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This is a story that begins
like a fairy tale.
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Once upon a time in Venice,
many years ago,
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00:01:35,541 --> 00:01:39,500
there lived a very wise Jew
and a young handsome nobleman,
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to which the old teacher
tried to pass on his ancient wisdom.
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Those... those ants
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00:01:51,791 --> 00:01:54,250
down there at the end of the lagoon
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are human beings
and they're building a ship.
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00:02:01,208 --> 00:02:04,041
The people here in Venice,
especially sailors,
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00:02:04,291 --> 00:02:08,125
look at them suspiciously,
with hostility. And you know why?
10
00:02:09,333 --> 00:02:13,041
Because those carpenters
are using new construction systems
11
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that nobody has ever seen in Venice.
12
00:02:15,875 --> 00:02:20,291
They learned to tie the planking
of the ship in a new way.
13
00:02:20,541 --> 00:02:24,500
Things are changing, many things
are changing, Marco.
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00:02:24,666 --> 00:02:27,166
Yes, but not for me.
15
00:02:27,375 --> 00:02:32,416
When I returned from the port
where I had observed their work,
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I engraved the date on that window.
May 12, 1271.
17
00:02:37,500 --> 00:02:41,916
On that day I realized
it was the end of an era.
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00:02:42,125 --> 00:02:45,250
- So much the better! It was old.
- And you are young.
19
00:02:45,458 --> 00:02:48,791
While your teacher explains things,
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00:02:49,000 --> 00:02:52,000
what do you do?
You play with your dagger!
21
00:02:52,250 --> 00:02:56,750
An absurd exercise with the only
result of possibly injuring you.
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00:02:57,000 --> 00:03:00,500
Marco, be serious!
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00:03:00,750 --> 00:03:06,041
Listen, and believe me when I say
that man is changing the world.
24
00:03:07,125 --> 00:03:11,625
I wasted my last years
teaching a young boy.
25
00:03:11,833 --> 00:03:16,500
Your father, in leaving for China,
asked me to teach you what I know,
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00:03:16,708 --> 00:03:19,541
and I wasn't successful.
- No, it's not true.
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00:03:19,750 --> 00:03:22,625
The little good there is in me,
I owe to you.
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00:03:22,833 --> 00:03:27,000
I'm no longer a boy and I angrily see
the world slipping from my hands.
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00:03:28,791 --> 00:03:32,125
Even if your father should return
with a ship full of gold,
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00:03:32,333 --> 00:03:36,291
it won't be his riches to give you
the world. You must conquer it!
31
00:03:36,500 --> 00:03:39,791
How? People say that my father
is ruined, that he was lost at sea.
32
00:03:40,000 --> 00:03:45,125
- I am nobody in Venice.
- You're Marco Polo, 20 years old.
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00:03:45,333 --> 00:03:47,625
Venice is not the world.
34
00:03:48,125 --> 00:03:52,000
You know what the banker Spinello
says against us?
35
00:03:52,208 --> 00:03:54,791
- Let him speak.
- I won't!
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00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:59,208
I won't allow anyone to speak badly
of my father. No one!
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00:04:00,500 --> 00:04:02,875
I can't do much,
38
00:04:03,083 --> 00:04:06,416
but I can silence Spinello!
- Look here.
39
00:04:07,000 --> 00:04:11,458
You're the only creature in the world
that I really love.
40
00:04:11,625 --> 00:04:15,166
For you I engraved those notches
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00:04:15,375 --> 00:04:17,916
on my splendid astrolabe.
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00:04:18,125 --> 00:04:22,250
They mark the position
of all the stars in the sky,
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00:04:23,208 --> 00:04:26,708
during the hour of your birth.
- What do the stars predict for me?
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00:04:26,916 --> 00:04:29,375
I told you hundreds of times.
45
00:04:30,416 --> 00:04:33,916
Glory... and prison.
46
00:04:34,916 --> 00:04:37,500
Two things that often
go hand in hand.
47
00:04:37,708 --> 00:04:42,041
But you start with conquering glory.
Where are you going now?
48
00:04:42,291 --> 00:04:45,416
Not to conquer glory,
but maybe to prison.
49
00:04:45,583 --> 00:04:49,125
I'm playing chess with Spinello.
The bankers must understand
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00:04:49,333 --> 00:04:52,875
that other things exist besides
those recorded in their books.
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00:04:53,125 --> 00:04:56,125
- For example, Marco?
- Honor!
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00:05:31,000 --> 00:05:34,041
- Good-day, Mr. Spinello!
- Good-day.
53
00:05:34,250 --> 00:05:36,500
Did you hear the news?
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00:05:36,666 --> 00:05:41,666
At dawn, the Cape Kormakitis lookout
spotted a ship.
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00:05:41,875 --> 00:05:45,500
Its form and mast look like it
could be my father's ship, San Marco.
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00:05:45,666 --> 00:05:48,666
It's racing in front of the wind
with its sails unfurled!
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00:05:48,875 --> 00:05:50,916
Don't make me laugh.
58
00:05:51,125 --> 00:05:54,375
The man who was a lookout
must have been drunk.
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00:05:54,541 --> 00:05:58,583
What if it's true, and the San Marco
docks tomorrow in the lagoon
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00:05:58,791 --> 00:06:02,416
with a precious cargo of perfumes
from Arabia, Persian carpets,
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00:06:02,583 --> 00:06:07,916
and soft silks from China?
I would laugh at you. Right?
62
00:06:08,125 --> 00:06:11,375
My dear boy, if this were true,
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00:06:11,541 --> 00:06:16,416
I'd be the first to be pleased with
all my heart, for a thousand reasons.
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00:06:16,583 --> 00:06:19,666
You understand me!
But believe me,
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00:06:19,875 --> 00:06:23,375
the Cape Kormakitis lookout
is a drunkard.
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00:06:24,541 --> 00:06:27,583
But then, on the horizon,
a small dot appeared.
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00:06:27,791 --> 00:06:31,500
It was far away and as it approached,
it took on the form of a ship
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00:06:31,708 --> 00:06:34,958
with the sails in the wind,
racing towards Venice.
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00:06:35,166 --> 00:06:38,125
It was truly the San Marco
taking back to the mother country
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00:06:38,333 --> 00:06:40,333
Marco's father and uncle.
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00:06:40,500 --> 00:06:44,500
But with his great disappointment,
the holds were empty.
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00:06:44,666 --> 00:06:47,791
The long awaited riches
had not arrived.
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00:06:49,958 --> 00:06:52,500
All the merchandize
from the faraway Orient
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00:06:52,708 --> 00:06:56,958
had been confiscated by Byzantium,
at war with Venice.
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00:06:57,166 --> 00:07:00,458
Niccolò Polo and his brother Matteo
were ruined.
76
00:07:00,625 --> 00:07:04,791
Destiny, politics and war are things
that creditors understand very well,
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00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:08,666
but they aren't reasons
for not being paid.
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00:07:08,875 --> 00:07:12,958
Very soon the two Polo brothers,
sitting at a table,
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00:07:13,166 --> 00:07:17,375
found themselves fighting against
a horde of creditors.
80
00:07:18,500 --> 00:07:22,625
We can only offer you our word.
81
00:07:22,833 --> 00:07:27,500
But I know that for the merchants
of Venice it means nothing.
82
00:07:29,833 --> 00:07:34,750
That envelope that we bring
can only be unsealed by the Pope.
83
00:07:35,500 --> 00:07:39,791
But I can assure you that the proposals
of the Emperor of China
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00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:45,250
can change the entire future
of Christianity.
85
00:07:45,541 --> 00:07:49,500
Let's forget about
the future of Christianity.
