Watch First Emperor: The Man Who Made China

First Emperor: The Man Who Made China is a 2006 historical drama film that depicts the life of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of unified China. The movie stars James Pax as Qin Shi Huang, Ji Wang as the prime minister, and Hi Ching as the empress dowager. The film begins with the young prince Ying Zheng, who will eventually become Qin Shi Huang, witnessing his father, the king of the State of Qin, being assassinated by their enemies from the State of Zhao. Ying Zheng is taken as a prisoner of war to Zhao, but he manages to escape and returns to Qin to claim his throne.

As the new king of Qin, Ying Zheng faces numerous challenges. He has to consolidate his power by eliminating his political rivals and subduing the other six warring states, which would take him almost two decades to achieve. During this period, he develops a ruthless reputation as a conqueror who shows no mercy to his enemies.

However, Ying Zheng's ultimate goal is to become the first emperor of China, which he achieves at the age of 38. He adopts the title "Qin Shi Huang" and implements numerous reforms that would shape China's future. He orders the construction of the Great Wall, the Lingqu Canal, and the Mausoleum of the First Emperor, which contains the famous Terracotta Army.

Qin Shi Huang also creates a unified legal system, standardizes weights and measures, regulates the currency, and introduces a single written language. However, his reforms come at a cost to his people, as he imposes heavy taxes and forced labor to carry out his projects. He also orders the burning of books and the burying of scholars, which earns him the wrath of Confucian scholars who oppose his authoritarian rule.

The film portrays Qin Shi Huang as a complex figure who is both ired and despised by his people. He is shown as a visionary leader who transforms China into a powerful centralized state, but also as a paranoid tyrant who alienates his followers with his cruelty and suspicion. James Pax delivers a convincing portrayal of the emperor, capturing both his charisma and his brutality.

The movie also features Ji Wang as the prime minister Li Si, who is Qin Shi Huang's right-hand man and architect of many of his reforms. Li Si is portrayed as a loyal and capable official who carries out his emperor's wishes, even when they conflict with his own beliefs. Hi Ching plays the empress dowager, who s Qin Shi Huang but also tries to influence him for the benefit of her clan.

The cinematography of the film is stunning, with lavish sets and costumes that evoke the grandeur of ancient China. The battle scenes are well-choreographed, with realistic depictions of swords, spears, and archery. The use of CGI to recreate the Terracotta Army is also impressive, bringing to life the thousands of soldiers and horses that guard Qin Shi Huang's tomb.

In conclusion, First Emperor: The Man Who Made China is a compelling historical drama that tells the story of one of the most influential figures in Chinese history. The film offers a nuanced portrayal of Qin Shi Huang, highlighting both his achievements and his flaws. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.