Marco the Magnificent (1965) Movie Script
In the lead roles:
THE FANTASTIC ADVENTURES
OF MARCO POLO
As Kublai Khan:
In the other roles:
THIS STORY BEGINS LIKE A FAIRY TALE.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE
AN OLD, WISE JEW
WHO WANTED TO
PASS ON HIS WISDOM
TO A FINE YOUNG MAN.
Look over there.
Like an anthill!
Carpenters are building ships.
The people of Venice and the sailors
are hostile toward them.
Do you know why? - The ships
they build don't look like the old ones.
This way of joining
the wood is a real revolution.
Things change and will keep changing. - Not for me.
Yesterday I was at the port,
next to the shipyard.
When I got back, I carved
the date: May 12, 1271.
I have the feeling this century
is dying. - It's about time! It's old!
And what are you doing? Instead
of listening to your old teacher,
you're throwing darts. You're having fun
throwing that dart.
Marco, be serious. Believe me,
people are changing the world now.
You're not even listening to me. I've wasted
several years
trying to pass on
my wisdom to you
and make a man of you. You're still a child.
I'm not a child, I'm furious
at the injustice of the spiteful!
Your father's ship will soon
arrive full of gold.
Don't listen to others. - How? Everyone in Venice thinks
that my father has gone bankrupt,
maybe even dead!
If that's true, I'm nobody
and nothing! - You're Marco Polo.
Venice is not the world. - Do you know
that the banker Spinelo
said the other day that he lent
money to my father?
Let him talk! - I won't let anyone
insult my father!
I don't know what the heck, but
this I can do! - Look!
Look how much I love you.
This notch on my astrolabe
marks the position of the stars
at the moment you were born.
What do the heavens predict for me?
- I've told you a hundred times.
Glory and prison... But it's
better to start with glory.
Where are you going? - Not to glory, that's for sure. Maybe to prison.
I'll play a game of chess with Spinelo
and teach his bankers
that the world isn't made up of bookkeeping alone!
Be careful, Marco.
Good day, Mr. Spinelo. - Good day.
Have you heard the news?
A ship has been sighted approaching Venice.
A ship just like the San Marco, loaded with gold.
Don't make me laugh. - And if the San Marco sails in tomorrow
loaded with spices, Persian carpets and Chinese silk?
You won't be laughing then! - Listen, Marco.
I have a thousand reasons to look forward to that too.
But, unfortunately, I think you're wrong.
BUT A DOT SOON APPEARED ON THE SEA,
AND THEN A SHIP RACING TOWARD VENICE UNDER FULL SAIL.
IT WAS THE SAN MARCO, THE SHIP OF MARCO'S FATHER AND UNCLE.
MARCO FINALLY MET HIS OWN,
BUT HE WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY REVEAL THE WORLD AS HE HAD HOPED.
THE BYZANTINES HAD TAKEN THEIR CARGO,
THEN AT WAR WITH VENICE,
AND THE SAILORS RETURNED WITHOUT ANYTHING.
POLITICAL GAMES AND WARS CATCH EVERYONE,
ONLY THEY DON'T ALL PAY THE SAME PRICE.
TWO BROTHERS PUSHED TO THE SAME END OF THE TABLE
ARE ATTACKED FROM ALL SIDES.
I know that our word means nothing to you.
Venetian merchants don't know what honor is.
Forgive us, we carry an important message for the Pope.
It concerns the future of the world and of Christianity.
Don't change the subject. I'm not interested in the future of the world,
but in the 250 thousand ducats you owe us.
I propose that the Polo bankruptcy be declared publicly.
Their ship's hold is empty. How will they repay the ducats?
THEN, SUDDENLY,
THE POLOS' LIVES TOOK AN UNEXPECTED TURN.
THE SPINELLO BECAME ANGRY
AND DEMANDED THEIR GOLD.
I heard a new Pope has been elected, Gregory. - We're saved!
Unless his robes have changed him. - He's right.
He was your friend, but maybe power has changed him.
Take this bag of gold, let it be on us.
Deliver the Emperor's message to the Pope. If the fate of the world is changing,
why not seize the best positions? - Such chances are rare.
So hurry. - We won't forget this.
Everything will be fine.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
He was our friend when he was a bishop, but now he's the Pope!
The same man who once held Marco in his lap.
I was checking what material the robe is made of.
While we were sailing the seas,
it seems you were only interested in girls.
That's nothing new. It was like that before.
But it's not that I'm only interested in that.
Either way, that isn't becoming of a young man like him.
I don't doubt the Polos' sincerity,
but I think they are naive. - My secretary believes
that the Chinese emperor is preparing for war against the Christian world.
I assure you that Kublai Khan wants peace.
His message to the Holy Father proves it.
A message meant to lull us to sleep while he prepares for war.
We also have information from China.
It's true that there are those who want war,
but the emperor strongly opposes it.
He asks that we send missionaries who would spread our faith there.
A trap, Father!
We believe Kublai Khan is opposed to war
and this is shown by his request for our missionaries.
We will send them to him.
It is very important that the emperor become acquainted with our civilization.
You know Kublai Khan and enjoy his trust.
You will carry our message of hope to him.
Priests will go with you, and let Marco go too.
Why Marco?
THE POPE WANTED TO SEE MARCO.
WHAT WAS THE MAN THINKING
WHOM EVERYONE CONSIDERED
VERY WISE.
THE CHINESE EMPEROR IN A LETTER
REQUESTED THAT HE SEND
A WISE MAN WHO WOULD ACQUAINT HIM
WITH THE WEST AND THE FAITH.
THE POPE KNEW THAT IN
ROME THERE WAS NO WISE MAN,
BUT WHEN HE SAW
MARCO'S YOUTH AND BEAUTY,
HE THOUGHT, IF THERE ARE NO
HUNDRED WISE MEN,
WHY NOT SEND A YOUNG MAN,
THE BRAVEST AND THE FINEST.
Me?
- You.
LOOKING AT MARCO, THE POPE
THOUGHT HOW
YOUTH AND BEAUTY ARE GOD'S
SMILE ON EARTH
AND HOW WISDOM SOMETIMES
DOESN'T HAVE EQUAL POWER.
Aren't you scared of leaving?
- I'm never scared of anything.
THE PARTING OF A YOUNG MAN WHO
SETS OFF ON AN ADVENTURE
IS JOYFUL LIKE A REUNION.
Guess who!
- Marco!
How long are you staying?
- Ten, fifteen years!
Where have you been?
You know we're in a hurry!
I had to say goodbye
to my professor.
A BEAUTIFUL DAY DAWNS ON THE SEA.
IT IS NOVEMBER 1271,
POPE GREGORY'S DECISION CHANGES
THE LIFE OF A 20-YEAR-OLD.
MARCO'S LIFE TAKES
A COMPLETELY NEW DIRECTION.
THE FIRST STAGE WAS MEANTO BE SIMPLE.
Your last journey was a success,
so you're back again.
Luck is on your side!
- I'm looking for camels and horses!
Today I happen to have the best
camels and horses!
BUT RUMORS ABOUT THIS
UNUSUAL CARAVAN
HAD SPREAD ACROSS THE ORIENT.
THE POPE'S ENVOYS
HAD ALREADY BEEN SPIED ON
AT THE START OF THE JOURNEY TO CHINA.
Go in peace.
- Don't worry.
AS THE CARAVAN SLOWLY
RODE TOWARD SAMARKAND,
MARCO AND HIS COMPANIONS
WENT THEIR OWN WAY,
TO MEET A PRIEST TRAVELING
FROM JERUSALEM
AND CARRYING A SACRED RELIC FOR THEM,
a SYMBOL OF FAITH.
THE POPE BELIEVED THIS MOVE
WOULD TOUCH THE EMPEROR.
Merchants who think only of their business, you old priest
and this young fool! Does the Pope really think he can conquer China like this?
Jesus was alone, and his followers were poor...
But they didn't give up even halfway!
If we have to die, we'll die. Right?
TWO MONKS WATCHED AS MARCO
FORGETS THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS MISSION BECAUSE OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN
AND QUESTIONS THE WISDOM OF THE HOLY FATHER WHO CHOSE HIM.
THE CARAVAN WAS GUARDED BY THE BOLD
AND BRAVE ARAB ALAU, WHO HAD ALREADY MET POLO BEFORE.
Out! Get out!
Who allowed you
to burst into my tent during the holy midday rest? - Nicolo Polo is coming!
Nicolo? My friend and brother? Why didn't you say so?
Tell everyone we're throwing a big celebration tonight!
You're leaving again? - Don't be angry. Nicolo Polo is like a brother to me.
I have a husband I never see! - What?!
Every Friday evening I'm with you. Isn't that proof of love?