86
00:07:49,708 --> 00:07:54,041
And let's talk about
the 250,000 ducats you owe us.
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00:07:55,041 --> 00:07:57,458
Without a doubt you will not pay.
88
00:07:57,625 --> 00:08:00,833
So I ask for confiscation
of all your assets
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00:08:01,083 --> 00:08:05,291
until we see, lined up along
the piers, as much merchandize
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00:08:05,541 --> 00:08:09,875
as it takes to pay your debts.
91
00:08:41,375 --> 00:08:45,500
But it was written that fortune
was to smile again at the Polos.
92
00:08:46,833 --> 00:08:49,750
As you saw,
I didn't say anything,
93
00:08:49,958 --> 00:08:52,625
but I know something
that the others don't know yet.
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00:08:52,833 --> 00:08:58,500
A new pope was elected.
Gregorio of Piacenza.
95
00:08:58,708 --> 00:09:02,250
Gregorio of Piacenza?
Then we are saved!
96
00:09:02,458 --> 00:09:05,166
- If the tiara hasn't changed him.
- That's right,
97
00:09:05,375 --> 00:09:08,375
but Gregorio, before becoming pope,
was your friend.
98
00:09:08,541 --> 00:09:11,500
I don't see why he should deny
his affection now.
99
00:09:11,666 --> 00:09:15,000
Here, take it.
There is some gold for you.
100
00:09:15,208 --> 00:09:20,333
I am sure you'll need it. Take the
message of the emperor to the pope,
101
00:09:20,500 --> 00:09:24,625
and if the Orient opens its door
to us, we'll make excellent deals.
102
00:09:24,833 --> 00:09:28,833
- The mice are getting back on board.
- It is usually an excellent sign.
103
00:09:29,041 --> 00:09:33,250
- Alright. We'll divide it in three.
- Yes, we're good friends.
104
00:09:42,458 --> 00:09:46,833
Let's not get our hopes up too much.
He was our friend as a bishop.
105
00:09:47,041 --> 00:09:50,291
Now we must talk to him as a pope,
and that is very different.
106
00:09:50,500 --> 00:09:53,666
He held Marco on his lap.
He surely hasn't forgotten that.
107
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- You are lovely.
- Thank you.
108
00:09:59,208 --> 00:10:01,875
I am beginning to like this city.
109
00:10:02,083 --> 00:10:04,250
I'm not surprised.
110
00:10:04,458 --> 00:10:09,708
I heard that during my absence
all you did was chase girls.
111
00:10:10,208 --> 00:10:13,208
I don't deny it,
but it's not totally true.
112
00:10:13,416 --> 00:10:16,000
Sometimes I didn't
have to chase them.
113
00:10:16,208 --> 00:10:20,041
Don't kidnap Roman women while your
uncle and I are with His Holiness.
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00:10:27,125 --> 00:10:30,000
I don't doubt the sincerity
of the Polo brothers,
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00:10:30,250 --> 00:10:33,208
but I fear their simplicity.
116
00:10:33,416 --> 00:10:36,583
My advisor is convinced
that the Emperor of China
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is preparing a war
against Christianity.
118
00:10:39,833 --> 00:10:42,958
Father Vincent,
Koublai Khan only wants peace.
119
00:10:43,166 --> 00:10:45,333
His message is proof of this.
120
00:10:45,500 --> 00:10:50,500
He just wants to chase our doubts
away while he prepares war.
121
00:10:52,500 --> 00:10:56,375
We received precise information
of what is happening in China.
122
00:10:56,541 --> 00:10:59,875
There is a faction that's pro war,
but the emperor is blocking it.
123
00:11:00,125 --> 00:11:02,125
He could change his mind.
124
00:11:02,333 --> 00:11:05,875
He asked to send priests
to teach Christianity.
125
00:11:06,083 --> 00:11:09,666
In exchange, he promises help
for liberation of the Holy Sepulcher.
126
00:11:09,875 --> 00:11:12,291
It's a trick, holy Father.
127
00:11:12,500 --> 00:11:16,416
I think that Koublai Khan
is really against war,
128
00:11:16,583 --> 00:11:21,041
and is waiting for a word from us
to strengthen his position.
129
00:11:21,250 --> 00:11:23,541
We will give it to him.
130
00:11:26,500 --> 00:11:30,166
It is very important that
our benevolent attitude reach him
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00:11:30,375 --> 00:11:32,375
as soon as possible.
132
00:11:32,541 --> 00:11:36,500
Niccolò, Matteo, you know him.
He trusts you.
133
00:11:36,708 --> 00:11:40,250
Take my message
of hope and good will to him.
134
00:11:40,458 --> 00:11:45,541
I will send two Templar priests
with you for spiritual matters.
135
00:11:45,791 --> 00:11:47,958
Marco will take care of the rest.
136
00:11:48,166 --> 00:11:50,500
Marco? Why Marco?
137
00:11:51,958 --> 00:11:54,958
The pope wanted to see Marco.
138
00:11:55,541 --> 00:11:59,958
What was the secret thought
of this wise and cautious man?
139
00:12:01,041 --> 00:12:03,833
The Emperor of China
asked him for 100 wise men
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00:12:04,041 --> 00:12:06,250
to teach the ways
of the Western world
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00:12:06,458 --> 00:12:09,916
and the Christian religion,
made of tenderness and love.
142
00:12:10,125 --> 00:12:15,250
The Pope knew he couldn't find
100 wise me in all of Rome,
143
00:12:15,458 --> 00:12:18,458
but when young Marco
was facing him,
144
00:12:18,625 --> 00:12:21,625
the Pope was struck
by his audacious aspect
145
00:12:21,833 --> 00:12:25,166
and by his honest and loyal look,
and an idea came to his mind.
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00:12:25,375 --> 00:12:28,875
An idea that scandalized
the Christian world at that time.
147
00:12:29,083 --> 00:12:32,500
Later is was said that he had been
inspired by the Holy Spirit,
148
00:12:32,750 --> 00:12:35,500
and that God had spoken to his heart.
149
00:12:35,666 --> 00:12:40,666
Since he didn't have 100 wise men,
why not send only one man,
150
00:12:40,875 --> 00:12:44,750
the most courageous,
the most handsome he could find?
151
00:12:44,958 --> 00:12:47,541
Me, holy Father?
152
00:12:48,250 --> 00:12:50,791
The Pope looked at Marco and smiled,
153
00:12:51,000 --> 00:12:55,125
thinking that youth and beauty
are the smile of God on Earth
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00:12:55,333 --> 00:12:59,583
and can obtain more than 100 wise men
with all their wisdom.
155
00:13:01,833 --> 00:13:03,625
Guess who!
156
00:13:21,500 --> 00:13:25,625
- How long will you be away?
- 5, 10, 15 years. Who knows?
157
00:13:32,666 --> 00:13:35,708
Where were you?
It's already time to sail!
158
00:13:35,916 --> 00:13:38,541
I went to say goodbye to my teachers.
159
00:13:56,458 --> 00:13:59,500
So, because of Pope Gregorio's
strange decision,
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00:13:59,708 --> 00:14:02,625
on a November morning in 1271,
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00:14:02,833 --> 00:14:07,375
the Silk Road opened
in front of a 20 year old Venetian.
162
00:14:07,541 --> 00:14:10,375
Marco didn't know
that he would return
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00:14:10,541 --> 00:14:13,166
when half of his life had gone by.
164
00:14:26,666 --> 00:14:29,625
His first landing
was in the Holy Land.
165
00:14:53,333 --> 00:14:55,333
Welcome, my friends!
166
00:14:55,500 --> 00:14:59,041
Your last trip was very fruitful.
You have come back soon.
