According to Thepaper, The Last Emperor (The Last Emperor, 1987) is called `the last film in the Forbidden City` because after this work, no film products were filmed at the main palaces here.
The film crew applied for permission before the Chinese Ministry of Culture issued regulations prohibiting filming in international architectural heritage sites.
Bernardo Bertolucci (right) and actor Ton Long while filming in the Forbidden City in 1987. Photo: Thepaper
Bernardo Bertolucci came up with the idea of making The Last Emperor in the late 1970s. At that time, he had established his position as a leading international director through works such as The Last Tango in Paris, 1900… Since 1984
According to Mtime, many commentators at that time thought it was crazy to spend money to make a film about a space unfamiliar to Europeans and Americans.
One of the most overwhelming and powerful visual scenes of the film is the scene where Pho Nghi ascended the throne as a child.
The last movie in the Forbidden City
Canh Pho Nghi ascended the throne.
The cost of the coronation scene is huge, the crew has to prepare six months in advance.
Bernardo Bertolucci himself was nervous when he first stood in front of a large number of actors. He once hid in a corner to drink whiskey to calm himself.
When filming the scene where Pho Nghi (played by Ton Long) was chased out of the Forbidden City by Phung Ngoc Tuong, the crew needed many vintage cars but these cars were difficult to find in China.
The last movie in the Forbidden City
The scene of the king, queen and royal concubine being kicked out of the Forbidden City.
According to Today Line, the Forbidden City Management Board closely supervises the work of the film crew.
In 1987, the film was released worldwide.
According to Thepaper, the Chinese release only cut some sexual scenes, all other content was preserved.