If you loved me, you'd have sent away all the other women.
Oh, I keep them out of family tradition. I love only you.
My father had three wives, and Uncle Abdul had only two.
And you have 36!
Tradition! - I'd prefer that you gave up your tradition.
IT WAS NOT ONLY THE SMILES OF BEAUTIFUL WOMEN
THAT SLOWED MARCO'S JOURNEY.
IN THIS PART OF THE ORIENA BRUTAL WAR WAS RAGING.
A MYSTERIOUS MAN WHO CALLED HIMSELF THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN
SPREAD TERROR.
HE QUICKLY LEARNED OF MARCO'S ARRIVAL.
Are you Venetians?
We are merchants.
The Old Man of the Mountain offers you hospitality.
The Old Man of the Mountain?! That's just a legend. - See for yourselves.
Thank you for the invitation, but we're in a hurry.
Maybe when we return. - You passed through the village
Come on! The way is clear!
We'd better ride!
Pig!
- Don't provoke me!
At a moment like this,
it takes courage not to have honor.
And are you willing to give
your life for Christ, they say?
You must accept
our challenge. - I challenge you!
Surround him, but remember that
the master wants to see him alive!
Why don't you attack me yourself?
- You're overdoing it!
Cowards! Come on!
Let him go!
- Bode, Marko!
You were right,
recklessness isn't courage.
Didn't you dream
of giving your life for Christ?
I'm so glad
to see you!
Brother, you seem worried. Aren't you
happy to see me?
We were supposed to
meet here with Marko.
He'll come this evening. My
guards are all over the desert.
Let's refresh ourselves.
Shall I send horsemen
to search for Marko?
With him, you'll be able
to continue on your way as early as tomorrow.
You know Marko. He
always manages.
Nothing bad can happen to your son here. Eat!
I have prepared a feast
in your honor.
An alliance with Kublai Khan
would bring peace to the whole world.
Yes, your mission
is very important.
It can change
the fate of mankind.
It will mark the beginning of an era
of peace for all people...
The coming together of Asia and the West...
Ideological and cultural changes,
the translation of important
philosophical works,
strengthening of trade ties...
- Yes, yes...
Go on, please.
THE PALACE OF THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN
IS CARVED INTO THE ROCK.
IT WAS OVERGROWN AND
GLOOMY, BUT FULL OF RICHES,
PRECIOUS ANIMALS AND WEAPONS,
WITH A MAGNIFICENT LIBRARY
AND BEAUTIFUL GIRLS.
HERE YOUNG WARRIORS UNDERWENHARSH AND CRUEL TRAINING.
THOSE WHO SURVIVED HER
WERE TRAINED IN CRUELTY
AND BECAME
RUTHLESS KILLERS.
PEOPLE SAY THAT THIS EVIL MAN
HAS NEITHER NAME NOR AGE, AND WILL NEVER DIE...
HIS GOLDEN MASK
WAS HIS ONLY FACE.
HE REMOVED IT ONLY IN FRONT OF
THOSE WHO WERE ABOUT TO DIE.
HE WILL CHOOSE A MAN WHO
WILL REPLACE HIM AFTER HIS DEATH
AND BECOME THE ABSOLUTE RULER
OF HIS TERRITORIES.
Aristotle? Plato? You said
he is the lord of darkness and evil?
I've heard stories about him.
A person who reads this
cannot be a sinner.
Every person finds their own truth
in books.
He will learn that.
Who are you hiding from?
Show your face.
You'll regret that wish of yours.
There are many ways
to go down the stairs,
but only one
to reach Paradise.
You have such an ordinary face...
People like you appeal to me a lot. - But I hate them!
I would be glad
if you stayed with me
and turned your hatred
into true friendship.
Do I appeal to you too?
If you want my friendship,
let him go. - That saint?
The keeper of your faith and conscience?
Watch your saint, and soon
you'll be grateful to me
for what I am about to do.
The old man will prove to you that
the faith forced upon someone
while they were a child is a mere illusion.
He'll do it because he loves you so much. - Let him love me less.
This Christian who boasts
of having such spiritual strength
that from a piece of bread
he can make the Body of God...
Soon he will be freed
from that faith.
Faith is an illusion!
Pray! With a little pain,
the faith will vanish too!
To touch a hair on his head,
you'll have to kill me!
No! The bells will ring
for his Mass!
Christians love to hear the church bells, don't they?
Stop!
Stop!
Now I'll show you what's left of your saint's faith.
I'll make him spit on his God.
It'll be quicker and simpler than testing his faith.
Stop!
There's the wrong faith you were raised in.
You've taught me one thing... I'm grateful to you.
You taught me to love my brothers in Christ.
Soon you'll have a chance to prove that love.
Enjoy this moment, because you're really nobody and nothing!
They'll remember you like beasts, evil and cruel,
once our faith rules the world.
I haven't convinced him yet. We'll have to teach him
how to reach Paradise, even though he doesn't deserve it.
He won't live to become one of "yours".
We've talked enough. Our night is short.
It's a pity you're leaving so soon, but I expect
you'll visit me on your way back. - Certainly.
Thank you for everything.
Sleep well, friend, and don't worry about your son!
Devil! Scoundrel!
Do you think you've won? You're wrong!
I want to die! - Don't, calm down.
You've endured terrible torment. Your courage has amazed me.
I owe you a great deal,
because thanks to you I found faith. - Son, now I'm less afraid...
Prepare 15 horsemen for me and saddle my horse.
Tell the Polos that Marko will catch up with them in a few days.
Prince Najam entrusted me with five bags of gold
to stop
five Christians who set out for Kublai Khan.
Let me stop them! - If you wish.
Friend, I give you one of my most beautiful flowers.
I know how much Hamed loves flowers.
Do you like it?
I have something else. I know how much you love animals.
Do you like it? What a nice exchange of gifts.
It's a sign of our mutual trust.
It's hard to fully trust a friend
whose face you've never seen.
As a sign of friendship, I suggest you reveal it.
For the sake of our friendship, I won't. Whoever sees my face dies.
And your killers? You show them your face?
They die when I decide!
And women? Don't you take off your mask to love them?
You know how much it would pain me to lose the ones I love?
Would you like me to take off my mask? Mask?!
Did I ask you for that? No!
Wait for me here!
My dear desert man! And you, mountain man!
Sorrow disappears from my eyes when I see you.
Friend, how are you? I mustn't joke around.
The desert wind has brought me wonderful brides.
Why doesn't that wind blow in my direction?
I'm bored here, up above.
I want to see those voluptuous women...
Tell me about your most beautiful wife.
I'll describe Jasmine's beauty to you, my favorite woman.
But first take off your mask. We're alone. Yes.
You're the only one who has seen my face and didn't die immediately.
I feel as if I were naked. I know you enjoy the flesh,
but must you wear a mask for that?
You think people would tremble before a face like mine?
This figure is immortal... But enough about that...
Don't keep me waiting. Yes. Shall we start with the feet or the face?
As you wish... Well, the feet!
Her feet are perfect.
I could compose songs about every single toe.
Slender ankles, legs of perfect lines.
And when you look up...
Divine curves! Hills and valleys!
When her lips part to offer a fiery kiss...
When you touch her velvet skin,
your whole body trembles with desire,
and your senses sing a hymn to love.
Her eyes are two stars shining in an ocean of love
and showing the way to a lost fisherman.
Come to me, my beloved!
Come!
Now release Marco at once. - No!
You've ruined my most beautiful vision. How cruel you are!
We agreed that you wouldn't attack the caravans
that I trade with. - Marco Polo isn't a merchant,
but a Christian messenger. - I don't care!
His caravan is under my protection! Let him go!
It isn't in our interest for him to reach Kublai Khan.
Let him fight it out with the Christians. - I want Marco, period!
On one side, the Christians;
on the other, the Mongols.
There will be fighting over the promised land.
We've suffered enough from the Jews for two thousand years!
We're threatened by the Christian Jews from the west
and the Jews from the east! Just imagine if there were yellow Jews too!
Old Li, I know well about your deals with the Mongols
and how well they paid for your services. - A few gifts...
Alau, today you've hurt me deeply several times.
I'm afraid I'll have to do it again. - Again? Will it hurt?
Remember the dagger studded with jewels that I gave you,
the one the whole desert knows about? - It was a gift from the heart.
If you don't give me Marco,
this famous dagger will end up in the chest of Hamed, Prince Najam's envoy.
That wouldn't be good for you. - Nor for Hamed.
Kill him if you want, just not with my dagger, I beg you.
You know this mask will be yours after my death,
because I've chosen you as heir to my kingdom.
I already have a kingdom. I want Marco Polo!
And so he won't doubt it, I'll bring Marco to you right away.