167
00:14:59,250 --> 00:15:04,208
You're fortunate because I've
the loveliest slaves of the Orient.
168
00:15:05,250 --> 00:15:07,250
We want to buy camels and horses.
169
00:15:07,458 --> 00:15:10,916
I have horses and camels,
the most beautiful in all the Orient.
170
00:15:11,125 --> 00:15:13,833
Pure breed Arab horses,
as fast as the wind,
171
00:15:14,041 --> 00:15:17,333
and camels capable
of crossing all deserts.
172
00:15:40,000 --> 00:15:42,625
Already the news
of this mysterious caravan
173
00:15:42,833 --> 00:15:44,875
had spread throughout the Orient.
174
00:15:45,083 --> 00:15:48,500
Apparently the Pope's messengers
were being spied and followed
175
00:15:48,666 --> 00:15:51,208
along the entire road to China.
176
00:16:03,250 --> 00:16:06,250
- Uncle, watch over my father.
- Don't worry.
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00:16:38,958 --> 00:16:42,958
Go ahead. I'll join you immediately!
Understand?
178
00:17:03,875 --> 00:17:06,791
While the caravan was on its way
towards Samarkand.
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00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:09,791
Marco and the two Templars
headed towards an oasis
180
00:17:10,000 --> 00:17:13,500
where they would meet another
two Templars from Jerusalem
181
00:17:13,708 --> 00:17:17,250
to give them an ampoule of holy oil
to donate to the emperor of China.
182
00:17:18,583 --> 00:17:21,166
The idea of this gift
had seemed sacrilegious
183
00:17:21,375 --> 00:17:23,541
to Pope Gregorio's contemporaries.
184
00:17:24,708 --> 00:17:28,791
Putting into the hands of a pagan
the holy symbol of Christianity
185
00:17:29,000 --> 00:17:32,166
would expose it
to a horrible profanation.
186
00:17:32,375 --> 00:17:37,500
The Pope imagined that this risk
could reach the emperor's heart.
187
00:18:22,750 --> 00:18:25,416
Two merchants
taken from their affairs,
188
00:18:25,583 --> 00:18:29,250
two poor priests,
and an inexperienced young man
189
00:18:29,458 --> 00:18:32,833
is what the Pope found
to conquer China.
190
00:18:33,958 --> 00:18:35,833
Good-day, maiden.
191
00:18:41,541 --> 00:18:46,666
Jesus was alone, and his apostles
were 12 barefoot men.
192
00:18:46,916 --> 00:18:49,666
We'll be caught like mice
halfway along the road.
193
00:18:49,916 --> 00:18:52,666
If it will be necessary,
we will know how to die.
194
00:18:52,875 --> 00:18:55,333
The Templars were seriously perplexed
195
00:18:55,583 --> 00:18:59,041
in seeing Marco chase
all the lovely girls that he met,
196
00:18:59,250 --> 00:19:02,625
forgetting the seriousness
of the mission entrusted to him.
197
00:19:02,833 --> 00:19:05,833
They didn't doubt the Pope's wisdom
198
00:19:06,083 --> 00:19:08,750
in choosing a young man
for such an important mission,
199
00:19:08,958 --> 00:19:13,166
but anguishing problems
tormented their Templar serenity.
200
00:19:25,750 --> 00:19:29,500
Meanwhile, the Polo brothers
had reached the desert area,
201
00:19:29,708 --> 00:19:33,250
under the domain of Alau,
a powerful Arab head,
202
00:19:33,458 --> 00:19:37,333
with which they had made friends
on their previous trips.
203
00:19:41,625 --> 00:19:45,833
Vile disgusting jackal!
You're stupider than a crazy camel!
204
00:19:46,041 --> 00:19:47,916
Silence!
205
00:19:48,833 --> 00:19:54,333
Don't ever come into my tent
during the siesta hour. Understand?
206
00:19:54,500 --> 00:19:58,500
- Niccolò Polo is coming.
- Niccolò, my beloved brother!
207
00:19:58,666 --> 00:20:01,833
Why didn't you tell me right away?
Round up the men
208
00:20:02,041 --> 00:20:05,875
and tell the women to get ready
for a big celebration. Run, go on!
209
00:20:09,833 --> 00:20:14,250
Wake up! Everyone on your hoses.
The master's orders!
210
00:20:21,750 --> 00:20:25,375
- You are leaving again?
- Don't be upset, my sweetness.
211
00:20:25,541 --> 00:20:29,208
Niccolò is a brother. It would be
an offence not to go greet him.
212
00:20:29,416 --> 00:20:31,958
- I am never with my husband.
- What?
213
00:20:32,166 --> 00:20:35,416
I am with you every Saturday night.
Isn't it proof that I love you?
214
00:20:35,583 --> 00:20:38,500
If you really loved me,
you'd chase away your other wives.
215
00:20:38,708 --> 00:20:42,916
They're unimportant. I keep them
because it's the custom. I love you.
216
00:20:43,125 --> 00:20:48,875
My father was happy with only 3 wives
and my uncle only has 2.
217
00:20:50,000 --> 00:20:52,541
While you have 26.
218
00:20:52,791 --> 00:20:54,583
26?
219
00:20:54,833 --> 00:20:56,625
I told you, it's the custom.
220
00:20:56,833 --> 00:20:59,541
I don't want you to have
lots of wives besides me!
221
00:21:10,750 --> 00:21:13,500
But the road that Marco Polo
and his companions took
222
00:21:13,666 --> 00:21:16,125
was not covered with stars
and lovely girls.
223
00:21:16,333 --> 00:21:21,791
Their journey was followed
by sinister figures dressed in black.
224
00:22:00,958 --> 00:22:03,208
Death and destruction were the result
225
00:22:03,416 --> 00:22:06,291
of whoever dared
rebel against his will.
226
00:22:08,791 --> 00:22:12,666
The tyrant knew about the mission
entrusted to Marco and his companions
227
00:22:12,875 --> 00:22:16,166
and also knew they were
in his territory.
228
00:23:33,583 --> 00:23:35,583
Are you Venetians?
229
00:23:36,958 --> 00:23:39,291
Yes, merchants.
230
00:23:39,541 --> 00:23:43,083
My master, who everyone calls
the Old Mountain Man,
231
00:23:43,291 --> 00:23:46,375
offers you hospitality.
- The Old Mountain Man?
232
00:23:46,541 --> 00:23:50,000
- I thought it was a legend.
- You'll see if it's a legend!
233
00:23:50,250 --> 00:23:53,833
We are grateful for his invitation,
but are in a hurry.
234
00:23:54,083 --> 00:23:55,958
Maybe we'll stop on the way back.
235
00:23:56,166 --> 00:24:00,208
The village you passed
disobeyed the Old Mountain Man.
236
00:24:15,041 --> 00:24:17,500
Come, it is not difficult.
237
00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:20,833
Let's move!
238
00:24:24,750 --> 00:24:26,750
One of us by go by!
239
00:24:26,958 --> 00:24:28,541
Don't move!
240
00:24:41,250 --> 00:24:43,041
Pig!
241
00:24:43,250 --> 00:24:48,208
Don't provoke. At times, real courage
is that of knowing how to submit.
242
00:24:48,416 --> 00:24:51,625
You, who fought for Christ
all your life, say that?
243
00:24:51,833 --> 00:24:52,916
Yes.
244
00:24:53,166 --> 00:24:56,583
So, will you decide
to accept our gracious invitation?
245
00:24:56,833 --> 00:25:00,041
If you want me to come with you,
you'll have to force me.
246
00:25:01,458 --> 00:25:03,000
Get him!
247
00:25:03,208 --> 00:25:06,458
Remember, the master
wants him alive, if it's possible.
