"Marco Polo" offers a fascinating view of a historical episode that has received comparatively little attention on western TV. Visually, the production is gorgeous: the scenery, costumes, and architecture look beautiful and convincing, while imaginative camera work presents each scene and action in the most intelligible and appropriate way.
What really holds my interest, however, is the characters. Every one of them (and there are lots!) has a distinctive personality and point of view. The excellent script and brilliant performances make each character—even the minor ones—vivid and compelling. Kublai Khan in particular comes to life as a complex man with a surprisingly dry sense of humor. The scheming, ambitious Chinese courtier Jia Sidao, with his cool demeanor and mantis-obsession, makes a superb villain. Although the series is named after Marco Polo, and focuses on him frequently, the story has a grand scale that makes Polo at times seem small and somewhat insignificant. This is not a flaw.
I can't believe the hostile commentary this show has attracted, much of it seemingly motivated by political correctness. I see nothing stereotypical or condescending about "Marco Polo"'s treatment of martial arts, concubines, etc. Some people are never satisfied!
What really holds my interest, however, is the characters. Every one of them (and there are lots!) has a distinctive personality and point of view. The excellent script and brilliant performances make each character—even the minor ones—vivid and compelling. Kublai Khan in particular comes to life as a complex man with a surprisingly dry sense of humor. The scheming, ambitious Chinese courtier Jia Sidao, with his cool demeanor and mantis-obsession, makes a superb villain. Although the series is named after Marco Polo, and focuses on him frequently, the story has a grand scale that makes Polo at times seem small and somewhat insignificant. This is not a flaw.
I can't believe the hostile commentary this show has attracted, much of it seemingly motivated by political correctness. I see nothing stereotypical or condescending about "Marco Polo"'s treatment of martial arts, concubines, etc. Some people are never satisfied!
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