Marco Polo

About Marco Polo

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Marco Polo is a historical drama television series that first premiered on Netflix in 2014. The show is centered around the exploits and adventures of the famous explorer, Marco Polo, during his stay in the court of Kublai Khan, the Mongol Empire's ruler.

The plot follows Marco Polo, played by Lorenzo Richelmy, as he navigates the complex and treacherous world of 13th century China. He becomes a trusted companion and advisor to Kublai Khan, portrayed by Benedict Wong, and is tasked with various missions and challenges. Through his eyes, viewers get a glimpse into the rich culture, political intrigue, and warfare of the time.

Making / Production

Marco Polo was created by John Fusco and produced by The Weinstein Company. The series was shot in multiple locations across Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Italy to recreate the vast landscapes of the Mongol Empire. The production team incorporated extensive research to ensure historical accuracy in terms of costumes, settings, and cultural details.

The show's production budget was reported to be one of the highest in television history, making it a visually stunning and grandiose series. The elaborate sets, intricate costumes, and immersive world-building contributed to the overall authenticity and appeal of the show.

Actors

• Lorenzo Richelmy as Marco Polo - Richelmy delivers a captivating performance as the titular character, showcasing Marco Polo's transformation from an outsider to an influential figure in the Mongol Empire.
• Benedict Wong as Kublai Khan - Wong brings depth and complexity to his portrayal of the formidable Khan, depicting the ruler's strength, wisdom, and vulnerabilities.
• Joan Chen as Empress Chabi - Chen portrays the Empress as a powerful and intelligent woman who wields significant influence behind the throne.
• Remy Hii as Prince Jingim - Hii plays the conflicted Prince Jingim, torn between loyalty to his father and his own aspirations.
• Tom Wu as Hundred Eyes - Wu portrays the enigmatic blind martial arts master, Hundred Eyes, who becomes Marco Polo's mentor and ally.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series was loosely based on the travels of Marco Polo, as documented in his book "The Travels of Marco Polo," although historical accuracy was not the primary focus.
• Some scenes in the show required thousands of extras and involved complex choreography to depict large-scale battles and court ceremonies.
• The character of Hundred Eyes, played by Tom Wu, was originally introduced in the first season as a guest appearance but gained popularity among viewers, leading to his expanded role in later seasons.
• The series faced some controversy and criticism for its portrayal of Asian characters and cultural inaccuracies.

Quotes

• "Knowing is not enough, you must apply; willing is not enough, you must do." - Marco Polo
• "A wise warrior doesn't fight a battle he can't win." - Kublai Khan
• "Sometimes, the torture stops when you dance." - Hundred Eyes

Music

The musical score for Marco Polo was composed by Daniele Luppi. The soundtrack features a mix of traditional Chinese instruments, orchestral arrangements, and contemporary elements to create an immersive and epic audio experience.

Soundtrack

• Marco Polo Main Theme
• The City of Emperors
• The Mongol Warlord
• A Journey Begins
• Desert Eyes