248
00:25:06,625 --> 00:25:08,333
Why don't you come get me?
249
00:25:10,666 --> 00:25:13,541
Must I lose my patience?
250
00:25:13,750 --> 00:25:17,958
Coward! You hide behind
the backs of your men.
251
00:25:18,625 --> 00:25:21,125
Come get me, if you dare!
252
00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:09,458
- Let him go!
- Marco, the dagger!
253
00:26:21,000 --> 00:26:25,416
You were right. Real courage
would have been giving in.
254
00:26:25,583 --> 00:26:30,250
I always dreamed of dying for
the glory of Christ, not for yours.
255
00:26:42,583 --> 00:26:47,000
You seem perturbed, brother.
Aren't you happy to see me again?
256
00:26:47,208 --> 00:26:52,125
- Marco should've come yesterday.
- He'll arrive tonight or tomorrow.
257
00:26:52,333 --> 00:26:55,083
Nothing happened to him,
or I would've been informed.
258
00:26:55,291 --> 00:26:58,000
Come freshen up.
259
00:27:15,708 --> 00:27:18,083
I sent my men to look for Marco.
260
00:27:18,291 --> 00:27:21,875
Even if he's late, he'll join you.
Tomorrow you'll leave as planned.
261
00:27:22,083 --> 00:27:25,166
Marco is bright. He'll manage
to join us one way or another.
262
00:27:25,375 --> 00:27:27,666
Stop worrying, Niccolò.
263
00:27:27,875 --> 00:27:31,500
In my territory he is as safe
as a child in his mother's arms.
264
00:27:31,666 --> 00:27:34,625
Eat. A big celebration
was prepared for you.
265
00:28:04,916 --> 00:28:07,333
The royal palace
of the Old Mountain Man
266
00:28:07,500 --> 00:28:10,166
where Marco and his companions
were taken,
267
00:28:10,375 --> 00:28:13,958
was an immense palace
cut inside the rock.
268
00:28:15,333 --> 00:28:19,125
The site had a sinister reputation
in all of the Orient.
269
00:28:20,250 --> 00:28:23,541
It was known that inside
there were magnificent riches,
270
00:28:23,750 --> 00:28:26,750
rare animals,
a library that had no equals,
271
00:28:26,958 --> 00:28:30,916
and beautiful women that the
Old Mountain Man had kidnapped
272
00:28:31,125 --> 00:28:33,500
from the four corners of the world.
273
00:28:33,666 --> 00:28:36,291
According to the legend,
this genius of evil
274
00:28:36,500 --> 00:28:40,041
who only believed in the denial of
every truth and every moral,
275
00:28:40,250 --> 00:28:45,250
had no age or name,
and it was said he was immortal.
276
00:28:46,458 --> 00:28:49,250
His face was covered
by a golden mask
277
00:28:49,458 --> 00:28:52,875
that he only removed in front
of those who were destined to die.
278
00:28:53,833 --> 00:28:57,666
He secretly chose his successor.
279
00:28:57,875 --> 00:29:01,750
He would have worn
the golden mask one day,
280
00:29:01,958 --> 00:29:05,666
and in following the same principles
of evil denial of anything good,
281
00:29:05,875 --> 00:29:10,458
he would have acquired the right
to life and death on all the realm.
282
00:29:13,833 --> 00:29:15,750
Aristotle.
283
00:29:15,958 --> 00:29:18,000
Plato.
284
00:29:18,208 --> 00:29:21,208
You said he was an evil
and cruel monster.
285
00:29:21,416 --> 00:29:23,291
I still say it.
286
00:29:23,500 --> 00:29:26,666
He is the human incarnation
of all evil on the earth.
287
00:29:26,875 --> 00:29:30,666
How is it possible that evil flourishes
among books of so much wisdom?
288
00:29:30,875 --> 00:29:33,791
Each man takes from books
the truth that he prefers.
289
00:29:34,000 --> 00:29:36,416
This is a truth, too.
290
00:29:46,166 --> 00:29:49,250
Why are you wearing a mask?
Let me see your face.
291
00:29:49,500 --> 00:29:51,916
Don't worry, you'll see it
292
00:29:52,125 --> 00:29:54,791
before you wish doing so.
293
00:30:02,541 --> 00:30:05,541
There are many ways
to descend a stairway,
294
00:30:06,708 --> 00:30:09,291
but there is only one way
295
00:30:09,500 --> 00:30:13,791
to climb the stairway
that leads to paradise.
296
00:30:19,666 --> 00:30:24,541
You have an ordinary and vulgar face,
one of a common fatso.
297
00:30:27,875 --> 00:30:30,958
You're the insolent type of man
that I very much like.
298
00:30:31,166 --> 00:30:33,375
And you, the sly type that I detest.
299
00:30:34,625 --> 00:30:36,958
I like you.
300
00:30:37,166 --> 00:30:42,333
I'd be glad if you decided
to stay with me spontaneously,
301
00:30:42,500 --> 00:30:44,875
without having to convince you.
302
00:30:45,833 --> 00:30:49,583
Do you like me too?
Admit it.
303
00:30:49,833 --> 00:30:52,708
If you want me to be your friend,
let us go.
304
00:30:54,833 --> 00:30:57,458
You worry about your holy pilgrim
305
00:30:57,625 --> 00:31:01,625
who you consider a guardian
of your faith and your conscience.
306
00:31:04,875 --> 00:31:07,375
A useless being.
307
00:31:07,541 --> 00:31:10,833
Very soon you will thank
the Old Mountain Man
308
00:31:11,041 --> 00:31:13,625
for the great gift he's about
to give you.
309
00:31:13,833 --> 00:31:18,291
I'll show you that the faith
they've shoved into your head
310
00:31:18,541 --> 00:31:22,166
since you were a child,
is only one of illusions.
311
00:31:22,458 --> 00:31:23,833
Yes.
312
00:31:24,750 --> 00:31:28,625
I want to show you
because I like you very much.
313
00:31:28,833 --> 00:31:33,291
- I'd rather you didn't like me.
- It's an instinctive emotion.
314
00:31:34,250 --> 00:31:39,166
Your Christian friends
think they are so strong
315
00:31:39,375 --> 00:31:44,875
as to transform a piece of bread
into the body of a god.
316
00:31:47,375 --> 00:31:52,916
I will show you that the faith
preached by this holy man
317
00:31:54,500 --> 00:31:57,583
is nothing more than a lie.
318
00:31:57,791 --> 00:32:02,166
Yes, it's a disgusting lie.
319
00:32:02,375 --> 00:32:04,500
Pray.
320
00:32:05,291 --> 00:32:07,458
Pray, pray.
321
00:32:07,625 --> 00:32:11,958
You can obtain a lot more
by inhaling hashish.
322
00:32:12,166 --> 00:32:14,916
Just one caress from brother pain
323
00:32:15,125 --> 00:32:19,791
and he will deny his faith
as one denies an unsuitable bride.
324
00:32:22,875 --> 00:32:26,833
If you touch even one hair
of that man, you'll have to kill me.
325
00:32:27,041 --> 00:32:29,666
No. Nobody will touch him.
326
00:32:29,916 --> 00:32:33,458
He must only listen to a bell,
327
00:32:33,625 --> 00:32:35,208
and nothing else.
328
00:32:36,500 --> 00:32:41,166
Christians like to listen
to the sound of bells.
329
00:32:41,375 --> 00:32:43,041
Isn't that so?
330
00:33:17,208 --> 00:33:19,000
Enough!
331
00:33:31,333 --> 00:33:32,666
Stop!
332
00:33:58,666 --> 00:34:02,041
To show you how little is left
of his faith,
333
00:34:03,500 --> 00:34:06,666
I'll ask him to spit on his God.
