PG-13

The Last Emperor

1500 slaves. 353,260,000 royal subjects. Warlords. Concubines. And 2 wives. He was the loneliest boy in the world.

1987 • 163 min • Drama · History

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Synopsis

A dramatic history of Pu Yi, the last of the Emperors of China, from his lofty birth and brief reign in the Forbidden City, the object of worship by half a billion people; through his abdication, his decline and dissolute lifestyle; his exploitation by the invading Japanese, and finally to his obscure existence as just another peasant worker in the People's Republic.

Our family guide

Best from age 13

Movie Knight Score

1967 reviews

76 Audience · 1967 · 100%

The Last Emperor is a sweeping historical drama chronicling the life of Pu Yi, from his childhood as China's final emperor to his later life as a common citizen. It portrays his isolation, his experiences during periods of immense political upheaval, and his eventual re-education.

Violence & peril: 5/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 6/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 4/10

Heads up

Historical scenes depict war and political unrest.
Opium use and addiction are shown throughout.
A character attempts suicide.

What it models well

The importance of self-reflection and growth
Adapting to changing circumstances
The impact of historical events on individuals

Talk about it after

How power and privilege can isolate someone
The meaning of freedom versus captivity
The complex history of 20th-century China

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Last Emperor. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.