I am glad I watched this movie.

Rating: 9/10 (29 July 2010)

I am fascinated by history and historical figures. It was and will remain my all time favorite subject of interest. So, I was more than thrilled watching this movie which sheds light on perhaps the most oldest but less understood Chinese dynasty history. The movie is about Pu Yi who was the last Emperor of China because in his life time itself monarchy was abolished and China went public. This movie covers almost all important incidents which occurred in his life right from his birth to crowning as an emperor at age 3, to his love life as well as imprisonment as a war criminal. His story is un-folded in a series of flashbacks and flashforwards. This movie is technically brilliant with superb editing and background music. Camera-work is also of the highest quality.
Memorable scenes define the greatness of a movie. This 3 and a half hour long tale has lots of great scenes. The scene where a 11 year old Pu Yi runs after the carriage which has his mother but the gates are shut on him is replicated when the same Pu Yi runs after the car which has his wife at age 30. The final scene where an old Pu Yi has to buy a ticket to enter and sight-see his own palace gave me goosebumps. There are too many of such scenes which makes this otherwise long movie an enjoyable experience. I never felt bored while watching it. Each scene was giving me something.
On the acting front, John Lone plays the adult Pu Yi with absolute dedication and understanding. It was as if, this was meant to be played by him. This was a very difficult role. He had to portray not only the arrogance and blue-bloodness of an emperor but also the helplessness and dejection of an average man. Peter O'Toole as the Scottish tutor of Pu Yi impressed with his graceful approach. The rest of the cast also play their parts sincerely. Overall, I was glad that I watched this movie.
Rating : 9/10