334
00:34:08,708 --> 00:34:12,375
It's much easier and faster
than questioning him
335
00:34:12,541 --> 00:34:16,166
on the sincerity of convictions
that he nurtures in his heart.
336
00:34:31,375 --> 00:34:33,375
Leave him alone!
337
00:34:43,541 --> 00:34:48,750
This is the force of the faith
you were raised with.
338
00:35:01,250 --> 00:35:03,958
I learned something from you today.
339
00:35:09,708 --> 00:35:11,708
I am very grateful.
340
00:35:14,791 --> 00:35:16,500
I realized
341
00:35:17,625 --> 00:35:23,416
what it means to love my fellow men,
even if weak and malicious.
342
00:35:23,666 --> 00:35:27,166
I will soon test
what you call a great love.
343
00:35:28,416 --> 00:35:31,791
Your terrestrial glory
is just an illusion!
344
00:35:32,750 --> 00:35:35,833
You are nothing. Nothing!
345
00:35:38,791 --> 00:35:41,041
The day you disappear
from the living,
346
00:35:41,250 --> 00:35:44,958
what will be left of you is only
a shriveled, disgusting memory.
347
00:35:46,291 --> 00:35:49,375
But what we believe in
will live forever.
348
00:35:51,458 --> 00:35:55,958
So it seems I was not able
to convince you.
349
00:35:56,500 --> 00:35:59,000
All I can do is have him climb
350
00:35:59,208 --> 00:36:02,250
the first step of our paradise.
Don't you think?
351
00:36:10,541 --> 00:36:12,750
Don't hurt him.
352
00:36:12,958 --> 00:36:15,750
He will soon be a military
in your army.
353
00:36:21,583 --> 00:36:25,208
We have spoken enough.
Let's go rest.
354
00:36:25,416 --> 00:36:27,416
Yes, naturally.
355
00:36:27,583 --> 00:36:30,833
The thought that you can remain
so little, saddens me.
356
00:36:31,041 --> 00:36:34,125
But I'll expect another visit
when you return from China.
357
00:36:34,333 --> 00:36:36,833
Please, don't interrupt
the celebration.
358
00:36:40,083 --> 00:36:42,166
Thank you for everything, Alau.
359
00:36:53,041 --> 00:36:57,166
Sleep well and don't worry
about your son!
360
00:37:08,500 --> 00:37:11,333
Now I understand.
The aim of torture
361
00:37:11,500 --> 00:37:14,583
is disgracing a man
in front of himself.
362
00:37:14,791 --> 00:37:17,500
The old man thinks he has won.
363
00:37:17,750 --> 00:37:20,041
But he has lost!
364
00:37:20,250 --> 00:37:24,208
I will die damned!
I will die like a coward!
365
00:37:25,500 --> 00:37:28,083
Calm down. It's not true.
366
00:37:30,375 --> 00:37:35,208
You have shown great courage,
beyond the limits of resistance.
367
00:37:36,833 --> 00:37:38,833
I will never forget you.
368
00:37:40,166 --> 00:37:42,125
It's only thanks to you
369
00:37:44,083 --> 00:37:46,583
if I regained my faith again.
370
00:37:46,791 --> 00:37:49,291
If that is true, son,
371
00:37:50,208 --> 00:37:54,083
then I will be less terrorized
372
00:37:54,916 --> 00:37:57,041
to appear in front of Him.
373
00:38:11,791 --> 00:38:13,375
Master!
374
00:38:14,541 --> 00:38:17,375
Marco Polo is a prisoner
of the old man.
375
00:38:17,541 --> 00:38:20,083
Round up 15 armed men
and a saddled horse.
376
00:38:20,291 --> 00:38:22,083
Don't wake up the Polo brothers.
377
00:38:22,291 --> 00:38:26,041
Tomorrow morning you'll tell them
Marco will join them in 2 days.
378
00:39:11,708 --> 00:39:16,583
Mongolian Prince Nayan
donated 5 bags of gold to me
379
00:39:17,041 --> 00:39:19,708
to interrupt the journey
of the 5 Christians
380
00:39:19,916 --> 00:39:22,875
that are going to visit your father,
Koublai Khan.
381
00:39:23,083 --> 00:39:26,875
To have me interrupt the journey
of the 5 Christians.
382
00:39:27,583 --> 00:39:29,666
Yes, alright.
383
00:39:56,458 --> 00:39:58,291
Wait here.
384
00:40:12,875 --> 00:40:16,541
- Desert lion!
- Mountain eagle!
385
00:40:17,958 --> 00:40:19,541
Come, Alau.
386
00:40:21,750 --> 00:40:26,291
My solitude vanishes
when my eyes look upon you.
387
00:40:26,500 --> 00:40:29,791
Sit down, please, my friend.
Rest from the journey.
388
00:40:31,458 --> 00:40:35,000
Please, describe the most beautiful
of your wives to me.
389
00:40:35,208 --> 00:40:38,000
For you, great and valorous eagle
of the mountain,
390
00:40:38,208 --> 00:40:43,125
I will exalt the beauty of Jasmine,
the most beautiful of my wives.
391
00:40:43,375 --> 00:40:47,166
- Remove the mask. We are alone.
- Yes, you're right.
392
00:40:47,458 --> 00:40:51,166
You are the only person in the world
who can see my face
393
00:40:51,416 --> 00:40:55,708
without ending up immediately
in paradise as a reward.
394
00:40:58,666 --> 00:41:00,750
I feel cooler like this.
395
00:41:01,000 --> 00:41:04,583
I realize you enjoy living
in the artificial paradise of hashish,
396
00:41:04,791 --> 00:41:07,791
but why do you cover your face
with a mask?
397
00:41:08,041 --> 00:41:12,208
You think I could convey terror
and respect with a face like this
398
00:41:12,416 --> 00:41:16,708
and with all this lard?
This is an immortal symbol.
399
00:41:16,916 --> 00:41:22,208
The people always follow the symbol,
not the man. But...
400
00:41:22,500 --> 00:41:25,291
Tell me. Give me the joy
of this sweet vision.
401
00:41:25,541 --> 00:41:29,916
She has two tiny feet
that are exquisitely proportioned.
402
00:41:30,125 --> 00:41:33,666
Each toe is like a love poem.
403
00:41:33,875 --> 00:41:38,166
Perfect legs stem from
her delicate ankles,
404
00:41:38,458 --> 00:41:41,750
in the captivating passion
of true love.
405
00:41:42,000 --> 00:41:44,791
Her look is as deep
as a mountain lake
406
00:41:45,000 --> 00:41:48,041
that shines among eternal snow
and cries out to you,
407
00:41:50,083 --> 00:41:52,666
"Come, my sweet loved one."
408
00:41:52,875 --> 00:41:56,458
"Love me, fountain of every love.
Kiss me."
409
00:42:00,666 --> 00:42:03,833
Deliver Marco Polo to me immediately.
410
00:42:05,083 --> 00:42:10,458
Your words have brutally
wiped away a divine vision, cousin.
411
00:42:10,625 --> 00:42:12,791
Why punish your trusted friend?
412
00:42:13,000 --> 00:42:17,291
According to our agreement,
you must not molest the caravans!
413
00:42:17,541 --> 00:42:20,666
Marco Polo is a travelling salesman
of Christianity.
414
00:42:20,916 --> 00:42:25,291
The caravan was under my protection
and I want him back immediately!
415
00:42:25,541 --> 00:42:28,875
It is not good for either of us
that he reach Koublai Khan.
416
00:42:29,083 --> 00:42:32,791
Let the Mongolians fight
the Christians. We can gain from it.