My spiritual father!
MARCO, WHOM THE OLD MAN FROM THE MOUNTAIN HAD DRUGGED,
HAD BECOME A MERE TOOL IN HIS HANDS.
BUT THE OLD MAN DID NOT KNOW
THAT THE YOUNG VENETIAN CARRIED A SECRET POWDER.
Kill Alau with that dagger before he leaves the palace.
Before he leaves the palace!
Before he leaves the palace...
The horses are waiting for us outside. - You go first.
When Prince Najam and the
Mongol generals find out how you betrayed them, you won't get any help.
You don't believe me? Everything will happen just as I predicted.
You said you only reveal your face to those condemned to death! - Yes.
Alau has seen your face! - How do you know?
I saw everything and heard your conversation!
So I can show you my face too, dear brother.
It's a shame to lose a brother!
To the horses! Catch them!
We just outran them, Marco! - Until you arrived,
I thought the Old Man would send me to Paradise!
Thank you for everything! - I enjoyed it very much.
May I show you the beauties of my country? - I accept.
I won't forget that when I return from China.
I must join my father's caravan.
On a good horse you'll catch up with them by tomorrow.
The shortest route goes this way. - Which direction? - West.
Look. Your father and uncle are somewhere around here now.
Go west. When you reach the crossroads, take the left.
But the other road is shorter. - It's much more dangerous.
It's better that he takes the left road.
My lord, he has gone.
Show him the way!
MARCO DID NOT WAIT FOR A GUIDE AND SET OFF ON THE WRONG ROAD.
BLINDED BY THE IDEA OF REACHING THE WEST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,
HE GOT LOST IN THE DESERT.
BEYOND THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE, A FEW KILOMETERS AWAY,
THE CARAVAN WAS PASSING, NOT KNOWING THAT MARCO WAS THERE.
THIS GROUP OF HORSEMEN WAS MONGOLIAN.
THE MAN THEY WERE LOOKING FOR WAS HUNTED LIKE A STRAY BEAST.
HE CARRIED A MESSAGE OF PEACE THAT ONE MAN HAD SENT TO ANOTHER,
AND FROM FAR AWAY A DECREE HAD ARRIVED
TO CAPTURE AND KILL HIM.
What are you playing, kids? - Good day, merchant. We have a coin.
ONE DAY IN A VILLAGE, MARCO FOUND A SIGN.
Who gave you this? - One night two merchants stayed here.
Where did they go? - Toward Samarkand.
You have nice boots.
Take the coin. Thank you.
Good day. I heard that two foreigners passed this way.
Where did they go? - That was two days ago.
They came from the west. They went east, toward Samarkand.
Did any foreigner pass this way? - No.
IN THIS PLACE AT THE END OF THE WORLD,
WHERE EVEN THE MOST CAPABLE AMBASSADORS WOULD BE LOST,
MARCO'S BEAUTY AND YOUTH TOUCHED THE HEAROF A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO SAVE HIM.
WHAT CAN THE MIGHTIEST ARMY IN THE WORLD DO
AGAINST A GIRL WHO HAS RESOLVED TO SAVE HER BELOVED?
Marco, and me?
Why are you following me? - I'm going with you. Don't drive me away.
Let me go. I'll show you the way to Samarkand.
TARA LEFT HER TRIBE
AND DECIDED TO ACCOMPANY MARCO TO SAMARKAND.
A MESSAGE OF CHRISTENDOM INTENDED FOR THE MIGHTIEST RULER IN THE WORLD
BY THE TURN OF FATE FELL INTO THE HANDS OF A LOVESTRUCK GIRL.
SAMARKAND, THE CROSSROADS OF ALL PEOPLES AND ROADS...
THE CARAVAN OF THE POLOS HAD TO PASS THROUGH HERE.
MARCO HAS FINALLY HAD THE CHANCE TO FIND HIS OWN.
BUT AT THIS GREAT CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD,
WHERE THOSE WHO CARRY SECRETS AND GOLD MEET,
THERE ARE ALWAYS CUNNING BEAUTIES WHO WORK FOR SOMEONE.
The Venetian must not continue his journey.
That is the order of Prince Nayan!
THE GIRL WITH THE WHIP, LET'S CALL HER THAT, GOA LOT OF MONEY FROM THE MONGOLS FOR HER SERVICES.
You're coming from Venice? - Yes...
HERE, TWO MONKS WOULD ONCE AGAIN ASK
WASN'T THE POPE TOO CAREless IN ENTRUSTING THIS TASK TO MARCO?
Marco Polo... I like your name.
I've decided. I'm going with you to Venice.
Don't laugh! When I decide something, I do it!
I'm not going to Venice, but to China. - You think so?
In winter you won't manage to cross the Gobi Desert.
No guide will want to take you.
I have to reach Kublai Khan.
Why risk your life just to see him?
Some questions aren't easy to answer.
Your father is here!
There he is, down below!
Father!
No, at this time of year the desert means death,
and I love my horses. I don't want them to suffer.
You won't be our guide? - No.
And if I double the number of animals and the amount of provisions?
How much is a horse? - I'm not selling.
So?
I'm tripling the price.
How much do you want? - I won't take anything.
We don't need a guide to cross the desert.
We were born here. If a stranger wants to continue the journey,
he can only go along with us. - You think there's no danger?
Danger is always around us, but a real man
is not stopped by danger or winter from setting out.
Excellent. We'll go with you.
MARCO FELL INTO THE TRAP, AND THE GIRL WITH THE WHIP KNEW IT.
NOW TWO MONKS WOULD ADMIT THAT THE POPE WISELY DECIDED
TO SEND A HANDSOME YOUNG MAN, BECAUSE THAT BEAUTY
The girl with the sword
awoke the desire
to save Marko
from certain death.
Why have you been following me?
What do you want? - You'll find out.
What's going on? - The horses are
over there. Let's go, Marko.
Just you and me? - I already told you
that's not possible.
Don't be a child. Go back
to Samarkand.
You knew what would happen!
You're with them!
I saved your life.
- I'd kill you! - Then kill me.
Where's your horse?
Even the greatest sinners
sometimes truly fall in love
and so they make up for all
their sins
and gain precedence on
their path to heaven.
Yet another desert,
worse than the one before,
appeared before Marko.
Marko was not alone.
The Mongol horsemen set out
in search of him.
Desolation around him...
an icy trap...
Eyes full of death, he turned
from a boy into a man.
If he manages to save his life,
it will be another girl and a pleasure,
but he knows that in life
one must do something even more
besides pleasure. He has a goal
that he must achieve.
Having crossed the desert, Marko
had sadly grown weary
at the gates of China.
But the kind people who live
on this mountain
found him.
Where am I?
- At the border of China.
We've been expecting you for a long time.
The links of evil and good
as if they had crossed.
The advocates of peace,
among whom the emperor also stood,
wished to hear his message.
The Chinese emperor Kublai Khan
was of Mongol origin.
His unbridled warriors, far from him,
were still spreading terror
among the Chinese population.
Wise Kublai Khan realized that,
becoming the Chinese emperor,
he would cease to be
the Mongol ruler.
He decided to marry
a Chinese princess
AND HE ALSO ADDS THE KINGDOM
AND SHOWS EVERYONE HIS WISH
TO MERGE WITH
THIS ANCIENT PEOPLE.
NOBLEWOMEN FROM ALL OVER CHINA
SET OFF TOWARD THE COURT.
ONE OF THEM WAS PASSING
BY THE MONASTERY.
THE MONKS DECIDED THAT,
FOR MARCO'S SAFETY,
HE SHOULD CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
TO THE SUMMER PALACE WITH HER.
You did this? It's beautiful. - The Mongols have left.
PRINCE NAJAM, THE EMPEROR'S SON, BUT ALSO
THE LEADER OF THE MONGOL FACTION,
AMUSED HIMSELF WITH HIS
FAVORITE GAME:
CUTTING OFF
SCARECROWS' HEADS.
HE HAD JUST ORDERED THAT THE JOURNEY
TO THE SOUTH
MUST BE STOPPED. HE BELIEVED
THAT MONGOL CONQUESTS
MUST NOT STOP, AND
THAT THEY SHOULD BE EXPANDED
TO OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD too.
Guards! - What are you doing?
Have you lost your mind?
I am an envoy of the Holy Father.
I have a message for the emperor.
Is this man from the
princess's escort? - No.
Take him away!
- What are you doing?
What's going on? - Some
stranger dared
to address the princess.
Should my soldiers return the rice
they seized to the Chinese?! Nonsense!
And the peasants too!
- Them or us! And we are stronger!
Let the emperor pass his judgment now
that he has heard the truth about the Mongols.
