The Last Emperor
Directed By: Bernando Bertolucci Starring: John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 film The Last Emperor belongs on blu-ray. The winner of 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Cinematography, it is a film that easily deserved its awards. Whilst the film is predominantly a biopic about Pu Yi, its also about China and its dynasty. The movie is based upon Pu Yi's autobiography (published in 1964) and moves through his life to tell the story. As you'd expect from a movie based upon an autobiography, the story is sympathetic to Pu Yi and as such goes into detail about his relationships and how he came to see the world. It also shows a tragic individual who had once been a powerful ruler. He watched the world change around him while he clung to tradition and old customs. The film is a great source of rich imagery filmed on location in Historic China which looks wonderful in high definition. Bertolucci did a fine job of presenting China as you would expect a Chinese director to. This is an epic movie that the blu-ray release captures perfectly; the locations, the costumes and the action. The blu-ray sucks the viewer into the world thanks to the beautiful cinematography. The acting is top notch and believable. You'll recogise Joan Chen from her role in Twin Peaks. Summary The Blu-ray release from Optimum is definitely worth an investment for this cinematic masterpiece. It includes extra features including a lower quality Director's Cut, a making of and a fascinating vieo diary of Bertolucci's time in China. 8/10 (Wayfarer)
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