The Last Emperor Theme by David Byrne played in my mind as I walked into the Forbidden City for the very first time. So affective was the composition that I’d almost descended the stairs of the Gate of Supreme Harmony to its rhythm.
The city, or palace, was built during the Ming dynasty, centuries before the adjacent Tiananmen Square materialized. A huge portrait of Chairman Mao hangs high at the south entrance, or the Heavenly Peace Gate, overlooking the square.
In the inner city, it’s a step back into imperial China, more specifically, the Ming and Qing dynasties. The opulent, now unoccupied halls and rooms leave a lot to the imagination. Distancing myself from the boisterous tourists, I was left pensive; thinking of the intricate lives lived behind these protective yet restraining walls.
At the age of eight, The Last Emperor wasn’t of any interest to me. Though award-winning, I couldn’t sit through the whole movie. Now, with better understanding of its colourful past, I think I can...with much enthusiasm.
2 comments:
I don't remember much of The Last Emperor either - watched it too young, I guess. (Time for a re-watch!)
And I actually liked The Forbidden City more than The Great Wall or Tiananmen Square in terms of beauty, grandeur and sheer atmosphere. It feels alive despite being more-or-less abandoned...
Kenny, me too! But I still remember the theme song. :) yes, i think i'll appreciate the movie now. Gonna hafta find time for a re-watch. ;)
If you like the forbidden city, i think you'll like the summer place as well. A trip there can easily take up to 1/2 a day! Gonna post on that soon. ;) ok la, my 'soon' is not really that soon. Hehe
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