417
00:42:33,041 --> 00:42:36,000
I want him back, I said,
without further nonsense!
418
00:42:36,250 --> 00:42:38,500
Alau, there will be trouble.
419
00:42:38,666 --> 00:42:42,000
We'll have the Mongolians here,
the crusades on the other side,
420
00:42:42,208 --> 00:42:44,666
both busy conquering
the promised land.
421
00:42:44,916 --> 00:42:48,500
The Jews have already been
a bother for 2,000 years!
422
00:42:48,750 --> 00:42:51,750
We will be torn between two fires,
crushed like walnuts,
423
00:42:51,958 --> 00:42:56,458
between the Christian Jews
and the Christian Mongolians.
424
00:42:56,625 --> 00:43:00,125
Let's stop the seed of
Christianity from spreading in China!
425
00:43:01,750 --> 00:43:04,833
Can you imagine yellow Christians?
426
00:43:05,583 --> 00:43:10,333
Listen, old man. I know about
your dealings with the Mongolians.
427
00:43:10,500 --> 00:43:13,041
They paid you very well.
428
00:43:13,750 --> 00:43:16,291
Only small gifts of no importance.
429
00:43:16,500 --> 00:43:21,541
Alau, today you often offended
my honor and my pride.
430
00:43:21,750 --> 00:43:25,375
Dear step-brother, you oblige me
to strike you with another blow.
431
00:43:25,541 --> 00:43:29,458
- Really? Will it be painful for me?
- I'm afraid so.
432
00:43:29,666 --> 00:43:33,500
Remember one day long ago
you gave me a dagger
433
00:43:33,666 --> 00:43:36,958
covered with gems and
with your coat-of-arms on the handle?
434
00:43:37,208 --> 00:43:39,791
It was a gesture of brotherly love.
435
00:43:40,000 --> 00:43:42,083
And as such, I accepted it.
436
00:43:43,666 --> 00:43:48,250
If you don't deliver Marco Polo
to me immediately, safe and sound,
437
00:43:48,458 --> 00:43:51,833
that dagger will be found
stabbed in Ahmed's back,
438
00:43:52,083 --> 00:43:55,458
the delegate of Prince Nayan,
who is now your guest.
439
00:43:55,666 --> 00:44:01,000
- It wouldn't be a good thing for you.
- Nor would it be for Ahmed.
440
00:44:01,208 --> 00:44:05,541
However, if you've decided
to kill him, do so,
441
00:44:05,750 --> 00:44:08,666
but I beg you to use another dagger.
442
00:44:08,916 --> 00:44:11,916
You know that when I die
this mask will go to you.
443
00:44:12,125 --> 00:44:16,500
- You will inherit my kingdom.
- I already have a kingdom.
444
00:44:16,708 --> 00:44:21,000
I don't desire having yours.
I want Marco Polo.
445
00:44:23,375 --> 00:44:27,416
Only you can make me do
what I don't want,
446
00:44:27,583 --> 00:44:31,583
but I can't help caring for you
and considering you like a son.
447
00:44:31,791 --> 00:44:36,291
And to prove it to you,
I will bring Marco Polo here.
448
00:44:36,500 --> 00:44:39,166
Beloved and brotherly friend!
449
00:44:42,166 --> 00:44:45,375
Marco, drunk with hashish,
was an easy prey
450
00:44:45,541 --> 00:44:49,416
in the hands of the Old Mountain Man.
Or at least he thought that.
451
00:44:49,583 --> 00:44:53,208
The Venetians, teachers of science,
of poisons and antidotes,
452
00:44:53,416 --> 00:44:57,166
had given the young man
a secret powder
453
00:44:57,375 --> 00:44:59,708
hidden in the bezel of a ring.
454
00:45:00,250 --> 00:45:04,416
I order you to stab this dagger
in Alau's back,
455
00:45:04,583 --> 00:45:06,958
before he leaves the palace.
456
00:45:09,333 --> 00:45:11,958
Before he leaves the palace.
457
00:45:18,291 --> 00:45:20,833
Before he leaves the palace.
458
00:45:38,833 --> 00:45:41,916
My men are waiting for us outside.
459
00:45:42,125 --> 00:45:45,916
Go ahead and lead the way.
460
00:46:07,458 --> 00:46:11,666
My esteemed friend, when Prince Nayan
and the Mongolian generals
461
00:46:11,875 --> 00:46:15,875
will find out about your betrayal,
they will swear to kill you!
462
00:46:16,083 --> 00:46:19,541
You are mistaken,
my untrusting friend.
463
00:46:19,750 --> 00:46:24,458
Everything will end according
to my wish and our plans.
464
00:46:24,625 --> 00:46:28,083
Didn't you say that whoever
sees your face must die?
465
00:46:28,291 --> 00:46:30,541
That is so.
466
00:46:30,750 --> 00:46:34,375
- Alau saw your face!
- How can you be sure of that?
467
00:46:34,541 --> 00:46:36,833
I heard you two talking!
468
00:46:38,833 --> 00:46:43,208
If that is so,
then you can see me too,
469
00:46:43,416 --> 00:46:45,666
my dear brother.
470
00:47:04,916 --> 00:47:08,125
It is painful to lose a friend.
471
00:47:44,500 --> 00:47:46,875
They're running away! Alarm!
472
00:47:47,083 --> 00:47:49,666
On horseback! Let's get them!
473
00:48:22,958 --> 00:48:25,000
We tricked them well, huh, Marco?
474
00:48:25,208 --> 00:48:29,833
I feared that the Old Mountain Man
would send me to his paradise.
475
00:48:31,375 --> 00:48:35,416
- Thank you for liberating me.
- It was a pleasure.
476
00:48:35,583 --> 00:48:39,708
I hope one day you'll return
to see the beauty of my land.
477
00:48:39,916 --> 00:48:44,458
I accept your invitation. I'll be your
guest upon my return from China.
478
00:48:44,625 --> 00:48:48,166
I must join my father now.
Where is he?
479
00:48:48,375 --> 00:48:50,791
If you gallop a full day,
you will be with him.
480
00:48:51,000 --> 00:48:53,875
The shortest way is through
the Assir Passage.
481
00:48:54,083 --> 00:48:57,833
- In which direction?
- East. Look.
482
00:49:01,083 --> 00:49:06,083
Your father and your uncle
should be here at this hour.
483
00:49:07,791 --> 00:49:09,791
We are here.
484
00:49:10,000 --> 00:49:12,666
Follow the valley to the east,
going straight,
485
00:49:12,875 --> 00:49:15,416
and you will reach a crossroad.
486
00:49:15,583 --> 00:49:19,500
You must turn left
and you'll join them here.
487
00:49:20,083 --> 00:49:23,458
- On the right, master.
- No, that's a dangerous road.
488
00:49:23,625 --> 00:49:26,166
He must turn left
and it will be quicker.
489
00:49:26,375 --> 00:49:29,500
- It is much shorter
- No, it's longer.
490
00:49:29,708 --> 00:49:31,791
- But it's easier to follow.
- I said left.
491
00:49:32,041 --> 00:49:34,041
As you like it, master.
492
00:49:46,458 --> 00:49:48,458
You will be his guide.
493
00:50:21,958 --> 00:50:24,833
Marco didn't follow Alau's advice.
494
00:50:25,041 --> 00:50:29,041
He took the wrong road, galloping
towards a precise destination.
495
00:50:29,291 --> 00:50:33,833
Going east at all costs,
and joining the caravan.
496
00:50:36,791 --> 00:50:39,375
Soon he found himself
in the desert.
