Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1987 film The Last Emperor tells the story of Pu Yi, China’s last emperor to exist. His reign begins in The Forbidden City, a former imperial palace. Pu Yi learns to be a leader with servants and counsels beside him at all times, as he is kept only within the city walls. Slowly he begins to experience the modern Western world through his tutor Mr. Johnston. However, as the political and military climate of China changes, his reign takes a wrong turn. Although it is considered a biographical film, and is based on a true account, the audience is still entertained by and entangled in Pu Yi’s story. The Last Emperor is a story of tumult, of power, and of realization. Pu Yi is a character that can be both loved and hated by the audience, as he tackles youth, adulthood, the Chinese state, and the drama in between. Bertolucci’s emotion is expressed through color and is assisted by powerful performances from John Lone (Pu Yi) and Joan Chen (Pu Yi’s “wife”, Wan Jung).

I would recommend this film to anyone interested in perspective in film. A great amount of this film is tackled by perspective and positioning. Overall I would rate this film 7/10.