In the Footsteps of Marco Polo

Le Saboteur

Active member
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In 1993 two friends set off on a journey that would consume two years of their lives. One was a former Marine, the other an award winning photographer and sculptor. With limited finances the two would retrace Marco Polo's entire 24,000-mile route; from Venice to China & back again by boat, camel, horse, and foot. The trip would take them through Afghanistan, today's Tajikistan, and along the Silk Road into China.

It's something that hasn't been accomplished in over 700-years, and thanks to the 'net and PBS we can travel along with them on their journey!

<object width = "512" height = "328" > <param name = "movie" value = "http://www-tc.pbs.org/video/media/swf/PBSPlayer.swf" > </param><param name="flashvars" value="video=1328356374&player=viral&end=0" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param > <param name = "allowscriptaccess" value = "always" > </param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param ><embed src="http://www-tc.pbs.org/video/media/swf/PBSPlayer.swf" flashvars="video=1328356374&player=viral&end=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" allowfullscreen="true" width="512" height="328" bgcolor="#000000"></embed></object><p style="font-size:11px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: #808080; margin-top: 5px; background: transparent; text-align: center; width: 512px;">Watch the <a style="text-decoration:none !important; font-weight:normal !important; height: 13px; color:#4eb2fe !important;" href="http://watch.thirteen.org/video/1328356374" target="_blank">full episode</a>. See more <a style="text-decoration:none !important; font-weight:normal !important; height: 13px; color:#4eb2fe !important;" href="http://www.thirteen.org/" target="_blank">THIRTEEN Specials.</a></p>

If you don't feel like watching the embedded file, check out the site here.

You can also check out a photo gallery here.


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Le Saboteur

Active member
Yes, I'm bumping my own thread. No other thread on Marco Polo appears to exist and it's far, far too early to begin contemplating an independent thread.

First and foremost, it would seem that my previous link to the documentary has vanished. However, some kind soul has uploaded it in full to YouTube.

Enjoy.

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OmAuJ4Y7Aa0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I was initially waiting for something more concrete, but it's worth mentioning now: Netflix has commissioned a new series based on the life and exploits of Marco Polo!

The Hollywood Reporter said:
Marco Polo focuses on the famed explorer?s journey, which takes him to the center of a brutal war in 13th century China -- a world replete with astonishing martial arts, sexual intrigue, political skullduggery and spectacular battles.

"John Fusco and his team have created a timeless tale of power, adventure, betrayal and lust that combines deft storytelling and cinematic ambition,? Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said. "It is a fantastic addition to our slate of original series, both because of its quality and because it is the kind of gripping action-adventure that Netflix members love."

Full article: Netflix Orders 'Marco Polo' to Series

I'm both intrigued and concerned with that premise, but with Game of Thrones as their model and Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg of Kon Tiki fame on board to helm the series I am inclined to see positive things ahead!

Location shooting in Mainland China still appears to be out, but they are commencing production at Pinewood Malaysia's massive studio.
 

Le Saboteur

Active member
Le Saboteur said:
I was initially waiting for something more concrete, but it's worth mentioning now: Netflix has commissioned a new series based on the life and exploits of Marco Polo!


A few unofficial behind the scenes snaps have found their way onto the 'net as principle filming has commenced in Venice, Italy. But since you can't begin filming without a cast, let's get that out of the way.

Lorenzo Richelmy appears to be making his English language debut in the titular role of Marco Polo. Filling out the roster are Benedict Wong (Prometheus), Tom Wu (Skyfall), Remy Hii (Treading Water) and Rick Yune (Olympus Has Fallen). No details on what roles they'll play, but that's an intriguing collection of talent assembled thus far. It'll be interesting to see who else they bring on as the production moves on to Kazakhstan and eventually to that massive Pinewood complex in Malaysia.

Full article: Netflix's 'Marco Polo' Sets Cast

The series is looking to make its debut in late 2014 on Netflix's streaming service.

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Look at the beard on that guy!

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Navigate your gondola this way for some more behind the scenes pictures.

It's real and it's going to be glorious.

The first two episodes are still being helmed by the guys behind Kon Tiki before they run off to try and salvage Captain Jack's dignity... or lack there of. With the rumors floating around these two episodes will be amongst the priciest ever*, I'm expecting a visual cornucopia if nothing else.

* - The final season of Friends -- of all things! -- clocked in at a hefty ten million bucks per episode, but that was mostly eaten up by actor salaries. Rome, at $9-million per episode, still holds the distinction of being the most expensive to produce. And boy howdy was Marc's Antony worth it!
 

Le Saboteur

Active member
Well, Netflix's Marco Polo finally has an air date. Set to debut in December of 2014, the ten part series will be available on-line on December, 12th, 2014 @ 12014 PST!

As previously announced, newcomer Lorenzo Richelmy will step in as the titular explorer. Benedict Wong will play Kublai Khan. Mainland Chinese actress Zhu Zhu (Cloud Atlas) will play Polo's love interest, with Joan Chen, Remy Hii, Olivia Chen, Claudia Kim, Uli Latukefu, Tom Wu and Chin Han rounding out the cast!

