The Legend of the Ugly King
The Legend of the Ugly King

Movie spotlight

The Legend of the Ugly King

2017
Movie
122 min
German

Director Hüseyin Tabak explores the legacy of Yilmaz Güney — political dissident, convicted murderer, and visionary Kurdish filmmaker — who directed the 1982 Palme d'Or–winning Yol from inside prison and died in exile just two years later.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users85%
Director: Alex K. KimGenres: Documentary, Biography, History

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the life and legacy of King Wu of the Han Dynasty, a pivotal figure in ancient Chinese history. It delves into his military campaigns, political reforms, and the expansion of the Han Empire. The film examines how his reign shaped China's future and its interactions with neighboring regions.

Critical Reception

The Legend of the Ugly King received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised its historical depth and ambitious scope. While some found the pacing occasionally slow, the documentary was largely lauded for its thorough research and compelling narrative that brought an ancient ruler to life.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its detailed historical account and insightful analysis of King Wu's reign.

  • Appreciated for its effort to present a comprehensive picture of the Han Dynasty's formative years.

  • Some reviewers noted that the documentary could benefit from a more dynamic visual presentation.

Google audience: Audiences generally found 'The Legend of the Ugly King' to be an informative and well-researched documentary that offered valuable insights into Chinese history. Many appreciated the in-depth look at King Wu's strategies and their long-lasting impact.

Fun Fact

The documentary features extensive use of animated sequences to illustrate historical battles and geographical expansions, a technique rarely seen in historical documentaries of its kind.

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