Pardon? - My generals
are telling the truth!
Excuse me, I wasn't listening
to what you were saying.
We've been explaining it
to you for hours.
Yes, your racket has
woken up my cat.
Then I'll speak quietly,
but whether quietly or loudly,
the emperor should know that the Mongols
will not return the rice
that they conquered in war!
Share, not return.
I am the Emperor of China
and the rice belongs to the Chinese
as much as it does to the Mongols.
Whoever does not understand the emperor's words
is not fulfilling his duty.
Our supplies will run out
in three weeks.
We can fight
in the west
so that we can feed the Chinese.
- Attack!
The wars would last
for generations.
If we manage to live here,
our children and their children
will live in peace. That is the greatest
ideal, even for warriors.
Welcome, Prince Najam,
who has finally decided
to give up his horses.
For me, caring for horses
is a matter of state.
It's hard for a Mongol
to think like a Chinese man.
Yes, my head has become
Chinese, but my legs haven't.
Will the emperor listen
to the advice of his head or his legs?
The emperor can do both. Return to your provinces
and tell the people that I
have chosen peace.
Today the emperor will give you
a Chinese woman as your wife.
This is really tiresome.
- You'll get used to it.
One day you'll
become emperor.
When I'm emperor,
I won't listen to anyone.
Every man, even an emperor,
can make mistakes.
Your Majesty,
the princesses are waiting for you.
When are you going to get married?
Chinese women are too
civilized.
I prefer wild Mongol women.
- The Mongol woman who gave birth to you
was not wild. Stay by my side
while I choose a wife.
I'll spend time with the generals and
practice my diplomacy.
Your exceptional beauty
makes the emperor's choice easier.
Your exceptional beauty
will make the emperor's choice difficult.
Your exceptional beauty...
Who chose her?
Come closer.
You're still a child.
- I'll turn 16 soon.
Sorry, but it wouldn't be right
for the emperor to marry
such a fragile and
young person.
I don't want to marry the
emperor. - Why? You don't like me?
It's not that. - Then what? - You're
a khan and I'm afraid of you...
Besides, I love someone else. - Someone else?
Because of that, I could have you killed.
- But I love him!
Your life hangs by a thread!
- What is my life without him.
And he is in danger.
Only the Emperor can help him. He's coming from the far west.
His name is Marco Polo. His caravan was attacked... - Polo brothers?
No, Your Majesty. Marco is alone. He's in a dungeon.
Mongol horsemen attacked his caravan.
He managed to escape them. Free him, Your Majesty.
Mongols?
Free Marco Polo. Immediately!
It seems the choice was a bad one.
Mongol horsemen attacked the caravan from the west.
They are soldiers, not bandits.
Which of you is responsible for this attack? - Who is accusing us?
I am. - Why us?
You are the best informed about everything that's happening
in our country. - Father, you are being unfair.
You are Polo? - Marco Polo.
Do you know Nicolo? - I am his son.
Tell me about your father. - You are Kublai Khan?
Where is your father? - The Mongols who were escorting us from Samarkand
attacked us. - Why?
They weren't the only ones. Many have attacked us.
My father and uncle were captured, I escaped.
My task is to deliver the Pope's message to you
even at the cost of my life.
The future of the world depends on it, because it is a message of peace.
Two monks who were with me
were killed even before Samarkand.
It was important that one of us reach you.
What nonsense!
Your Highness, I feel unworthy to be the one
to deliver the Pope's message.
You entrusted my father with a message for the Pope,
and he replied: "Peace to all the people of the world!"
Don't be fooled. They are arming for war! - The Pope despises lies!
Everyone lies to get what they want!
I believe the Pope's words.
I trust Nicolo and his son.
And your son?
- Should I?
Should I?
Why did you stay? - We
can't leave you alone
among so many Chinese, and
with just one Christian!
I'll send horsemen
to find your father.
I've delivered the Pope's message;
my mission is complete.
It is a son's duty
to seek his father.
I won't let you go.
Lately I've been
dreaming often
that someone will kill me in my sleep.
In all the lands
I've travelled through,
I've seen nothing but violence.
If the spiritual rulers of East
and West don't reach an agreement,
what will happen? Why is there so much hatred?
Why is it so hard for people
to live in peace?
In battle, a man knows
what his task is,
but in peace he is not sure. He wants to
eat. He wants happiness, love...
The possibility of choice
creates confusion.
In war, a man has two
choices:
to kill or be killed.
Is there no hope that
man will change in the future?
He does.
I think you know each other.
Yes.
I've only seen him once.
And yet you love him? How is that
possible? - I was protecting him.
But you don't know him.
- I'm guessing.
Astrologers study
the stars, people study laws,
but the heart follows only its own path.
In the year of the dragon,
the year of the emperor's birth,
the great Kublai Khan will unite
with the Chinese people
by marrying a Chinese woman.
May China know peace
for a hundred years
and may his new empress
bear him a hundred children.
What will he do? - By the
color she chooses,
we'll know which
princess he has picked.
A princess from the Yunnan province has been chosen.
Let's use the moment of fun
to attack the palace.
You're crazy! Do you expect me
to kill my own father?
Sooner or later, all sons inherit
their fathers' thrones. Now it's your turn.
Do it while there's still
something left of us.
If you take the throne today,
we go to war tomorrow!
I can't. I have to
talk to my father.
Be careful. He's an old fox.
You're having fun? - Unbelievable!
What is this from?
How does it make so much noise?
- It's secret powder.
Come on, have some fun.
This toy could become
dangerous. - It bothers me too.
Being empress isn't hard. You
just have to bow gracefully.
The Mongol troops
are getting ready to attack.
There are few of us. We need
to use the magic powder!
Do it.
What are they doing?
- It's war!
Are you coming to me as an enemy,
or as a son? - As a son.
I want to apologize
for my behavior this morning.
But as commander-in-chief,
I am giving you an ultimatum.
I accept your son's
apology,
and as for the ultimatum,
the strength is on your side.
I command
the Mongol cavalry,
and the palace is guarded only
by Chinese soldiers. - You're overthrowing your father?
This is not a meeting of father
and son, but of emperor and commander.
I obey my commander.
If by dawn you don't choose
war, I will remove you from the throne.
The throne is not decisive. My
cat sits on it,
but it doesn't call itself emperor.
If you want the throne to
feed the hunger of 200 million souls,
I am ready
to abdicate.
But if you want
the throne to wage war,
you will have to take it from me.
Where have you come from, Father?
You never used to cry.
Why don't you attack right away?
- War has never brought anyone good.
We are warriors.
- We were nomads.
We had no home, nor
land to grow rice on.
We were forced
to go to war.
But now we have a roof
over our heads, land.
Times have changed.
- You have changed!
Trust me, and I'll teach you
everything as emperor and as father.
Control your passions and learn
to wait. And trust your father...
We've waited long enough!
We can't anymore.
As a son, I ask
for one favor. - Speak.
That you think about
what I've told you
and agree before
sunrise. - I'll think about it.
And I ask you
for understanding
until dawn finds us
as rivals.
Wish your son luck!
EMPEROR KUBLAI KHAN MADE
THE DECISION TO USE
THE POWDER FOR OTHER PURPOSES,
NOT FOR INNOCENT GAMES.
Attack!
The magic powder decided it.
It's not sorcery,
but a terrible weapon.
Use that weapon and
you'll become master of the world.
The caravan is ready
to set off.
With gifts, documents
and ambassadors?
I have news from my father. In
Samarkand he's with his uncle.
Tell Papa everything
you've seen here.
Don't embellish the good and
don't exaggerate the bad.
I ask you a favor.
Don't mention my pain to him.
I understand. I've given
instructions to the ambassadors,
because I'm not going with the caravan.
I'd stay in China. - Why?
For the philosophy or the beauty?
- For you, Kublai Khan.
Your wisdom is immense
and I want you to teach me.
I would only teach you
boring things.
What would you give me
if you were my father?
I'd let you
have fun.
THE CARAVAN SET OFF
TOWARD THE WESCARRYING MESSAGES OF PEACE
FROM CHINA TO THE WESWHICH WOULD TAKE MUCH
TIME TO FULFILL.
FORGETTING THE ADVENTURES,
DANGERS AND BEAUTIES,
MARCO, WHO AT THE SAME TIME
DISCOVERED WISDOM AND LOVE,
ASKED TO STAY IN CHINA.
HE STAYED FOR 17 YEARS, AND WHEN
HE RETURNED HOME
AND TRIED TO TELL
HIS ADVENTURES,
NO ONE BELIEVED HIM.
