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Netflix' latest re-package is the international production of Marco Polo's life with Kublai Khan, Main Mongol and descendent of Genghis. It is a vast, colorful, and somewhat compelling story that comes to life after episode one. I found it incongruous when it started as Mongols, Italians, and Chinese were all speaking German. Fumbling through subtitles I finally got it to Spanish language (no Italian) with English CC. The language choices related to production money and intended first audiences, I'm sure.As with most Euro titles there is a good deal of violence and skin. (Did I say skin?) There is an interesting martial arts combat between a naked courtesan and three soldiers. Guess who won? How can you hit a naked lady? Outside of my prurient interests, there is palace intrigue, budding romance, combat, and all the things one could want for a full tour of the late 1300's. I just finished episode five but will have to re-watch it. Being a bit drowsy it was hard to follow all the hallucinations of the hash smoked in the beginning.
Benedict Wong plays Kublai and does a terrific job. He appears to have really lumped on 100+ pounds for the role. Joan Chen plays number one wife and, sadly, age is showing. The other ladies and all alluring and give excellent performances. Young Marco does well as a young man constantly walking on egg shells.
I think this is worth a watch. KKThe first season is ten episodes but I can't help believe that there will be at least a season two with the amount of cash burned for season one.
Forget the popcorn, nuke some Ramen and get with the program.
Edits: 12/20/14Follow Ups:
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