Inside the Forbidden City (1965): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1965, Inside the Forbidden City is a drama, music and history film directed by Kao Li, running about 103 minutes.

What it’s about. It seems that Li Zhenfei was once an imperial concubine, who often found herself competing with her rival Madame Liu for the emperor's sole, undivided attention. When Li gives birth to the Emperor's child, the jealous Liu switches the boy with a cat and commands a servant named Kou Zhu to kill the baby. However, Kou Zhu ignores the order and gives the prince-to-be to the emperor's brother, a decision which eventually leads to the boy being adopted by the emperor himself! But as fate would have it, to go along with his new son, the emperor has a new wife as well - Madame Liu! As this strange new family unit is being constructed, poor Li Zhenfei has been confined to the forbidden palace, condemned to never see or speak to her son, the prince. But destiny reunites her with her son, but will this family reunion be a happy one? And will Madame Liu finally be punished for her treachery?

Who’s in it. Inside the Forbidden City stars Ivy Ling Po as Kou Zhu, Ching Miao as Judge Bao Zheng, Chin Feng as Emperor and Kao Pao-shu as Empress Liu, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Inside the Forbidden City page.

If you liked it. Fans of Inside the Forbidden City tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.