HE WAS THROWN INTO PRISON,
WHERE, WITH A SMILE,
HE TOLD THIS STORY
WHICH WE HAVE JUSTOLD YOU.
by Mohamed Aly
THE FANTASTIC ADVENTURES
OF MARCO POLO
As Kublai Khan:
In the other roles:
THIS STORY BEGINS LIKE A FAIRY TALE.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE
AN OLD, WISE JEW
WHO WANTED TO
PASS ON HIS WISDOM
TO A FINE YOUNG MAN.
Look over there.
Like an anthill!
Carpenters are building ships.
The people of Venice and the sailors
are hostile toward them.
Do you know why? - The ships
they build don't look like the old ones.
This way of joining
the wood is a real revolution.
Things change and will keep changing. - Not for me.
Yesterday I was at the port,
next to the shipyard.
When I got back, I carved
the date: May 12, 1271.
I have the feeling this century
is dying. - It's about time! It's old!
And what are you doing? Instead
of listening to your old teacher,
you're throwing darts. You're having fun
throwing that dart.
Marco, be serious. Believe me,
people are changing the world now.
You're not even listening to me. I've wasted
several years
trying to pass on
my wisdom to you
and make a man of you. You're still a child.
I'm not a child, I'm furious
at the injustice of the spiteful!
Your father's ship will soon
arrive full of gold.
Don't listen to others. - How? Everyone in Venice thinks
that my father has gone bankrupt,
maybe even dead!
If that's true, I'm nobody
and nothing! - You're Marco Polo.
Venice is not the world. - Do you know
that the banker Spinelo
said the other day that he lent
money to my father?
Let him talk! - I won't let anyone
insult my father!
I don't know what the heck, but
this I can do! - Look!
Look how much I love you.
This notch on my astrolabe
marks the position of the stars
at the moment you were born.
What do the heavens predict for me?
- I've told you a hundred times.
Glory and prison... But it's
better to start with glory.
Where are you going? - Not to glory, that's for sure. Maybe to prison.
I'll play a game of chess with Spinelo
and teach his bankers
that the world isn't made up of bookkeeping alone!
Be careful, Marco.
Good day, Mr. Spinelo. - Good day.
Have you heard the news?
A ship has been sighted approaching Venice.
A ship just like the San Marco, loaded with gold.
Don't make me laugh. - And if the San Marco sails in tomorrow
loaded with spices, Persian carpets and Chinese silk?
You won't be laughing then! - Listen, Marco.
I have a thousand reasons to look forward to that too.
But, unfortunately, I think you're wrong.
BUT A DOT SOON APPEARED ON THE SEA,
AND THEN A SHIP RACING TOWARD VENICE UNDER FULL SAIL.
IT WAS THE SAN MARCO, THE SHIP OF MARCO'S FATHER AND UNCLE.
MARCO FINALLY MET HIS OWN,
BUT HE WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY REVEAL THE WORLD AS HE HAD HOPED.
THE BYZANTINES HAD TAKEN THEIR CARGO,
THEN AT WAR WITH VENICE,
AND THE SAILORS RETURNED WITHOUT ANYTHING.
POLITICAL GAMES AND WARS CATCH EVERYONE,
ONLY THEY DON'T ALL PAY THE SAME PRICE.
TWO BROTHERS PUSHED TO THE SAME END OF THE TABLE
ARE ATTACKED FROM ALL SIDES.
I know that our word means nothing to you.
Venetian merchants don't know what honor is.
Forgive us, we carry an important message for the Pope.
It concerns the future of the world and of Christianity.
Don't change the subject. I'm not interested in the future of the world,
but in the 250 thousand ducats you owe us.
I propose that the Polo bankruptcy be declared publicly.
Their ship's hold is empty. How will they repay the ducats?
THEN, SUDDENLY,
THE POLOS' LIVES TOOK AN UNEXPECTED TURN.
THE SPINELLO BECAME ANGRY
AND DEMANDED THEIR GOLD.
I heard a new Pope has been elected, Gregory. - We're saved!
Unless his robes have changed him. - He's right.
He was your friend, but maybe power has changed him.
Take this bag of gold, let it be on us.
Deliver the Emperor's message to the Pope. If the fate of the world is changing,
why not seize the best positions? - Such chances are rare.
So hurry. - We won't forget this.
Everything will be fine.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
He was our friend when he was a bishop, but now he's the Pope!
The same man who once held Marco in his lap.
I was checking what material the robe is made of.
While we were sailing the seas,
it seems you were only interested in girls.
That's nothing new. It was like that before.
But it's not that I'm only interested in that.
Either way, that isn't becoming of a young man like him.
I don't doubt the Polos' sincerity,
but I think they are naive. - My secretary believes
that the Chinese emperor is preparing for war against the Christian world.
I assure you that Kublai Khan wants peace.
His message to the Holy Father proves it.
A message meant to lull us to sleep while he prepares for war.
We also have information from China.
It's true that there are those who want war,
but the emperor strongly opposes it.
He asks that we send missionaries who would spread our faith there.
A trap, Father!
We believe Kublai Khan is opposed to war
and this is shown by his request for our missionaries.
We will send them to him.
It is very important that the emperor become acquainted with our civilization.
You know Kublai Khan and enjoy his trust.
You will carry our message of hope to him.
Priests will go with you, and let Marco go too.
Why Marco?
THE POPE WANTED TO SEE MARCO.
WHAT WAS THE MAN THINKING
WHOM EVERYONE CONSIDERED
VERY WISE.
THE CHINESE EMPEROR IN A LETTER
REQUESTED THAT HE SEND
A WISE MAN WHO WOULD ACQUAINT HIM
WITH THE WEST AND THE FAITH.
THE POPE KNEW THAT IN
ROME THERE WAS NO WISE MAN,
BUT WHEN HE SAW
MARCO'S YOUTH AND BEAUTY,
HE THOUGHT, IF THERE ARE NO
HUNDRED WISE MEN,
WHY NOT SEND A YOUNG MAN,
THE BRAVEST AND THE FINEST.
Me?
- You.
LOOKING AT MARCO, THE POPE
THOUGHT HOW
YOUTH AND BEAUTY ARE GOD'S
SMILE ON EARTH
AND HOW WISDOM SOMETIMES
DOESN'T HAVE EQUAL POWER.
Aren't you scared of leaving?
- I'm never scared of anything.
THE PARTING OF A YOUNG MAN WHO
SETS OFF ON AN ADVENTURE
IS JOYFUL LIKE A REUNION.
Guess who!
- Marco!
How long are you staying?
- Ten, fifteen years!
Where have you been?
You know we're in a hurry!
I had to say goodbye
to my professor.
A BEAUTIFUL DAY DAWNS ON THE SEA.
IT IS NOVEMBER 1271,
POPE GREGORY'S DECISION CHANGES
THE LIFE OF A 20-YEAR-OLD.
MARCO'S LIFE TAKES
A COMPLETELY NEW DIRECTION.
THE FIRST STAGE WAS MEANTO BE SIMPLE.
Your last journey was a success,
so you're back again.
Luck is on your side!
- I'm looking for camels and horses!
Today I happen to have the best
camels and horses!
BUT RUMORS ABOUT THIS
UNUSUAL CARAVAN
HAD SPREAD ACROSS THE ORIENT.
THE POPE'S ENVOYS
HAD ALREADY BEEN SPIED ON
AT THE START OF THE JOURNEY TO CHINA.
Go in peace.
- Don't worry.
AS THE CARAVAN SLOWLY
RODE TOWARD SAMARKAND,
MARCO AND HIS COMPANIONS
WENT THEIR OWN WAY,
TO MEET A PRIEST TRAVELING
FROM JERUSALEM
AND CARRYING A SACRED RELIC FOR THEM,
a SYMBOL OF FAITH.
THE POPE BELIEVED THIS MOVE
WOULD TOUCH THE EMPEROR.
Merchants who think only of their business, you old priest
and this young fool! Does the Pope really think he can conquer China like this?
Jesus was alone, and his followers were poor...
But they didn't give up even halfway!
If we have to die, we'll die. Right?
TWO MONKS WATCHED AS MARCO
FORGETS THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS MISSION BECAUSE OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN
AND QUESTIONS THE WISDOM OF THE HOLY FATHER WHO CHOSE HIM.
THE CARAVAN WAS GUARDED BY THE BOLD
AND BRAVE ARAB ALAU, WHO HAD ALREADY MET POLO BEFORE.
Out! Get out!
Who allowed you
to burst into my tent during the holy midday rest? - Nicolo Polo is coming!
Nicolo? My friend and brother? Why didn't you say so?
Tell everyone we're throwing a big celebration tonight!
You're leaving again? - Don't be angry. Nicolo Polo is like a brother to me.
I have a husband I never see! - What?!
Every Friday evening I'm with you. Isn't that proof of love?