To coincide with the announcement, the streaming company has released a couple of official snaps.

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Le Saboteur

Active member
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The unusually fine folks over at the LA Times' Hero Complex have a nice write up on the series' origins.

The Los Angeles Times said:
"It's a giant adventure. The only thing on TV that matches it, production-scale wise, is 'Game of Thrones,'" said Harvey Weinstein, whose Weinstein Co. is producing the series. Ted Sarandos, Netflix's chief content officer, refused to discuss the cost but described the series as "work you'd only see on the very big screen. This is hard to do with the business model of conventional television."

Like HBO did with "Thrones," Netflix is putting its money on spectacle rather than big-name stars. Lorenzo Richelmy, the 24-year-old Italian in the title role, has never even had a major English-language part before. Benedict Wong, who's portraying Kublai Khan, is known mainly in Britain as a TV and stage actor. The most familiar face in the series may be Joan Chen ("The Last Emperor," "Twin Peaks"), who's playing Khan's favorite wife, Empress Chabi.

Full article can be viewed here.
 

Le Saboteur

Active member
Marvel's latest reason to print money has dominated the 'net over the past couple of days, but outside of that brouhaha there was one exciting piece of news that slipped by -- Netflix has released the first trailer for their forthcoming Marco Polo series! And boy is it a doozy.

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KWtv5Ht4YZE?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Dig the colors; the on-location sets and production; the costumes! The potential on display here is absolutely phenomenal. Even the action sequences look like they're going to be par excellence.

December 12th can't get here fast enough!
 

Le Saboteur

Active member
"We're going to take you on an action packed Silk Road journey," says Marco Polo's producer John Fusco. And based on that first teaser and this new behind-the-scenes featurette, they certainly aim to hit the ground running!

There are some glimpses of the scope of the series throughout including a snippet on the Great Wall. Dig the metal work on Khublai Khan's golden armor as well. It's swell. So is Lorenzo Richelmy's accent.



<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/u5Y5Z7TZP58" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Let's hope they get some evocative music going as well, like this pipa tune.

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/F_H0p9jKWMw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 

Le Saboteur

Active member
Now that we're thirty days out from the series premiere, there should be a bevy of features/trailers/whatever hitting the 'net (and bus shelters everywhere!). To start off, Netflix has released a piece of key art featuring the titular hero.

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This reminds me a lot of that style Ridley Scott came to epitomize with Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Robin Hood. A lot of current Chinese-language historical action flicks have adopted a similar aesthetic as well; i.e., The Warlords, The Guillotines, Fall of Ming, etc.

This picture is intriguing. Will there be battles featuring the horseback archery the Mongols were known for? I don't know about you, but that would be damn impressive.

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Come on, baby, and ride it.

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Le Saboteur

Active member
Le Saboteur said:
Come on, baby, and ride it.

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Choo choo, baby, choo choo.


As predicted, Netflix has released a full trailer for the period action-drama. While it recycles some of the same footage from the teaser, there are some new angles and we get to hear Kublai Khan's voice for the first time and find out who the Golden Horde's antagonists are going to be.

This is why you film on location whenever possible, kids.

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hB-ltNasHVw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Netflix has really stepped out of their comfort zone here, but absolutely everything looks spot on. It would be a shame if this didn't find an eager audience. And it should. There's nothing quite like it in the offing thus far.
 

Le Saboteur

Active member
Netflix has released official key art for most of the other principle players that Polo is going to encounter during his exploits in the Great Khan's Khanate!

You can check them out exclusively at The Hollywood Reporter!


Kublai Khan (Benedict Wong)

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Hundred Eyes (Tim Wu)

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Le Saboteur

Active member
With just under two-weeks to go before the series premiere, reviews (unread by me) are starting to find their way on-line. And in addition to reviews, other aspects of the production are being discussed, like the business component and the potential for Netflix to have a true global hit on their hands. Check out the embedded video in the article for some nifty behind-the-scenes details and the spectacular rendition of Kublai Khan's court.

We also have a new action-oriented trailer courtesy of Samsung USA(?)!

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TniO-qjPjmg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

If that doesn't whet your appetite then... well, you might just be dead inside.

December 12th can't get here soon enough!

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Le Saboteur

Active member
There's a small trove of pictures and clips over at the series' official Twitter page. You can even see Vine-like snippets like the one below!


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>There is no word for ?soldier? in Mongolian. Every man becomes a warrior when it's time to fight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarcoPolo?src=hash">#MarcoPolo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Netflix?src=hash">#Netflix</a> <a href="http://t.co/MmqITJByLz">pic.twitter.com/MmqITJByLz</a></p>— Marco Polo (@MarcoPoloMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcoPoloMP/status/532236067114467328">November 11, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Hype Train rolls on!


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Henry Jones VII

Active member
Thank you very much for these videos, pictures and updates @Le Saboteur, I've been reading and viewing them with interest, and it's a pleasure to see your enthusiasm for the series.

