

Movie spotlight
Marco Polo
Assigned to accompany two priests on a mission to convert the court of Kublai Khan to Christianity, Marco Polo is abandoned in the mountains when the priests, doubting the very existence of China, turn back. Polo eventually pushes bravely forth alone toward the fabled country where he is accepted as an envoy into Khan's court. Marooned on the far side of the world, Polo, accompanied by his servant, Pedro, advances as a Mongol grandee for twenty extraordinary years. What he eventually brings back with him to the West is a chronicle that changed history forever.
Insights
Plot Summary
This miniseries follows the epic journey of the Venetian merchant traveler Marco Polo as he travels to the court of Kublai Khan in the 13th century. It details his experiences and adventures in Asia, his close relationship with the Mongol ruler, and his eventual return to Venice. The narrative highlights the cultural exchanges and political intrigue of the era.
Critical Reception
The 2007 miniseries 'Marco Polo' received a mixed reception. While praised for its ambitious scope and some of its performances, it was also criticized for historical inaccuracies and a somewhat predictable narrative. Audience reception was generally lukewarm, with some appreciating the historical adventure aspect.
What Reviewers Say
Visually appealing with grand set pieces and costumes.
Performances, particularly from B.D. Wong as Kublai Khan, are often highlighted.
The pacing and historical liberties taken by the script drew some criticism.
Google audience: Audience reviews for this adaptation are scarce, but general sentiment for similar historical dramas often points to appreciation for the visual spectacle and the adventurous narrative, though concerns about historical accuracy can detract from the experience for some viewers.
Fun Fact
The miniseries was filmed on location in various parts of the world, including Thailand, to authentically capture the diverse landscapes Marco Polo would have traversed.
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