497
00:51:16,041 --> 00:51:19,416
Beyond the mountain,
only a few miles away,
498
00:51:19,583 --> 00:51:22,500
the Polo brothers were travelling
towards Samarkand,
499
00:51:22,666 --> 00:51:26,333
not knowing that Marco
had lost his way.
500
00:52:18,791 --> 00:52:21,500
The territory covered
by young Marco
501
00:52:21,708 --> 00:52:25,000
was crossed by bloodthirsty
and savage horsemen.
502
00:52:25,208 --> 00:52:29,041
They were Mongolian,
launched in a ruthless hunt.
503
00:52:29,250 --> 00:52:33,541
They were after an inoffensive being
that had no other riches
504
00:52:33,750 --> 00:52:36,958
than a message of peace
from one man to another.
505
00:52:37,166 --> 00:52:39,375
And yet, the order was precise.
506
00:52:39,541 --> 00:52:43,083
Capture and kill him
like that worst of enemies.
507
00:53:09,500 --> 00:53:13,708
- What are you playing, children?
- Merchants, with a real coin.
508
00:53:13,916 --> 00:53:19,041
Marco had found a trace of
the passage of his father's caravan.
509
00:53:23,083 --> 00:53:26,166
- It's strange, huh?
- Yes, but who gave it to you?
510
00:53:26,375 --> 00:53:30,708
Two travelers
who slept here one night.
511
00:53:30,958 --> 00:53:33,458
Where did they go?
512
00:53:33,625 --> 00:53:36,708
In that direction,
towards Samarkand.
513
00:53:37,875 --> 00:53:39,875
Your boots are lovely.
514
00:53:41,958 --> 00:53:43,708
Here.
515
00:53:44,166 --> 00:53:45,708
Thank you.
516
00:53:49,583 --> 00:53:51,583
- Greetings to you.
- Greetings.
517
00:53:52,500 --> 00:53:56,416
The children told me two foreigners
came by here.
518
00:53:56,583 --> 00:53:58,791
Do you know when
and where they went?
519
00:53:59,000 --> 00:54:02,458
They were here two days ago,
coming from the west.
520
00:54:02,625 --> 00:54:07,250
They continued towards the east,
taking the road to Samarkand.
521
00:54:21,041 --> 00:54:23,625
Did you see a young foreigner
coming from the west?
522
00:54:29,291 --> 00:54:32,000
In the sky,
the two Templars realized
523
00:54:32,208 --> 00:54:35,125
how great the wisdom
of the Pope was.
524
00:54:37,625 --> 00:54:43,250
Where a shrewd and armed messenger
would've been caught and killed,
525
00:54:43,458 --> 00:54:46,250
Marco had found safety
and a refuge,
526
00:54:46,458 --> 00:54:49,125
by arousing, thanks to
his youthful attractiveness,
527
00:54:49,333 --> 00:54:53,916
tender love emotions in the heart
of a young girl of another race.
528
00:54:54,666 --> 00:54:58,333
What can even
the most powerful world army do
529
00:54:58,500 --> 00:55:01,833
against a woman determined
to save her love?
530
00:55:08,833 --> 00:55:12,083
Wait! It's me, Taha!
531
00:55:19,250 --> 00:55:21,708
What is it?
Why did you follow me?
532
00:55:21,916 --> 00:55:24,625
I brought two horses.
Let me come with you.
533
00:55:24,833 --> 00:55:27,750
I am very grateful to you.
You can come.
534
00:55:27,958 --> 00:55:32,166
We will ride together and I will
take you where you must go.
535
00:55:33,791 --> 00:55:37,333
And so Taha left her land
and her people
536
00:55:37,500 --> 00:55:39,958
to guide Marco to Samarkand.
537
00:56:01,708 --> 00:56:03,958
It was written that at that moment
538
00:56:04,166 --> 00:56:08,041
the message of Christianity
to the fabulous lord of the Orient,
539
00:56:08,250 --> 00:56:12,958
was entrusted to the intuition
of a young girl in love.
540
00:56:35,291 --> 00:56:39,083
Samarkand, the intersection
of a hundred caravans.
541
00:56:39,291 --> 00:56:43,208
Samarkand, a melting pot
of peoples and races.
542
00:56:43,416 --> 00:56:47,750
The caravan of the Polo brothers
was obliged to pass by there,
543
00:56:47,958 --> 00:56:52,083
and Marco had a good chance
of joining his father and uncle.
544
00:57:11,625 --> 00:57:13,875
Come. Let's look inside.
545
00:57:36,208 --> 00:57:39,291
But where there is a commotion
of merchants and messengers
546
00:57:39,500 --> 00:57:44,166
with gold and secret orders,
there is always a beautiful woman
547
00:57:44,375 --> 00:57:48,000
who works for someone
who remains in the shadows.
548
00:57:48,208 --> 00:57:50,125
Do as I say.
549
00:57:50,333 --> 00:57:55,250
Obey without arguing.
It is an order by Prince Nayan.
550
00:57:55,458 --> 00:57:58,583
The girl with the whip
had no other name.
551
00:57:58,791 --> 00:58:03,333
She was generously rewarded
by the Mongolians for her services.
552
00:59:19,083 --> 00:59:20,875
Are you Venetian?
553
00:59:22,250 --> 00:59:23,666
Yes.
554
00:59:58,875 --> 01:00:03,708
At this point, the two Templars
looked at the stars, perplexed,
555
01:00:03,916 --> 01:00:06,750
and were again overtaken
by the doubt
556
01:00:06,958 --> 01:00:10,458
that maybe the choice of the Pope,
with all due respect,
557
01:00:10,625 --> 01:00:13,083
was a bit risky.
558
01:00:23,583 --> 01:00:28,083
I like your name.
It has a pleasant sound.
559
01:00:30,250 --> 01:00:34,458
I've decided, Marco.
I want to come to Venice with you.
560
01:00:35,666 --> 01:00:39,625
Don't laugh.
When I decide something, I do it.
561
01:00:39,833 --> 01:00:42,208
I'm not going to Venice.
I'm going to China.
562
01:00:42,416 --> 01:00:46,875
It's late. In this season you won't
be able to cross the desert.
563
01:00:47,083 --> 01:00:49,208
Nobody will want to be your guide.
564
01:00:49,416 --> 01:00:53,958
I will try just the same.
I must reach Koublai Khan.
565
01:00:54,791 --> 01:00:57,625
Why are you so set on seeing
Koublai Khan?
566
01:01:01,625 --> 01:01:06,000
It would be too difficult
to answer this question.
567
01:01:07,125 --> 01:01:10,083
Marco, your father has arrived!
He is here!
568
01:01:16,291 --> 01:01:17,666
He's down there!
569
01:01:21,083 --> 01:01:24,125
Hey, father! I'm Marco!
570
01:01:26,791 --> 01:01:29,500
- Father! Uncle Matteo!
- Marco!
571
01:01:29,708 --> 01:01:32,541
We had lost all hope
of finding you!
572
01:01:46,750 --> 01:01:49,250
You are dressed as princes.
Look at me!
573
01:01:49,458 --> 01:01:51,916
I crossed deserts and mountains
to get here!
574
01:01:58,208 --> 01:02:02,208
Are you or not the Pope's delegate?
Then your attire doesn't matter!
575
01:02:11,708 --> 01:02:15,125
No. The desert is too dangerous.
576
01:02:15,333 --> 01:02:19,500
I care about my animals. I don't want
to lose them or have them suffer.
577
01:02:19,666 --> 01:02:22,541
In this season they'd die
of hardships and the cold.
578
01:02:22,791 --> 01:02:25,333
- I only ask you to be our guide.
- No.
579
01:02:26,541 --> 01:02:30,458
What if I doubled the number of
animals and provisions for the trip?