If you loved me, you'd have sent away all the other women.
Oh, I keep them out of family tradition. I love only you.
My father had three wives, and Uncle Abdul had only two.
And you have 36!
Tradition! - I'd prefer that you gave up your tradition.
IT WAS NOT ONLY THE SMILES OF BEAUTIFUL WOMEN
THAT SLOWED MARCO'S JOURNEY.
IN THIS PART OF THE ORIENA BRUTAL WAR WAS RAGING.
A MYSTERIOUS MAN WHO CALLED HIMSELF THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN
SPREAD TERROR.
HE QUICKLY LEARNED OF MARCO'S ARRIVAL.
Are you Venetians?
We are merchants.
The Old Man of the Mountain offers you hospitality.
The Old Man of the Mountain?! That's just a legend. - See for yourselves.
Thank you for the invitation, but we're in a hurry.
Maybe when we return. - You passed through the village
Come on! The way is clear!
We'd better ride!
Pig!
- Don't provoke me!
At a moment like this,
it takes courage not to have honor.
And are you willing to give
your life for Christ, they say?
You must accept
our challenge. - I challenge you!
Surround him, but remember that
the master wants to see him alive!
Why don't you attack me yourself?
- You're overdoing it!
Cowards! Come on!
Let him go!
- Bode, Marko!
You were right,
recklessness isn't courage.
Didn't you dream
of giving your life for Christ?
I'm so glad
to see you!
Brother, you seem worried. Aren't you
happy to see me?
We were supposed to
meet here with Marko.
He'll come this evening. My
guards are all over the desert.
Let's refresh ourselves.
Shall I send horsemen
to search for Marko?
With him, you'll be able
to continue on your way as early as tomorrow.
You know Marko. He
always manages.
Nothing bad can happen to your son here. Eat!
I have prepared a feast
in your honor.
An alliance with Kublai Khan
would bring peace to the whole world.
Yes, your mission
is very important.
It can change
the fate of mankind.
It will mark the beginning of an era
of peace for all people...
The coming together of Asia and the West...
Ideological and cultural changes,
the translation of important
philosophical works,
strengthening of trade ties...
- Yes, yes...
Go on, please.
THE PALACE OF THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN
IS CARVED INTO THE ROCK.
IT WAS OVERGROWN AND
GLOOMY, BUT FULL OF RICHES,
PRECIOUS ANIMALS AND WEAPONS,
WITH A MAGNIFICENT LIBRARY
AND BEAUTIFUL GIRLS.
HERE YOUNG WARRIORS UNDERWENHARSH AND CRUEL TRAINING.
THOSE WHO SURVIVED HER
WERE TRAINED IN CRUELTY
AND BECAME
RUTHLESS KILLERS.
PEOPLE SAY THAT THIS EVIL MAN
HAS NEITHER NAME NOR AGE, AND WILL NEVER DIE...
HIS GOLDEN MASK
WAS HIS ONLY FACE.
HE REMOVED IT ONLY IN FRONT OF
THOSE WHO WERE ABOUT TO DIE.
HE WILL CHOOSE A MAN WHO
WILL REPLACE HIM AFTER HIS DEATH
AND BECOME THE ABSOLUTE RULER
OF HIS TERRITORIES.
Aristotle? Plato? You said
he is the lord of darkness and evil?
I've heard stories about him.
A person who reads this
cannot be a sinner.
Every person finds their own truth
in books.
He will learn that.
Who are you hiding from?
Show your face.
You'll regret that wish of yours.
There are many ways
to go down the stairs,
but only one
to reach Paradise.
You have such an ordinary face...
People like you appeal to me a lot. - But I hate them!
I would be glad
if you stayed with me
and turned your hatred
into true friendship.
Do I appeal to you too?
If you want my friendship,
let him go. - That saint?
The keeper of your faith and conscience?
Watch your saint, and soon
you'll be grateful to me
for what I am about to do.
The old man will prove to you that
the faith forced upon someone
while they were a child is a mere illusion.
He'll do it because he loves you so much. - Let him love me less.
This Christian who boasts
of having such spiritual strength
that from a piece of bread
he can make the Body of God...
Soon he will be freed
from that faith.
Faith is an illusion!
Pray! With a little pain,
the faith will vanish too!
To touch a hair on his head,
you'll have to kill me!
No! The bells will ring
for his Mass!
Christians love to hear the church bells, don't they?
Stop!
Stop!
Now I'll show you what's left of your saint's faith.
I'll make him spit on his God.
It'll be quicker and simpler than testing his faith.
Stop!
There's the wrong faith you were raised in.
You've taught me one thing... I'm grateful to you.
You taught me to love my brothers in Christ.
Soon you'll have a chance to prove that love.
Enjoy this moment, because you're really nobody and nothing!
They'll remember you like beasts, evil and cruel,
once our faith rules the world.
I haven't convinced him yet. We'll have to teach him
how to reach Paradise, even though he doesn't deserve it.
He won't live to become one of "yours".
We've talked enough. Our night is short.
It's a pity you're leaving so soon, but I expect
you'll visit me on your way back. - Certainly.
Thank you for everything.
Sleep well, friend, and don't worry about your son!
Devil! Scoundrel!
Do you think you've won? You're wrong!
I want to die! - Don't, calm down.
You've endured terrible torment. Your courage has amazed me.
I owe you a great deal,
because thanks to you I found faith. - Son, now I'm less afraid...
Prepare 15 horsemen for me and saddle my horse.
Tell the Polos that Marko will catch up with them in a few days.
Prince Najam entrusted me with five bags of gold
to stop
five Christians who set out for Kublai Khan.
Let me stop them! - If you wish.
Friend, I give you one of my most beautiful flowers.
I know how much Hamed loves flowers.
Do you like it?
I have something else. I know how much you love animals.
Do you like it? What a nice exchange of gifts.
It's a sign of our mutual trust.
It's hard to fully trust a friend
whose face you've never seen.
As a sign of friendship, I suggest you reveal it.
For the sake of our friendship, I won't. Whoever sees my face dies.
And your killers? You show them your face?
They die when I decide!
And women? Don't you take off your mask to love them?
You know how much it would pain me to lose the ones I love?
Would you like me to take off my mask? Mask?!
Did I ask you for that? No!
Wait for me here!
My dear desert man! And you, mountain man!
Sorrow disappears from my eyes when I see you.
Friend, how are you? I mustn't joke around.
The desert wind has brought me wonderful brides.
Why doesn't that wind blow in my direction?
I'm bored here, up above.
I want to see those voluptuous women...
Tell me about your most beautiful wife.
I'll describe Jasmine's beauty to you, my favorite woman.
But first take off your mask. We're alone. Yes.
You're the only one who has seen my face and didn't die immediately.
I feel as if I were naked. I know you enjoy the flesh,
but must you wear a mask for that?
You think people would tremble before a face like mine?
This figure is immortal... But enough about that...
Don't keep me waiting. Yes. Shall we start with the feet or the face?
As you wish... Well, the feet!
Her feet are perfect.
I could compose songs about every single toe.
Slender ankles, legs of perfect lines.
And when you look up...
Divine curves! Hills and valleys!
When her lips part to offer a fiery kiss...
When you touch her velvet skin,
your whole body trembles with desire,
and your senses sing a hymn to love.
Her eyes are two stars shining in an ocean of love
and showing the way to a lost fisherman.
Come to me, my beloved!
Come!
Now release Marco at once. - No!
You've ruined my most beautiful vision. How cruel you are!
We agreed that you wouldn't attack the caravans
that I trade with. - Marco Polo isn't a merchant,
but a Christian messenger. - I don't care!
His caravan is under my protection! Let him go!
It isn't in our interest for him to reach Kublai Khan.
Let him fight it out with the Christians. - I want Marco, period!
On one side, the Christians;
on the other, the Mongols.
There will be fighting over the promised land.
We've suffered enough from the Jews for two thousand years!
We're threatened by the Christian Jews from the west
and the Jews from the east! Just imagine if there were yellow Jews too!
Old Li, I know well about your deals with the Mongols
and how well they paid for your services. - A few gifts...
Alau, today you've hurt me deeply several times.
I'm afraid I'll have to do it again. - Again? Will it hurt?
Remember the dagger studded with jewels that I gave you,
the one the whole desert knows about? - It was a gift from the heart.
If you don't give me Marco,
this famous dagger will end up in the chest of Hamed, Prince Najam's envoy.
That wouldn't be good for you. - Nor for Hamed.
Kill him if you want, just not with my dagger, I beg you.
You know this mask will be yours after my death,
because I've chosen you as heir to my kingdom.
I already have a kingdom. I want Marco Polo!
And so he won't doubt it, I'll bring Marco to you right away.
My spiritual father!
MARCO, WHOM THE OLD MAN FROM THE MOUNTAIN HAD DRUGGED,
HAD BECOME A MERE TOOL IN HIS HANDS.
BUT THE OLD MAN DID NOT KNOW
THAT THE YOUNG VENETIAN CARRIED A SECRET POWDER.
Kill Alau with that dagger before he leaves the palace.
Before he leaves the palace!
Before he leaves the palace...
The horses are waiting for us outside. - You go first.
When Prince Najam and the
Mongol generals find out how you betrayed them, you won't get any help.
You don't believe me? Everything will happen just as I predicted.
You said you only reveal your face to those condemned to death! - Yes.
Alau has seen your face! - How do you know?
I saw everything and heard your conversation!
So I can show you my face too, dear brother.
It's a shame to lose a brother!
To the horses! Catch them!
We just outran them, Marco! - Until you arrived,
I thought the Old Man would send me to Paradise!
Thank you for everything! - I enjoyed it very much.
May I show you the beauties of my country? - I accept.
I won't forget that when I return from China.
I must join my father's caravan.
On a good horse you'll catch up with them by tomorrow.
The shortest route goes this way. - Which direction? - West.
Look. Your father and uncle are somewhere around here now.
Go west. When you reach the crossroads, take the left.
But the other road is shorter. - It's much more dangerous.
It's better that he takes the left road.
My lord, he has gone.
Show him the way!
MARCO DID NOT WAIT FOR A GUIDE AND SET OFF ON THE WRONG ROAD.
BLINDED BY THE IDEA OF REACHING THE WEST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,
HE GOT LOST IN THE DESERT.
BEYOND THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE, A FEW KILOMETERS AWAY,
THE CARAVAN WAS PASSING, NOT KNOWING THAT MARCO WAS THERE.
THIS GROUP OF HORSEMEN WAS MONGOLIAN.
THE MAN THEY WERE LOOKING FOR WAS HUNTED LIKE A STRAY BEAST.
HE CARRIED A MESSAGE OF PEACE THAT ONE MAN HAD SENT TO ANOTHER,
AND FROM FAR AWAY A DECREE HAD ARRIVED
TO CAPTURE AND KILL HIM.
What are you playing, kids? - Good day, merchant. We have a coin.
ONE DAY IN A VILLAGE, MARCO FOUND A SIGN.
Who gave you this? - One night two merchants stayed here.
Where did they go? - Toward Samarkand.
You have nice boots.
Take the coin. Thank you.
Good day. I heard that two foreigners passed this way.
Where did they go? - That was two days ago.
They came from the west. They went east, toward Samarkand.
Did any foreigner pass this way? - No.
IN THIS PLACE AT THE END OF THE WORLD,
WHERE EVEN THE MOST CAPABLE AMBASSADORS WOULD BE LOST,
MARCO'S BEAUTY AND YOUTH TOUCHED THE HEAROF A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO SAVE HIM.
WHAT CAN THE MIGHTIEST ARMY IN THE WORLD DO
AGAINST A GIRL WHO HAS RESOLVED TO SAVE HER BELOVED?
Marco, and me?
Why are you following me? - I'm going with you. Don't drive me away.
Let me go. I'll show you the way to Samarkand.
TARA LEFT HER TRIBE
AND DECIDED TO ACCOMPANY MARCO TO SAMARKAND.
A MESSAGE OF CHRISTENDOM INTENDED FOR THE MIGHTIEST RULER IN THE WORLD
BY THE TURN OF FATE FELL INTO THE HANDS OF A LOVESTRUCK GIRL.
SAMARKAND, THE CROSSROADS OF ALL PEOPLES AND ROADS...
THE CARAVAN OF THE POLOS HAD TO PASS THROUGH HERE.
MARCO HAS FINALLY HAD THE CHANCE TO FIND HIS OWN.
BUT AT THIS GREAT CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD,
WHERE THOSE WHO CARRY SECRETS AND GOLD MEET,
THERE ARE ALWAYS CUNNING BEAUTIES WHO WORK FOR SOMEONE.
The Venetian must not continue his journey.
That is the order of Prince Nayan!
THE GIRL WITH THE WHIP, LET'S CALL HER THAT, GOA LOT OF MONEY FROM THE MONGOLS FOR HER SERVICES.
You're coming from Venice? - Yes...
HERE, TWO MONKS WOULD ONCE AGAIN ASK
WASN'T THE POPE TOO CAREless IN ENTRUSTING THIS TASK TO MARCO?
Marco Polo... I like your name.
I've decided. I'm going with you to Venice.
Don't laugh! When I decide something, I do it!
I'm not going to Venice, but to China. - You think so?
In winter you won't manage to cross the Gobi Desert.
No guide will want to take you.
I have to reach Kublai Khan.
Why risk your life just to see him?
Some questions aren't easy to answer.
Your father is here!
There he is, down below!
Father!
No, at this time of year the desert means death,
and I love my horses. I don't want them to suffer.
You won't be our guide? - No.
And if I double the number of animals and the amount of provisions?
How much is a horse? - I'm not selling.
So?
I'm tripling the price.
How much do you want? - I won't take anything.
We don't need a guide to cross the desert.
We were born here. If a stranger wants to continue the journey,
he can only go along with us. - You think there's no danger?
Danger is always around us, but a real man
is not stopped by danger or winter from setting out.
Excellent. We'll go with you.
MARCO FELL INTO THE TRAP, AND THE GIRL WITH THE WHIP KNEW IT.
NOW TWO MONKS WOULD ADMIT THAT THE POPE WISELY DECIDED
TO SEND A HANDSOME YOUNG MAN, BECAUSE THAT BEAUTY
The girl with the sword
awoke the desire
to save Marko
from certain death.
Why have you been following me?
What do you want? - You'll find out.
What's going on? - The horses are
over there. Let's go, Marko.
Just you and me? - I already told you
that's not possible.
Don't be a child. Go back
to Samarkand.
You knew what would happen!
You're with them!
I saved your life.
- I'd kill you! - Then kill me.
Where's your horse?
Even the greatest sinners
sometimes truly fall in love
and so they make up for all
their sins
and gain precedence on
their path to heaven.
Yet another desert,
worse than the one before,
appeared before Marko.
Marko was not alone.
The Mongol horsemen set out
in search of him.
Desolation around him...
an icy trap...
Eyes full of death, he turned
from a boy into a man.
If he manages to save his life,
it will be another girl and a pleasure,
but he knows that in life
one must do something even more
besides pleasure. He has a goal
that he must achieve.
Having crossed the desert, Marko
had sadly grown weary
at the gates of China.
But the kind people who live
on this mountain
found him.
Where am I?
- At the border of China.
We've been expecting you for a long time.
The links of evil and good
as if they had crossed.
The advocates of peace,
among whom the emperor also stood,
wished to hear his message.
The Chinese emperor Kublai Khan
was of Mongol origin.
His unbridled warriors, far from him,
were still spreading terror
among the Chinese population.
Wise Kublai Khan realized that,
becoming the Chinese emperor,
he would cease to be
the Mongol ruler.
He decided to marry
a Chinese princess
AND HE ALSO ADDS THE KINGDOM
AND SHOWS EVERYONE HIS WISH
TO MERGE WITH
THIS ANCIENT PEOPLE.
NOBLEWOMEN FROM ALL OVER CHINA
SET OFF TOWARD THE COURT.
ONE OF THEM WAS PASSING
BY THE MONASTERY.
THE MONKS DECIDED THAT,
FOR MARCO'S SAFETY,
HE SHOULD CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
TO THE SUMMER PALACE WITH HER.
You did this? It's beautiful. - The Mongols have left.
PRINCE NAJAM, THE EMPEROR'S SON, BUT ALSO
THE LEADER OF THE MONGOL FACTION,
AMUSED HIMSELF WITH HIS
FAVORITE GAME:
CUTTING OFF
SCARECROWS' HEADS.
HE HAD JUST ORDERED THAT THE JOURNEY
TO THE SOUTH
MUST BE STOPPED. HE BELIEVED
THAT MONGOL CONQUESTS
MUST NOT STOP, AND
THAT THEY SHOULD BE EXPANDED
TO OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD too.
Guards! - What are you doing?
Have you lost your mind?
I am an envoy of the Holy Father.
I have a message for the emperor.
Is this man from the
princess's escort? - No.
Take him away!
- What are you doing?
What's going on? - Some
stranger dared
to address the princess.
Should my soldiers return the rice
they seized to the Chinese?! Nonsense!
And the peasants too!
- Them or us! And we are stronger!
Let the emperor pass his judgment now
that he has heard the truth about the Mongols.
Pardon? - My generals
are telling the truth!
