THE LAST EMPEROR (1987)

[Allhallowsday]

THE LAST EMPEROR (1987) just shown by TCM the other night.  I watched all of it again.  It remains stunning.  One of the best films I've seen.  

[ER]

A very good movie.

[Neville]

Irregular but notable. The "irregular" comes from Peter O'Toole. I found that the film really comes into its own when his character becomes Pu Yi's teacher, and I loved the interactions between the two characters. But of course the film has to tell different stories, so eventually Peter O'Toole is gone and what we are left with, although interesting, it's not enough. It feels sumptuous but empty.

[Allhallowsday]

Irregular but notable. The "irregular" comes from Peter O'Toole. I found that the film really comes into its own when his character becomes Pu Yi's teacher, and I loved the interactions between the two characters. But of course the film has to tell different stories, so eventually Peter O'Toole is gone and what we are left with, although interesting, it's not enough. It feels sumptuous but empty.

However, the story is accurate historically with Pu Yi's character softened for the film (with Chinese government approval).  Pu Yi's delusion is apparent, he is dishonest.  It's about rebirth ultimately. 

[Neville]

I agree. It seems fitting that the film becaomes "sumptuous but empty", using my own words, because that's what Pu Yi becomes, especially during Japanese rule. I just like the section with Peter O'Toole too much, I guess.

[Allhallowsday]

I agree. It seems fitting that the film becaomes "sumptuous but empty", using my own words, because that's what Pu Yi becomes, especially during Japanese rule. I just like the section with Peter O'Toole too much, I guess.

I actually appreciate the glimpses of changes in Chinese mores; Pu Yi defends his humiliated prison warden as a "good man" and "teacher".  It is transformation.  I think that's why the poetic ending.