The First Emperor of China
Back to browse
53% Critic Match

The First Emperor of China

5.3 / 10 1989 40mNR English
DramaHistoryDocumentary

Storyline

This historical drama tells the story of Qin Shihuang, who unified China's vast territory and declared himself emperor in 221 B.C. During his reign, he introduced sweeping reforms, built a vast network of roads and connected the Great Wall of China. From the grandiose inner sanctum of Emperor Qin's royal palace, to fierce battles with feudal kings, this film re-creates the glory and the terror of the Qin Dynasty, including footage of Qin's life-sized terra cotta army, constructed 2,200 years ago for his tomb.

Cast & Crew

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer

Self - Narrator (voice)

Lead
BG

Bo Guan Jin

Emperor Qin

WG

Wang Guang Hui

WG

Wang Guo Ren

Prime Minister

MK

Ma Kun

CL

Cui Luo Wen

Father

QW

Qian Wen

SW

Sun Wei

Peasant Li Kai

What People Are Saying

3.0
A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Liu Hao Xue's vision lands with breathtaking precision.
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
3.0
Every frame feels alive. The First Emperor of China is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker