The Last Emperor15

Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci | China | 1987 | 2h 43m | Starring John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O’Toole, Ruocheng Ying, Victor Wong

Sweeping historical epic about the life of Chinese Emperor Pu Yi, who took the throne at age three, in 1908, before witnessing decades of cultural and political upheaval, within and without the walls of the Forbidden City. Recreating Ching dynasty China with astonishing detail and unparalleled craftsmanship, the film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score for composers Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Byrne, and Cong Su.

Reviews

‘There’s no doubting its spectacular richness and heartfelt, deeply satisfying storytelling.’
★★★★★
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

‘One of the most visually arresting pictures of recent years.’
★★★★
David Parkinson, Radio Times

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed The Last Emperor between June 4, 2023 and June 4, 2023.

Join our mailing list and we'll make sure you always know what's on and when.

What else is on?

Today (Thursday 7th August)

12:30

Elio PG
Parent + Baby Screening
1h 38m
Pixar’s newest hero is a lonely boy catapulted into the cosmic spotlight. Mistaken for Earth’s ambassador, Elio must charm aliens, conquer fears, and find himself in a galaxy of wonders. A vibrant, heartfelt tale of belonging across the stars.

Book here

14:45

Ran 15
2h 41m | Japanese w/ English subtitles
Kurosawa’s King Lear retold in feudal Japan: a warlord’s plan to divide his realm brings ruin to all. Epic, tragic, and visually jaw-dropping, Ran is a towering tale of power, betrayal, and the high cost of pride – now restored in 4K.

Book here

18:15

Human Traffic 15
1h 39m
One wild night. Five restless friends. All the clubs, drugs, and chaos 1990s Cardiff can offer. A cult classic of British rave cinema, starring an early role for Danny Dyer, now stunningly restored in 4K. Turn up the volume and get ready for the weekend!

Book here

20:30

Friendship 15
1h 41m
What begins as a quirky bromance spirals into a hilariously dark tale of obsession and unraveling sanity. Comedian Tim Robinson shines in this off-kilter comedy about loneliness and the awkward terror of modern male connection.

Book here


Tomorrow (Friday 8th August)

15:45

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time 12A
1h 38m | Japanese w/ English subtitles
When high schooler Makoto gains the power to time travel, life becomes a game, until unintended consequences catch up. This beautifully animated sci-fi coming-of-age tale is a beloved modern classic, blending wonder with poignant reflections on growing up.

Book here

18:00

Friendship 15
1h 41m
What begins as a quirky bromance spirals into a hilariously dark tale of obsession and unraveling sanity. Comedian Tim Robinson shines in this off-kilter comedy about loneliness and the awkward terror of modern male connection.

Book here

20:30

Harvest 18
2h 14m
In a timeless rural village gripped by unrest, fear and superstition give rise to paranoia. Beautifully shot, this unnerving folk drama explores humanity’s uneasy relationship with change, nature, and the ghosts of modernity.

Book here


Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road. We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers, so don't be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!