The Last Emperor: Directors' Cut

[grim_tales]

I watched all of this in the end (had to watch it in "bits and pieces") and its LOOOONG (3.5 hours).

I'd never seen it before so don't know what was missing in the TC of the film. Its' very well made and beautifully shot (John Lone's performance as the adult Pu Yi very good, but praise must also go to the 16 year old one) and I liked Peter O' Toole as "R.J" (Mr. Johnston) too, however the transfer on the DC is poor, with a lot of marks and speckles, and often showing little detail
It was interesting watching the very young kids (3 and 6 years old) playing the child version of Pu Yi. It must have been hard as they were so young.

In some ways Pu Yi's attitude to Western things was almost the opposite of Jet Li in the first OUATIC movie, like he embraces them. He does like the power of being emperor though it seems (thats why he wants to stay inside the Forbidden City, he is Emperor as long as he stays there)

I wasn't very up on the history of the film.

[hide]Why was Pu Yi labelled a "War Criminal" and put in prison for 10 years? Also was he really still Emperor inside the City after 1911, when the rest of China was a republic?[/hide]

I'm pleased I saw the film but I don't think I really understood it that well.

[grim_tales]

LMAO - who changed the title then?!
So the word "vagina" is acceptable on here then!

[bradavon]

So the word "vagina" is acceptable on here then!

LOL that was a funny cock up. Of course the word is allowed. Why wouldn't it be?

[grim_tales]

I don't know. Brad have you seen TLE?

[jimmyscab]

[hide]Why was Pu Yi labelled a "War Criminal" and put in prison for 10 years? Also was he really still Emperor inside the City after 1911, when the rest of China was a republic?[/hide]

I'm pleased I saw the film but I don't think I really understood it that well.

I watched this the other week for the first time and it is fabulous. But mandarin language would have made it even better. Some of it sounds well dodgy in english.

Anyway

[hide]I dont know the history either, but i think maybe he was a war criminal because he joined with the japanese to take Manchuria and become emperor acting against the Republic.

I dont think he was emperor in the Forbidden City, he was forced to abdicate when he didnt even know it. But the eunichs decided not to tell him so they can live off his riches. But its funny Peter O toole didnt tell him. Not sure, dont think i udnerstand it well myself[/hide]

Its a very sad story, at times i felt Pu Yi was a bit of an ass, but when you think abotu it, it isnt really his fault. His childhood was totally wrong.

Beautiful movie. So the DVD transfer is not so good ? Its the UK R2 SE you are talking about right ? could you post screenshots ?

[grim_tales]

Yeah I agree it felt a bit odd having everyone (including the young Pu Yi) speak English. He must have been really warped, I mean as you say his childhood was just plain wrong/not there, the dude was 3 when he became Emperor.
Perhaps it wouldn't have been as successful as it was if many people spoke Mandarin, I mean this is is not really a Chinese film, but a Western film shot in China, made by an Italian director I looked at the credits and not many Chinese worked on the film (apart from actors)
Can't do screenshots as I don't have a DVD ROM/Digital camera (though I have a web camera).

[bradavon]

Brad have you seen TLE?

Yonks ago. I can barely remember it. I suspect it was the theatrical cut.

I recall it being very good.