Marco Polo is a Netflix Original series that premiered in 2014, inspired by the travels of the Venetian explorer in the 13th-century Mongol Empire. With a lavish budget and ambitions to rival Game of Thrones, it blends history, myth, and martial arts into a sweeping Eastern epic.
Production
- Created by: John Fusco
- Produced by: The Weinstein Company for Netflix
- Budget: Estimated at $90 million for Season 1, making it one of Netflix’s most expensive early originals.
- Filming locations: Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Hungary, and Slovakia, featuring meticulously crafted sets that recreate the Mongol Empire and Silk Road cultures.
Plot Summary
Season 1 begins with Marco Polo being left as a political hostage at the court of Kublai Khan, ruler of the Mongol Empire. Marco is swiftly drawn into the ruthless politics, warfare, and spiritual traditions of the East.
The series explores:
- Kublai Khan’s ambition to conquer China’s Song Dynasty
- Power struggles within the Mongol court
- Marco’s transformation from a naive European merchant to a trusted advisor
The narrative unfolds through palace intrigue, large-scale battles, betrayals, and mystical elements, such as the legendary monk-warrior Hundred Eyes.
Main Cast
- Lorenzo Richelmy as Marco Polo
- Benedict Wong as Kublai Khan (a standout performance)
- Joan Chen as Empress Chabi
- Remy Hii as Prince Jingim
- Tom Wu as Hundred Eyes (the blind monk-warrior)
- Michelle Yeoh as Lotus (Season 2)
- Zhu Zhu as Kokachin (the Blue Princess)
Series Overview
- Seasons: 2
- Episodes: 20 (10 per season)
- Mini-special: Marco Polo: One Hundred Eyes (a standalone prequel episode)
- Tone: Serious and cinematic, blending wuxia (Chinese martial arts drama) with political intrigue
While the first season builds gradually, Season 2 intensifies the conflicts and character arcs, particularly with Michelle Yeoh’s introduction and expanded subplots involving rebellion, loyalty, and identity.
Combat and Choreography
The fight sequences are a major highlight, combining Mongol battlefield realism with stylised martial arts. Notable styles include:
- Katana-style duels with Chinese and Japanese influences
- Mongol sabre combat
- Hundred Eyes’ wushu, reminiscent of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
- Realistic siege warfare and brutal hand-to-hand combat
The choreography is precise, fluid, and often visually stunning, particularly in duels featuring Tom Wu and Michelle Yeoh.
Key Scenes
- Hundred Eyes vs. Marco Polo – Training sequences with philosophical depth
- Kublai’s siege of Xiangyang – Large-scale warfare and strategy
- Blind Monk duels – Elegant, emotional, and visually striking
- Season 2 finale battle – A climactic convergence of political and military conflict
Memorable Quotes
- “Patience is the road to wisdom.” – Hundred Eyes
- “A man who does not fight for what he believes in is not a man.” – Kublai Khan
- “All men are dragons in their own way, Marco.” – Empress Chabi
Critical Reception
- Audience reaction: Mixed to positive; praised for its production design and world-building, though criticised for slow pacing and a subdued lead performance.
- Rotten Tomatoes:
- Season 1: ~33% (Critics), ~80% (Audience)
- Season 2: Received stronger praise for character development and action
- Many critics agreed that Benedict Wong, Tom Wu, and Joan Chen delivered the most compelling performances.
Legacy
Though cancelled after two seasons, Marco Polo:
- Helped establish Netflix as a producer of high-budget historical dramas
- Was among the first Western series to explore Asian history and martial arts with cultural depth
- Gained a cult following for its visuals, action sequences, and underrated performances
- Paved the way for future epics like Shogun (2024)
Where to Watch
- Streaming: Netflix (worldwide)
- Special Episode: One Hundred Eyes is also available on Netflix
Watch the trailer:
