The film is about displaying the lifestyles of the imperial family who lived in the city that was inaccessible to the world and China as well for many centuries in history .The film, shows many of the ancient majesties of The Forgotten City through the architectural treasure that remains of it. The city resurrects to life to its last 150 years accounting for the final leaders of the Ch’ing and Ming dynasties, concluding it with the Last Emperor, Pu Yi.
As it covers the last 150 years of majestic rule, it concentrates on the four leaders by observing their lives through eunuchs and concubines, the foods and customs but it discounts their religion.
As the video film continues, it becomes further a Chinese history lesson where a lot about Ming’s dynasty misses. It continues with the ascension then eventual dissolution of Qing dynasty. Then a lot of time explains Kangxi’s 60-year rule since he is responsible for remaking the Forbidden City in Qing’s image. Kangxi makes the eunuchs who are small political bureaucrats under Ming’s dynasty to servants again. We learn of Kangxi’s life and disappointment in his heir who is his son when his reign is ending. Finally, we come to where China faces an aggressive western equivalent. The emperor strongly rejects for first trade requests with the East India Company, but China for long could not hide itself from the westerners. Then opium from India penetrates intensely into its boundaries leaving the empire in danger. This leads to conflicts between west and east during Boxer Rebellion making western troops enter the Forbidden City. This occurred by the end of the 19th century finally making the palace a refuge.
The film also gets exciting in late 19th century when a previous concubine, Cixi, the Dowager Empress plotted herself to power by placing men in power but holding all of it secretly-until she flees from western invaders due to force. The final emperor ends up working in Beijing as a grower after World War II. The Forbidden City remains magnificent and majestic at the end.
Overall, an interesting film that one can watch, though it should explain more on the treasures of the palace.
