Marco Polo

Created by John Fusco and produced by The Weinstein Company, the dynamic and exhilarating series Marco Polo premiered on Netflix in 2014, running for two seasons until 2016. Exploring a world brimming with greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue and rivalry, Marco Polo is a thrilling, gripping tale that blends history and fiction to tell the story of one of the world’s greatest explorers.

The show takes its inspiration from the fortunes and tribulations of the legendary Venetian merchant traveler, Marco Polo, who was one of the first Europeans to travel the Silk Road to China and meet the powerful Kublai Khan. The series seeks to unravel a multilayered narration of Polo's journey to the center of the 13th-century Mongol Empire, all the while exploring his relationship with the enigmatic Mongolian leader.

Anchoring the show is Italian actor Lorenzo Richelmy, who portrays Marco Polo with both youthful exuberance and a sense of intrigued endurance. He is surrounded by a gifted international ensemble cast including Benedict Wong as Kublai Khan, Joan Chen as Empress Chabi, Zhu Zhu as Kokachin (the Blue Princess), and Rick Yune as a Mongolian warrior named Kaidu.

The series kicks-off with a young Marco Polo finding himself in the court of Kublai Khan after his father leaves him behind to repay a debt. Once, an outsider, he soon finds himself drawn into the complex politics, skirmishes, and sexual tension of Khan's court. There, Marco faces several challenges, learns local customs, and picks up fighting skills. He quickly learns the subtleties of the Mongolian political system and discovers that cruelty and delicacy can often come in the same package, and survival is only guaranteed to those who can adapt. He witnesses the Khan's violent quest to become Emperor of the world, whilst keeping an eye on his own survival.

Among its key themes, the show explores politics, identity, loyalty, love, and cultural friction. At its heart, ‘Marco Polo’ is about transformation, discovery and finding one’s place within the tumultuous current of history and circumstance. Moreover, it showcases the beauties and brutalities of the 13th-century eastern world, rendering a rarely touched period of history in vivid, realistic details.

Aside from the lavish storytelling, perhaps the most impressive aspect of Marco Polo is its visual spectacle. From the grandeur of the Mongol palace to the majesty of the eastern landscapes, Marco Polo is a feast for the eyes. Every frame is meticulously crafted, every shot framed with great care and every costume designed to perfection. This approach extends to the captivating action scenes, most of which involve some form of martial arts or swordplay. Moreover, the show's commitment to authenticity reflects vividly. The set designs, costumes, and cinematography reflect their respective cultures beautifully and anchor the series strongly in its historical context.

A remarkably ambitious endeavor for Netflix, Marco Polo encapsulates a significant leap forward in terms of the scale and production value of series content on the streaming platform. It's filmed in various picturesque locations, including Italy, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia; and boasts opulent sets and luxurious costumes, adding a sense of epic scale and authenticity rarely seen on television.

In essence, Marco Polo is an engrossing post-millennial historical show that perfectly marries an intriguing central character with an exotic tapestry beaming with a depth of culture and a full embodiment of eastern aesthetics. It requires a committed viewing, certainly, but rewards viewers with a rich narrative that transports them to the center of a brutal power struggle in a world they've never seen before.

So if you find yourself captivated by political machinations, riveted by tales of the unknown, and drawn to stunning visuals that transport you to another time and place, then Marco Polo is a series that should certainly make your watch list. The show offers a lavish, heady mix of thrilling escapades, compelling performances, and top-notch production values that will keep you ensnared in its fascinating world, episode after episode.