Excuse me, I wasn't listening
to what you were saying.
We've been explaining it
to you for hours.
Yes, your racket has
woken up my cat.
Then I'll speak quietly,
but whether quietly or loudly,
the emperor should know that the Mongols
will not return the rice
that they conquered in war!
Share, not return.
I am the Emperor of China
and the rice belongs to the Chinese
as much as it does to the Mongols.
Whoever does not understand the emperor's words
is not fulfilling his duty.
Our supplies will run out
in three weeks.
We can fight
in the west
so that we can feed the Chinese.
- Attack!
The wars would last
for generations.
If we manage to live here,
our children and their children
will live in peace. That is the greatest
ideal, even for warriors.
Welcome, Prince Najam,
who has finally decided
to give up his horses.
For me, caring for horses
is a matter of state.
It's hard for a Mongol
to think like a Chinese man.
Yes, my head has become
Chinese, but my legs haven't.
Will the emperor listen
to the advice of his head or his legs?
The emperor can do both. Return to your provinces
and tell the people that I
have chosen peace.
Today the emperor will give you
a Chinese woman as your wife.
This is really tiresome.
- You'll get used to it.
One day you'll
become emperor.
When I'm emperor,
I won't listen to anyone.
Every man, even an emperor,
can make mistakes.
Your Majesty,
the princesses are waiting for you.
When are you going to get married?
Chinese women are too
civilized.
I prefer wild Mongol women.
- The Mongol woman who gave birth to you
was not wild. Stay by my side
while I choose a wife.
I'll spend time with the generals and
practice my diplomacy.
Your exceptional beauty
makes the emperor's choice easier.
Your exceptional beauty
will make the emperor's choice difficult.
Your exceptional beauty...
Who chose her?
Come closer.
You're still a child.
- I'll turn 16 soon.
Sorry, but it wouldn't be right
for the emperor to marry
such a fragile and
young person.
I don't want to marry the
emperor. - Why? You don't like me?
It's not that. - Then what? - You're
a khan and I'm afraid of you...
Besides, I love someone else. - Someone else?
Because of that, I could have you killed.
- But I love him!
Your life hangs by a thread!
- What is my life without him.
And he is in danger.
Only the Emperor can help him. He's coming from the far west.
His name is Marco Polo. His caravan was attacked... - Polo brothers?
No, Your Majesty. Marco is alone. He's in a dungeon.
Mongol horsemen attacked his caravan.
He managed to escape them. Free him, Your Majesty.
Mongols?
Free Marco Polo. Immediately!
It seems the choice was a bad one.
Mongol horsemen attacked the caravan from the west.
They are soldiers, not bandits.
Which of you is responsible for this attack? - Who is accusing us?
I am. - Why us?
You are the best informed about everything that's happening
in our country. - Father, you are being unfair.
You are Polo? - Marco Polo.
Do you know Nicolo? - I am his son.
Tell me about your father. - You are Kublai Khan?
Where is your father? - The Mongols who were escorting us from Samarkand
attacked us. - Why?
They weren't the only ones. Many have attacked us.
My father and uncle were captured, I escaped.
My task is to deliver the Pope's message to you
even at the cost of my life.
The future of the world depends on it, because it is a message of peace.
Two monks who were with me
were killed even before Samarkand.
It was important that one of us reach you.
What nonsense!
Your Highness, I feel unworthy to be the one
to deliver the Pope's message.
You entrusted my father with a message for the Pope,
and he replied: "Peace to all the people of the world!"
Don't be fooled. They are arming for war! - The Pope despises lies!
Everyone lies to get what they want!
I believe the Pope's words.
I trust Nicolo and his son.
And your son?
- Should I?
Should I?
Why did you stay? - We
can't leave you alone
among so many Chinese, and
with just one Christian!
I'll send horsemen
to find your father.
I've delivered the Pope's message;
my mission is complete.
It is a son's duty
to seek his father.
I won't let you go.
Lately I've been
dreaming often
that someone will kill me in my sleep.
In all the lands
I've travelled through,
I've seen nothing but violence.
If the spiritual rulers of East
and West don't reach an agreement,
what will happen? Why is there so much hatred?
Why is it so hard for people
to live in peace?
In battle, a man knows
what his task is,
but in peace he is not sure. He wants to
eat. He wants happiness, love...
The possibility of choice
creates confusion.
In war, a man has two
choices:
to kill or be killed.
Is there no hope that
man will change in the future?
He does.
I think you know each other.
Yes.
I've only seen him once.
And yet you love him? How is that
possible? - I was protecting him.
But you don't know him.
- I'm guessing.
Astrologers study
the stars, people study laws,
but the heart follows only its own path.
In the year of the dragon,
the year of the emperor's birth,
the great Kublai Khan will unite
with the Chinese people
by marrying a Chinese woman.
May China know peace
for a hundred years
and may his new empress
bear him a hundred children.
What will he do? - By the
color she chooses,
we'll know which
princess he has picked.
A princess from the Yunnan province has been chosen.
Let's use the moment of fun
to attack the palace.
You're crazy! Do you expect me
to kill my own father?
Sooner or later, all sons inherit
their fathers' thrones. Now it's your turn.
Do it while there's still
something left of us.
If you take the throne today,
we go to war tomorrow!
I can't. I have to
talk to my father.
Be careful. He's an old fox.
You're having fun? - Unbelievable!
What is this from?
How does it make so much noise?
- It's secret powder.
Come on, have some fun.
This toy could become
dangerous. - It bothers me too.
Being empress isn't hard. You
just have to bow gracefully.
The Mongol troops
are getting ready to attack.
There are few of us. We need
to use the magic powder!
Do it.
What are they doing?
- It's war!
Are you coming to me as an enemy,
or as a son? - As a son.
I want to apologize
for my behavior this morning.
But as commander-in-chief,
I am giving you an ultimatum.
I accept your son's
apology,
and as for the ultimatum,
the strength is on your side.
I command
the Mongol cavalry,
and the palace is guarded only
by Chinese soldiers. - You're overthrowing your father?
This is not a meeting of father
and son, but of emperor and commander.
I obey my commander.
If by dawn you don't choose
war, I will remove you from the throne.
The throne is not decisive. My
cat sits on it,
but it doesn't call itself emperor.
If you want the throne to
feed the hunger of 200 million souls,
I am ready
to abdicate.
But if you want
the throne to wage war,
you will have to take it from me.
Where have you come from, Father?
You never used to cry.
Why don't you attack right away?
- War has never brought anyone good.
We are warriors.
- We were nomads.
We had no home, nor
land to grow rice on.
We were forced
to go to war.
But now we have a roof
over our heads, land.
Times have changed.
- You have changed!
Trust me, and I'll teach you
everything as emperor and as father.
Control your passions and learn
to wait. And trust your father...
We've waited long enough!
We can't anymore.
As a son, I ask
for one favor. - Speak.
That you think about
what I've told you
and agree before
sunrise. - I'll think about it.
And I ask you
for understanding
until dawn finds us
as rivals.
Wish your son luck!
EMPEROR KUBLAI KHAN MADE
THE DECISION TO USE
THE POWDER FOR OTHER PURPOSES,
NOT FOR INNOCENT GAMES.
Attack!
The magic powder decided it.
It's not sorcery,
but a terrible weapon.
Use that weapon and
you'll become master of the world.
The caravan is ready
to set off.
With gifts, documents
and ambassadors?
I have news from my father. In
Samarkand he's with his uncle.
Tell Papa everything
you've seen here.
Don't embellish the good and
don't exaggerate the bad.
I ask you a favor.
Don't mention my pain to him.
I understand. I've given
instructions to the ambassadors,
because I'm not going with the caravan.
I'd stay in China. - Why?
For the philosophy or the beauty?
- For you, Kublai Khan.
Your wisdom is immense
and I want you to teach me.
I would only teach you
boring things.
What would you give me
if you were my father?
I'd let you
have fun.
THE CARAVAN SET OFF
TOWARD THE WESCARRYING MESSAGES OF PEACE
FROM CHINA TO THE WESWHICH WOULD TAKE MUCH
TIME TO FULFILL.
FORGETTING THE ADVENTURES,
DANGERS AND BEAUTIES,
MARCO, WHO AT THE SAME TIME
DISCOVERED WISDOM AND LOVE,
ASKED TO STAY IN CHINA.
HE STAYED FOR 17 YEARS, AND WHEN
HE RETURNED HOME
AND TRIED TO TELL
HIS ADVENTURES,
NO ONE BELIEVED HIM.
HE WAS THROWN INTO PRISON,
WHERE, WITH A SMILE,
HE TOLD THIS STORY
WHICH WE HAVE JUSTOLD YOU.
by Mohamed Aly