Today in 1912, the 276-year Qing Dynasty ended, marking Puyi as The Last Emperor of China.
Synopsis
The Last Emperor tells the life story of Puyi, the final monarch of the Qing Dynasty and later, a political pawn in China's tumultuous history. Spanning from his ascension to the throne as a child to his later life as a reformed citizen under communist rule, the film explores themes of power, identity, and examines the 20th century clash of traditionalism with modernization in China.
Why Today?
On February 12th, 1912, the "Imperial Edict of the Abdication of the Qing Emperor" was issued, bringing an end to the Qing Dynasty. The Last Emperor follows the life of Puyi, from his ascension to the throne at the age of two, to his abdication, to his later life as he reflects on his past and the profound changes in China.
Directed and adapted by Bernardo Bertolucci, the film was a commercial success and received critical acclaim. Receiving 9 Academy Award nominations, it swept the ceremony, winning in all nine categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.