Mo
Fumihiko Ikeda ... Yoshioka
... Pu Yi - 3 Years
Tsou Tijger ... Pu Yi - 8 Years (as Tijger Tsou)
See full cast »
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Storyline

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. Written by Jwelch5742

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

cricket the insect | china | bigfoot character | eating a flower | drug | See All (135) »

Taglines:

He was the Lord of Ten Thousand Years, the absolute monarch of China. He was born to rule a world of ancient tradition. Nothing prepared him for our world of change. See more »

Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

Certificate:

PG-13 | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

| | | |

Language:

| |

Release Date:

15 April 1988 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

El último emperador  »

Filming Locations:

 »
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Box Office

Budget:

£23,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$149,460, 20 November 1987, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$43,984,230
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

, ,  »
Show more on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (television)

Sound Mix:

(35 mm prints)| (70 mm prints)

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Bernardo Bertolucci talked at length with Sean Connery about the role of Reginald Johnston. Connery ended up convincing the director not to cast him. See more »

Goofs

The emperor was not in the Forbidden City to witness the expulsion of the eunuchs. This action was carefully planned with few people knowing, since the emperor could trust very few of his intimates. The order to remove the eunuchs was received in the City while the emperor was visiting at a friend's home. Also, not all of the eunuch's were dismissed, as the empress dowager (the wife of the late emperor) begged Pu Yi to allow a few of her personal servants to remain. See more »

Quotes

Pu Yi - 8 Years: Drink it. Go on, Bigfoot, drink all the green ink.
See more »

Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: The Best Films of 1987 (1988) See more »

Soundtracks

Yankee Doodle
(uncredited)
Traditional folk tune
[Played by the air-horn of the American tourist guide in the Forbidden City]
See more »

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User Reviews

A film like this comes along in 10,000 years
24 November 1999 | by – See all my reviews

Bernardo Bertolucci left a remarkable impression on the Academy with The Last Emperor, taking away nine oscars including one for best film and best director. This film will leave a lasting impression on those who view it as well. Last Emperor provides a strong message through its main character Pu-Yi. Although the film bases its story on the true life accounts of the last emperor of China, Last Emperor shows that life can deal one undesirable circumstances and the way one reacts and handles these circumstances determine one's place in history. Bertolucci's powerful method of storytelling also further enhances the greatness of Last Emperor. The motif of pursuing a forbidden love that remains out of reach presents a tearful message. Who cannot get misty eyed seeing an eight year old Pu-Yi chasing after his beloved nanny or an almost exact similar scene when a much older Pu-Yi chases his insane first wife? Last Emperor will move even the most adamant viewer. "To his majesty, the emperor... Ten thousand years!"
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