The Last Emperor (1987) cast Then & NOW

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The Last Emperor is an epic biographical film that chronicles the extraordinary life of Puyi, the last Emperor of China. The story begins in 1908, when the three-year-old Puyi is taken from his home to the Forbidden City in Beijing to become the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Despite holding the title of "Son of Heaven," Puyi is essentially a prisoner within the palace walls, cut off from the outside world and manipulated by tradition and court politics.

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.
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