Top 10 Historical Films About the Forbidden City

Description: This epic biographical drama chronicles the life of Puyi, the last Emperor of China, who lived in the Forbidden City from his ascension at age three. It captures the grandeur and the decline of the Qing dynasty, offering a poignant look at a man caught between tradition and modernity.

Fact: The film was the first Western production to be allowed to film inside the Forbidden City. It won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Set during the Warring States period, this film includes scenes in the Forbidden City, focusing on the plot to assassinate the Qin Emperor, offering a glimpse into the political machinations of the time.

Fact: The film was one of the most expensive Chinese films ever made at the time of its release.

Description: Set during the Tang dynasty, this film explores the dark undercurrents of power struggles within the Forbidden City, focusing on the Empress's plot against her husband, the Emperor, amidst the backdrop of the Chrysanthemum Festival.

Fact: The film features one of the most expensive sets ever built, with over 300,000 chrysanthemums used for the festival scenes.

Description: While not exclusively set in the Forbidden City, this film includes significant scenes within its walls, depicting the tumultuous Taiping Rebellion and the rise of warlords in late Qing China.

Fact: The film was a box office success in China and features a star-studded cast including Jet Li and Andy Lau.

Description: A biographical film about Empress Dowager Cixi, who ruled China from behind the scenes during the late Qing dynasty, with the Forbidden City as her stage for political intrigue and power.

Fact: The film was one of the first to portray Cixi in a more sympathetic light, challenging the traditional view of her as a villain.

Description: This documentary film provides an in-depth look at the Forbidden City, exploring its history, architecture, and the lives of those who lived within its walls.

Fact: It was one of the first documentaries to be granted extensive access to film inside the Forbidden City.

Description: This film focuses on the life of Puyi after his abdication, with flashbacks to his time in the Forbidden City, providing a different perspective on his life and legacy.

Fact: The film was shot in both China and Russia, reflecting Puyi's later life in Soviet captivity.

Description: This film tells the story of the relationship between the Qin Emperor and his musician, highlighting the tension between artistic freedom and political control within the Forbidden City.

Fact: The film was one of the first Chinese historical dramas to gain international recognition, showcasing the cultural heritage of the Forbidden City.

Description: This film explores the life of a concubine in the Joseon dynasty, with scenes set in the Forbidden City, highlighting the harsh realities of palace life and the struggle for power.

Fact: The film was noted for its detailed costumes and sets, which were inspired by historical records.

Description: A TV series that delves into the life of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, with many scenes set in the Forbidden City, showcasing her rise to power.

Fact: The series was one of the most expensive Chinese TV productions, with a budget of over $100 million.