The Emperor and the Assassin 12

The Emperor and the Assassin Cover
Duration:
161 mins
Year produced:
1999
Director:
Kaige Chen
Cast:
Li Gong
Fengyi Zhang
Zhou Sun

This epic, visually stunning tale of ambition and intrigue tells the story of the emperor Ying Zheng – the man who in the 3rd Century BC united all seven ancient Chinese kingdoms. However, to achieve such a goal takes many people’s contributions - and so Ying enlists his lover Zhao as a double-agent, sending her on a mission to a neighbouring kingdom in order to start the war he hopes will lead to his eventual triumph. But as her loyalties are tested, so he proves himself ever more of a ruthless tyrant, in this sumptuous and powerful drama.

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Fascinating facts

The Xianyang palace was reconstructed in its entirety in the city of Dongyang in Zhenjiang province. Much of the film, including the final scene, was shot there. It is now being preserved as a theme park drawing large numbers of tourists.

A number of the castles which feature in The Emperor and The Assassin were re-constructed in minute detail to be used in the film – one, the Xianyang palace, is now a theme park.