Pu Yi: Born, but Not Destined

Once this sunk in, the now imprisoned Pu Yi agreed to re-education. In addition to this, Pu Yi’s past life also influenced the interactions he had with others. Like having to be isolated from one’s addiction, Pu Yi basically had to be isolated from the world. All his life he had been sheltered under a sheath of confinement, manipulated to think he was destined for great things to come. Pu Yi was so sheltered that later on when he is in prison, it becomes apparent that he is unable to tie his shoes, let alone put tooth powder on his toothbrush by himself. After all, it was essentially a gift, after learning that the Communists would not sentence him to death.

Finally, the film leaves us with a touching scene that captures so many of the movie‘s emotions. How is it that this puppet emperor ever became free of these handcuffs of captivity?

The transition from the Emperor of China to an elderly gardener is not one that was smooth or effortless. Holding the title of Emperor in China meant living a life of what should be royalty. An elderly Pu Yi goes to visit the Forbidden City, which is now open to tourists, and approaches that symbolic throne which he used to reside in, oh so long ago, all while a curious, little boy is watching. These scenes can’t help to trigger a lingering thought. This is witnessed numerous times throughout the movie when others have to remind him that he doesn’t have the right to command their services. One might argue that having eunuchs collecting ones feces and having a wet nurse “on call” might be the ultimate lifestyle, yet all it was all an elaborate show.