I'm a big fan of historical movies and series, and this looks amazing so far, the production values seem to be of top quality.
 

Le Saboteur

Active member
Henry Jones VII said:
Thank you very much for these videos, pictures and updates @Le Saboteur, I've been reading and viewing them with interest, and it's a pleasure to see your enthusiasm for the series.

:hat:

So that's two of the sixteen people who keep ticking that page view counter ever so slightly upwards. Glad to be of service!

Henry Jones VII said:
'm a big fan of historical movies and series, and this looks amazing so far, the production values seem to be of top quality.


Absolutely. The production design is fabulous. For $90-million it should be, but equally as impressive -- there's supposed to be no CGI! Yes, all effects are done in camera or practical. That's an achievement unto itself if true (I haven't been able to confirm this aside from a couple of lines in an article), but I am eager to see if they'll be able to create the expanse of the Khan's court with physical sets*. If they can, it's going to be impressive.

* - The Emperor & the Assassin is a wonderful example of this. It came out in... '99(?) so it might be hard to come across, but some construction magnate built all the sets from scratch for free in exchange for shooting in his home province. The movie is impressive on all fronts, but the expanse of the sets is impressive.

If anybody reading this has a Netflix account, there is a fourth trailer that I haven't been able to find on-line. It's titled "Mercy." In the meantime, here's another behind-the-scenes look courtesy of PlayStation!

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/w5Xt5CKj9lk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Extra points for the actors doing their own stunts. For me this hits on three of my interests; historical fiction, stories in far flung lands, and the action-adventure aspect.

3 days to go!

There are a bunch of character promos on the Twitter account too!
 

Le Saboteur

Active member
With just under 24-hours to go before the series finally makes its debut, a lot of snarky reviews have found their way on-line. While I've only scanned them for content, the one up at Deadline is the most even handed. He's also equally keen on Benedict Wong's turn as Kublai Khan.

Netflix did release a new trailer, but it's the same one as the Samsung presented trailer we got several days back. Just scroll up a couple of posts and hit play! You'll be glad you did. After you're done with that, do check out these...uh, family trees (of sorts). They'll help you understand the various relationships at the beginning at least.

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There's one for the Song Dynasty too! Too little time has been spent on them in the previews for my taste.

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Le Saboteur

Active member
I appreciate a good title sequence. Done right and they can really set the mood and/or fill in pertinent details. There have been several exceptional ones in recent memory too.

Marco Polo's is certainly evocative! I'll give them that.


<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/114350322" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/114350322">Marco Polo Title Sequence</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/millchannel">The Mill</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

A quick behind-the-scenes glance at the amount of work that went into creating those ninety-seven seconds!

<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/114565666" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/114565666">Behind the Scenes: Marco Polo Title Sequence</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/millchannel">The Mill</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>


Le Saboteur said:
Let's hope they get some evocative music going as well, like this pipa tune.

No dice on the pipa music yet, but the soundtrack does an job of interspersing Mongolian Throat Singing throughout the series thus far. If you've never heard it before, give a listen! It's impressive the way a practitioner cam be produce two distinct sounds from his throat at the same time.

<iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HwANedEkqaY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Have you binge watched yet?! Finished the first season? Not me. I can't stand binge watching, and I'm only two episodes in, but I like what I see so far!
 

Stoo

Well-known member
Le Saboteur said:
For me this hits on three of my interests; historical fiction, stories in far flung lands, and the action-adventure aspect.
Yes, yes & yes. Check, check & check. Me too, me too & me too.
Le Saboteur said:
So that's two of the sixteen people who keep ticking that page view counter ever so slightly upwards. Glad to be of service!
Count me in. I have now subscribed to Netflix for the sole reason of being able see this show (and wouldn't have known about it if this thread didn't exist). ;)

---
Who here used to play the Marco Polo game in the neighbourhood swimming pool? I did.
 

Le Saboteur

Active member
Stoo said:
Yes, yes & yes. Check, check & check. Me too, me too & me too.
Count me in. I have now subscribed to Netflix for the sole reason of being able see this show (and wouldn't have known about it if this thread didn't exist).

That's three. You'd think there'd be more, but I guess they're still scouring the entertainment section of the Manila Bulletin.

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Stoo said:
Who here used to play the Marco Polo game in the neighbourhood swimming pool? I did.

Who didn't?! Though, one of these episodes is rumored to explain how the game got it's start. If true, that could be fun.

Seen the first episode? This will make a lot more sense when you do.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/wsQ8XgqH-y/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_top">A video posted by Marco Polo (@marcopolomp)</a> on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2014-12-17T02:48:34+00:00">Dec 12, 2014 at 6:48pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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I don't think that's a king cobra, though. It looks more like a regular Indian cobra.

Once you're finished with the series, start digging into the behind-the-scenes stuff. The directors of the opening credit sequence are interviewed about the project here.

Quick note: I watch things slowly. Feel free to watch at whatever pace you like, but let's discuss at my pace. I'd rather not have to step out of this thread until I'm done. So far I've finished episode two.
 
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