ViewGuide

Created Jun 23, 2013 09:00AM PST • Edited Jun 23, 2013 09:00AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   This history of Pu Yi – the last emperor of China is quite the epic. Chinese history is not well known to most, never mind the complicated transition from Empire, to Nationalism, to Japan domination, and finally to communism. Pu Yi was born in to emperor-hood, was ousted by chiang kai shek, cozied up to the Japanese as the leader of Manchuria, then finally ended up as a peasant under communist rule. This movie pulls out all the stops when it comes to showmanship and drama, awesome attention to detail, and a dynamic cast that brings it all to life. If you have any interest in Chinese imperial history, or just want to see a great period epic, you’ll have fun with this one.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   John Lone does a stand-up job as the Emperor through the years. A solid performance.
   Joan Chen – seductive as empress Wan Jung
   Peter O’Toole is always great, here with a headstrong and verbose role as the emperor’s tutor

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    Great 4.0

    Unbelievable theatrics and grand-scale reproductions of life in China in the 40’s.

11. Direction Great 4.0

12. Play Great 4.0

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.0

17. Sex Titillating 2.0

18. Violence Fierce 2.0

19. Rudeness Salty 2.0

21. Reality

    Glib 1.3

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.3

23. Biological Glib 1.3

24. Physical Glib 1.3