The Empress Dowager (1989): cast, story & where to watch
1989 · Film · ★ 6
Released in 1989, The Empress Dowager is a drama and history film directed by Li Han-Hsiang, running about 90 minutes.
What it’s about. Han Hsiang Li's lush epic re-creates the fascinating life and times of Tzu Hsi, the Manchu Qing dynasty empress who rose from the ranks of Emperor Xianfeng's many concubines to become the de facto ruler of China for nearly 50 years.
Who’s in it. The Empress Dowager stars Liu Xiaoqing as Cixi, Gong Li as Guilian, Chen Daoming as Emperor Tongzhi and Tony Leung Ka-fai as Emperor Xian Feng, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, The Empress Dowager has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Empress Dowager page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Empress Dowager tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Empress Dowager (1989)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Empress Dowager change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Empress Dowager worth watching?
- The Empress Dowager holds an audience score of 6.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and history. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Empress Dowager?
- The Empress Dowager stars Liu Xiaoqing, Gong Li, Chen Daoming, Tony Leung Ka-fai and Ye Chen.
- When was The Empress Dowager released?
- The Empress Dowager was released in 1989, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.