Is The Forbidden City Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Forbidden City is likely a skip if you enjoy Romance movies.
It features a runtime of 63 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Forbidden City Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1918, The Forbidden City enters the Romance genre with a narrative focused on The daughter of a Chinese mandarin is sentenced to death for her secret marriage to an American. Under the direction of Sidney Franklin, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Norma Talmadge, Thomas Meighan, E. Alyn Warren. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Forbidden City offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Forbidden City resonates with current cultural themes in the Romance space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, The Forbidden City is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Forbidden City centers on a unique premise within the Romance landscape. The daughter of a Chinese mandarin is sentenced to death for her secret marriage to an American. Their child, raised in the mandarin's palace, grows up and escapes to seek her father, now a high-ranking official in the Philippines. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1918 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Forbidden City has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Forbidden City sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Forbidden City (1918): with an audience rating of 5.7/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Romance, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Forbidden City has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Romance, Drama), viewers should expect romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Forbidden City stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1918 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Forbidden City movie hit or flop?
The Forbidden City has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Forbidden City worth watching?
The Forbidden City is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City is a Romance, Drama movie that The daughter of a Chinese mandarin is sentenced to death for her secret marriage to an American. Their child, raised in the mandarin's palace, grows u...
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Forbidden City movie hit or flop?
The Forbidden City has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Forbidden City worth watching?
The Forbidden City is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Romance, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City is a Romance, Drama movie that The daughter of a Chinese mandarin is sentenced to death for her secret marriage to an American. Their child, raised in the mandarin's palace, grows u...
Is The Forbidden City family friendly?
The Forbidden City is a Romance, Drama movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
Where can I watch The Forbidden City?
You can find streaming options and availability for The Forbidden City on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of The Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie The Forbidden City?
The runtime and duration of The Forbidden City are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
The characterisations here are a bit of a stretch, to be honest. Norma Talmadge is "San San" who is to be a concubine of the Emperor (of China) but who becomes embroiled, and falls in love, with the American Ambassador to the court - "Worden" (Thomas Meighan) with whom she has a child. Needless to say, the Emperor is not best pleased and "San San" is dealt with and the baby "Toy" put out for adoption by a family who disdainfully refer to her as the "American". Talmadge plays both roles, the former a little more plausibly than the latter as the daughter seeks out her father, now a high ranking official in the American-governed Philippines. The story is simple, and probably quite typical of the times when any form of inter-racial relationship was somewhat hypocritically frowned upon. Meighan plays well, he ages well, and his character is decent but the rest of this is heavily staged, badly lit and is a meanderingly paced effort that could have launched the career of ten Max Factor's. The sumptuous court settings of dynastic China have to be presumed as the settings and costumes suggest a very basic budget - even for 1918. It isn't terrible, indeed it is quite ambitious, but for me it felt flat and rather sterile.