Introduction: The Last Emperor’s Enigmatic Journey
The Last Emperor tells the tale of a young boy who, despite his innocence and lack of understanding, is thrust into the role of a ruler. This life-altering experience shapes his mind in unimaginable ways, leaving an indelible mark on his existence. The film delves into the complexities of such a life, exploring the challenges and triumphs of a child who becomes an emperor. In this article, we’ll uncover ten fascinating behind-the-scenes facts about this iconic film that will leave you in awe.
1. Queen Elizabeth II Denied Entry During Filming
During the filming of The Last Emperor, Queen Elizabeth II was visiting China and had plans to tour the Forbidden City. However, due to the ongoing production, the Chinese government denied her entry, showcasing the importance and exclusivity of the film’s location.
2. A Thousand Children Portrayed Red Guards
To accurately depict the Red Guards, around 1,000 children were brought in to play the role. However, it proved challenging to evoke the necessary anger and intensity from the young actors, as they had no concept of the Cultural Revolution or the attitudes prevalent during that time.
3. First Feature Film Granted Permission to Film in the Forbidden City
The Last Emperor was the first feature film to receive permission to film in the Forbidden City. For a long time, the Chinese government was adamant about keeping the location off-limits to filmmakers, but they eventually relented for this groundbreaking project.
4. Puyi’s Younger Brother Served as an Adviser
Pu Chieh, Puyi’s younger brother, was brought in as an adviser for the film. As one of the few people who knew Puyi intimately, he provided invaluable insight into the emperor’s life and experiences.
5. No Private Automobiles Allowed on Set
During the filming of The Last Emperor, no private automobiles were permitted near the set. As a result, the cast and crew had to rely on bicycles for transportation, adding an authentic touch to the film’s atmosphere.
6. Unrestricted by the Chinese Government
The Chinese government made no restrictions on the project, allowing the director to propose two different films. They ultimately selected The Last Emperor, but were likely prepared to intervene if the director overstepped his bounds.
7. Tight Security Surrounding the Set
Security around the set of The Last Emperor was incredibly strict. In one instance, actor Peter O’Toole lost his security pass and was denied entry, despite being a vital part of the film’s cast.
8. A Whopping 19,000 Extras Used in the Film
To accurately portray China’s vast population, The Last Emperor employed approximately 19,000 extras. This impressive number was necessary, as CGI was not a viable option at the time.
9. Puyi’s Terrifying Encounter with the Empress
In real life, Puyi screamed in terror when he met the empress. This greatly annoyed her, leading her to have him removed, given candy, and yet he continued to scream. She passed away the following day.
10. The Real Prison Governor’s Cameo
The actual prison governor who rehabilitated Puyi made a cameo appearance in the film. He is shown in the scene when Puyi receives his pardon and also served as an adviser for the movie.
Conclusion: The Last Emperor’s Powerful Legacy
The Last Emperor is a captivating exploration of a young boy’s journey from childhood to adulthood as an emperor. These behind-the-scenes facts offer a glimpse into the incredible effort and dedication that went into creating this iconic film, further solidifying its place in cinematic history.
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