
As he grows older, Puyi's life reflects the turbulence of 20th-century China. After being forced to abdicate in 1912 following the Xinhai Revolution, he remains in the Forbidden City as a figurehead until 1924, when he is finally expelled. Puyi then attempts to regain power by aligning himself with the Japanese, who install him as the puppet ruler of the state of Manchukuo during their occupation of Manchuria.
The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, juxtaposing Puyi’s later years as a political prisoner in a Chinese re-education camp with flashbacks to his earlier life of privilege and seclusion. Through these contrasting timelines, the film explores themes of identity, power, loss, and transformation.
Eventually, after years of imprisonment, Puyi is released and reintegrated into society during the Communist era. He lives out his final years as a humble gardener in Beijing, a stark contrast to his imperial upbringing.
Cast:
John Lone as Puyi (adult)
Joan Chen as Empress Wanrong
Peter O'Toole as Reginald Johnston (Puyi’s English tutor)
Ruocheng Ying as Governor
Victor Wong as Chen Baochen
Awards and Recognition:
The Last Emperor was critically acclaimed and won 9 Academy Awards, including:
Best Picture
Best Director (Bernardo Bertolucci)
Best Cinematography
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Best Sound
Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium
It also won 4 Golden Globes and numerous other international accolades.
Cast then and now: Richard Vuu, John Lone, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Joan Chen, Ric Young, Lisa Lu, Peter O'Toole,
Filming and Production:
The film is notable for being the first Western feature allowed to shoot inside Beijing's Forbidden City, giving it unparalleled historical authenticity. Its lush cinematography, elaborate set designs, and Ryuichi Sakamoto's hauntingly beautiful score contribute to its sweeping, immersive feel.
#thelastemperor #TheLastEmperor1984 #castThen&NOW #film #evolution #beforeandafter