Rating: 
Summary: A must see for everyone!!!!
Review: This a superb video. I think that it rates up there with Ben Hur as one of the greatest biographical films ever made. It shows how easily people in power are swayed by others. If you're into Chinese history and/or a good movie, then you'll have to watch this!
Rating:
Summary: elegant, aristocratic, glamarous, romantic & fantastic
Review: The background music, sound, costume, cinematography & facial expressions are all superb & combine splendidly. Bertoloucci, Lone & Chen had simply created one of the most brilliant artistic & biographic movie ever on the stage! I have not a single regret for watching this grant piece.
Rating:
Summary: CLASSIC, STUNNING, ACCURATE
Review: Although some may argue about the historical interpretation of this film, I honestly feel this is one of the best ever made. Beautiful costumes, scenery, and appropriate for all ages, this movie may be enjoyed by anyone who doesn't know anything about Chinese culture. A previous review made by azndynasty@aol.com claimed that the movie shined an "inappropriately sympathetic light" on the life of Pu-Yi. That claim is clearly a biased interpretation of the movie. As an amateur Chinese historian, I did not see the conflict of transition from written history to cinema. It is a historical fact that the Manchu ethnic group of northern China acquired the dynasty, and mismanaged the government in a time of great transition in the world. The movie does not dispute this fact whatsoever. The movie merely picks up at the point in time where the fedualistic government is collapsing, and hastily appoints Pu-Yi, whose own Eunichs and followers betray, becomes The Last Emperor. One can clearly see that Pu Yi is a victim of his own circumstance, and was hardly ever really in charge of his own collapsing "Empire." It was those government officials directly under him that actually ran the government, and were the same ones who ate the Empire from within. The movie does not glorify Pu Yi in any way, unless that is, you are a communist. So overall, the movie depicts the tragic life and circumstance of the Last Chinese Emperor in a beautiful work of art that is this 4-hour epic, and can be enjoyed by any educated individual.
Rating: 
Summary: Undecent translation of history
Review: Personally, I, descending from the Chinese culture, may not be fooled by this immation of Chinese history. In case many of you may not have known, the last emperor was a Manchu. They treated the Chinese horribly, and placed boundaries that were restricted for others to occupate. My complaint is the way the film is portrayed. Emperor's have servants, plenty of them. They have soldiers surrounding the palace. They have loyal subjects to discuss political issues. None of that seemed to be apparent. This film tries too much for one to give pity to the emperor. This is not how it should be. Nowhere in this film was he ever brought out to the public, he ate alone, basically, and had no social contact with anyone whatsoever. I am here to inform you that this movie proves to be false. The emperor would had at least been brought out of the palace, he would have been taught horseback riding, to shoot bow and arrows, he would have someone that he could turn to, generals that presided him, those that wish to come close to him, and they would teach him to rule the country. Instead, it's like a bunch of adults were just babysitting the boy. It is so awful. This is not, at the least, a decent translation of history. Even during the scenes of the palace, it should have been abundant with guards, but there were hardly any, if not a few. And what about the rest of the royal family, they had events which never took place in the movie. This movie is simply ridiculous, and how ever it got those "Academy Awards," is really unknown. I did, however, love the musical score. The latter half of the movie just blew it away. By the way, did anyone ever mention to you that Pu Yi married a Chinese during his later years, an arrangement made by Mao. I think perhaps a far interesting concept for a movie, rather than "the little buddha," would be to see how Empress Dowager became the empress, and how she retained the title. It would be a far more interesting plot.
Rating: 
Summary: Very poor DVD transfer
Review: The movie's cinematic qualities withstanding, this is a very bad DVD. Video quality is terrible -- very grainy. Sound is mediocre. Rent (DVD or VHS) and watch again to make sure you REALLY like this movie before you buy it on DVD. I did the same and decided I could wait for a better version to be released.
Rating:
Summary: One Best Epics Ever Made
Review: The Last Emperor is one of best historical movies ever made. The film is basically about the life of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China. This film has high artistic quality from almost start to finish. The acting is extraordinary and should have earned at least oscar nominations for acting. The Last Emperor shows the changes of China's government (Fedualism, Republic, Communist). It shows all of the problems and conflict over in the area of China before, during, and after World War II. This movie is diferent from all of the other epics where there is a great and legendary hero or leader(Spartacus,Lawrence of Arabia, or Ganhdi) who has changed lives of many instead we are giving a character who is controlled by eunuchs and consorts of his own will when he is a child. While, he is an adult he is a puppet emperor of state of Manchuko controlled by Japanese. I will not give the movie away and just let you watch. This movie is probably one of my favorites of all 1980`s and 1990`s. A Must Watch
Rating:
Summary: Perfect start-of-the-art film.
Review: I have seen an additional hour on this version of "The Last Emporer". I can connect my feeling through it smoother. Lots of scene shouldn't be cut before. I declare this film should be rewarded again. It should get 18 oscars not just 9.
Rating:
Summary: This was long but EXCELLENT!! and worth the time it takes!!!
Review: I saw this film in a tenth grade World History class and I was so taken by it that I had to go out and buy it that day. The portrayal of the emperor and the forbidden city was wonderful and I applaud my teacher for showing it.
Rating:
Summary: THIS MOVIE TELLS A DEFINITE FACT!
Review: The Last Emperor sweeps the country. I've never seen a movie in 1987 as good as this. The Chinese culture may have been different, but it sure was entertaining. I could just see it again and again.
Rating:
Summary: A Rare Cinematic Gem!!
Review: This Oscar-winning classic is one of the most captivating films I've ever seen! Where do I begin? The cinematography within the Forbidden City...the impressive set and costume decoration...the hauntingly beautiful musical score...the fine performances by John Lone, Joan Chen, and Peter O'Toole...They all add up to the masterpiece which is THE LAST EMPEROR! It dramatically depicts the full life of China's last emperor...but at a deeper level, it shows a man who comes to terms with who he is only after losing everything he has. I'll watch this one again and again!
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