Marco Polo is an impressive new series available on Netflix which offers a unique twist on the adventures of the Venetian traveller Marco Polo. For many, the name at least will sound familiar. If you aren’t sure, here is the low-down. Marco Polo was a merchant traveller in the thirteenth century who embarked on a journey through Asia with his father and uncle and during their dangerous travels, they came across the palace of great ruler Kublai Khan of Mongolia.
The series focuses entirely on this encounter and fabricates an intriguing series of events in which Marco becomes a slave for Khan. The war between Mongolia and China is the prevalent and tremulous backdrop. The storyline is full of little twists and turns which keep the viewer interested, while the cinematography and oriental costumes are stunning.
The series features actors that I have not encountered before. Lorenzo Richelmy, an Italian actor, stars as the protagonist Marco Polo, who is although somewhat difficult to relate to, oozes sex appeal. Benedict Wong steals the show however, as the fearsome and complicated Kublai Khan.
In terms of women characters, the show stays true to thirteenth century oppression of women, casting them in the roles as harem sex slaves to men. However, Olivia Cheng as Mei Lin, is an endearing character who uses her maltreatment to her advantage, some could even call her a femme-fatal and I’m excited to see more of her as the series progresses. Although we are encouraged to identify with Kokachin (Khu Khu), the beautiful princess who quickly becomes the object of Marco’s affections, she is somewhat overshadowed by the stronger females such as Mei Lin.
Overall, the brutal and unflinching portrayal of the violence between Mongolia and China is suitably shocking while it crucially addresses key issues within ancient Chinese culture. For example, the series takes time to educate viewers of the barbaric and cruel consequences of ‘foot-binding’ in young girls. Hopefully as the series progresses it will take time to delve deeper into the more elusive yet crucial characters. For now, I feel that Marco Polo is still finding its feet.
Series one is available on Netflix!