580
01:02:30,666 --> 01:02:33,083
- How much for your horse?
- It's not for sale.
581
01:02:33,291 --> 01:02:35,666
I pay well. Why not?
582
01:02:41,250 --> 01:02:44,125
- Well?
- No.
583
01:02:44,333 --> 01:02:46,583
What if I triple the price?
584
01:02:47,916 --> 01:02:51,541
Don't insist, please.
It's too dangerous.
585
01:02:55,583 --> 01:02:58,250
- Think it over well.
- It's not a matter of money.
586
01:02:58,458 --> 01:03:00,083
I won't accompany you.
587
01:03:04,916 --> 01:03:09,583
We were born in this country
and don't need a guide.
588
01:03:09,791 --> 01:03:13,750
If the foreigners want to continue
the journey through the desert,
589
01:03:13,958 --> 01:03:15,958
we will be happy to help them.
590
01:03:16,166 --> 01:03:20,083
Everyone refused.
You don't think it's dangerous?
591
01:03:20,875 --> 01:03:25,500
There is always danger everywhere,
but we are men,
592
01:03:25,666 --> 01:03:30,500
and there isn't an enemy
or snow storm that can frighten us.
593
01:03:31,291 --> 01:03:33,666
Alright, we'll go with you.
594
01:05:35,083 --> 01:05:40,083
A trap had been set for Marco
where he would find death,
595
01:05:40,291 --> 01:05:42,958
but the girl with the whip knew this.
596
01:05:43,166 --> 01:05:46,500
So the two Templars had to again
believe in the heavens.
597
01:05:46,666 --> 01:05:49,958
The choice of the Pope
had been wise after all.
598
01:05:50,166 --> 01:05:54,333
The handsome face of Marco
had softened the heart of the girl,
599
01:05:54,500 --> 01:05:59,791
and gave her the courage
to rescue him and risk her life.
600
01:06:09,750 --> 01:06:12,208
Tell me!
Why did you run after me?
601
01:06:12,500 --> 01:06:14,833
- What do you want?
- You'll see.
602
01:06:18,500 --> 01:06:21,791
- Did something happen?
- My horse is down there.
603
01:06:22,000 --> 01:06:24,291
Let's go back, the two of us.
604
01:06:24,500 --> 01:06:27,375
I already told you it's impossible.
605
01:06:27,541 --> 01:06:30,958
Come on. Go back to Samarkand
and forget me.
606
01:08:07,750 --> 01:08:10,958
You knew about this betrayal
and didn't warn me!
607
01:08:11,166 --> 01:08:13,166
- I saved your life.
- I should kill you!
608
01:08:13,375 --> 01:08:15,791
- Kill me.
- Where is your horse?
609
01:08:39,833 --> 01:08:44,291
The girl with the whip died,
but not in vain.
610
01:08:44,500 --> 01:08:47,875
With her death she saved
the life of Marco Polo,
611
01:08:48,083 --> 01:08:53,041
and in one instant was forgiven
of the many sins she committed.
612
01:08:53,583 --> 01:08:58,541
Just one gesture of generosity often
absolves a lifetime of mistakes.
613
01:09:16,041 --> 01:09:19,000
Now Marco was faced
with another desert,
614
01:09:19,208 --> 01:09:21,375
more terrible than the former one.
615
01:09:21,541 --> 01:09:25,791
And there was no beautiful girl now
to help him.
616
01:09:35,291 --> 01:09:39,500
In the immense desolation, Mongolian
horsemen looked for the young man,
617
01:09:39,666 --> 01:09:42,708
ready to pounce on him
and kill him.
618
01:09:59,625 --> 01:10:04,041
The thousand dangers of the desert
were tightening around him.
619
01:10:04,250 --> 01:10:08,416
But Marco had changed.
He was more mature, less impulsive.
620
01:10:08,583 --> 01:10:11,500
Ever since the wise Templar
had died in his arms,
621
01:10:11,666 --> 01:10:13,958
he saw the world with different eyes.
622
01:10:14,166 --> 01:10:16,916
Marco had become a man.
623
01:10:18,166 --> 01:10:20,458
After having survived this desert,
624
01:10:20,625 --> 01:10:23,375
he met other young girls
625
01:10:23,541 --> 01:10:27,166
and stopped to find pleasure
in the joys of a fleeting instance,
626
01:10:27,375 --> 01:10:29,958
but he knew that the road to travel
627
01:10:30,166 --> 01:10:34,416
would not be one
of only carefree pleasures.
628
01:10:34,583 --> 01:10:38,500
He had been assigned a mission,
and he would accomplish it,
629
01:10:38,666 --> 01:10:40,500
cost what it may.
630
01:11:19,083 --> 01:11:22,166
When he survived the great desert
after many hardships,
631
01:11:22,375 --> 01:11:25,583
Marco was exhausted,
practically dying,
632
01:11:25,791 --> 01:11:29,208
right at the doors
of the so desired China.
633
01:11:34,500 --> 01:11:38,916
Some strange men on the mountains
were looking for him
634
01:11:39,125 --> 01:11:41,458
and finally found him.
635
01:12:24,500 --> 01:12:26,125
But...
636
01:12:26,500 --> 01:12:28,333
Where am I?
637
01:12:28,500 --> 01:12:31,750
You are at the doors of China.
638
01:12:31,958 --> 01:12:35,333
We have been waiting
many months for you.
639
01:13:00,750 --> 01:13:05,708
Many vicious men had tried
to stop Marco's journey.
640
01:13:05,916 --> 01:13:08,500
But many were men of good will,
641
01:13:08,708 --> 01:13:13,458
desiring that the message of peace
reach the emperor.
642
01:13:13,625 --> 01:13:17,041
Koublai Khan was Mongolian,
the head of a great empire
643
01:13:17,250 --> 01:13:20,041
that had recently conquered China.
644
01:13:20,250 --> 01:13:22,250
Away from his authority,
645
01:13:22,458 --> 01:13:26,458
the Mongolian warriors ransacked
and pillaged the Chinese lands.
646
01:14:04,166 --> 01:14:09,166
But Koublai Khan was a wise man,
and realized that as emperor of China
647
01:14:09,375 --> 01:14:13,375
he couldn't behave any longer
as a despotic prince of Mongolia.
648
01:14:14,833 --> 01:14:18,625
One of his first political gestures
in bringing peace to the country,
649
01:14:18,833 --> 01:14:22,125
was his decision to marry
a Chinese princess
650
01:14:22,333 --> 01:14:25,708
to show everyone his desire
to be assimilated
651
01:14:25,916 --> 01:14:29,041
in the great race that was now
under his domain.
652
01:14:31,500 --> 01:14:35,791
From the 4 corners of the empire,
noble girls were invited to his court
653
01:14:36,000 --> 01:14:39,708
so that the Great Khan
could choose his bride.
654
01:14:40,583 --> 01:14:44,416
One of these princesses
stopped at the monastery
655
01:14:44,583 --> 01:14:46,958
where Marco had found refuge.
656
01:14:47,166 --> 01:14:50,166
The head of the bonzes
thought that the best way
657
01:14:50,375 --> 01:14:54,500
to have the young Venetian
reach the court of the emperor
658
01:14:54,666 --> 01:14:59,375
was that of having him join the escorts
accompanying the young girl.
659
01:16:46,416 --> 01:16:49,125
Did you make it? It's beautiful.
660
01:16:49,333 --> 01:16:52,458
- The Mongolians have left.
- Very well.
661
01:16:54,458 --> 01:16:56,083
Continue.
662
01:17:56,541 --> 01:18:00,250
Prince Nayan, son of the emperor,
was against his father
663
01:18:00,500 --> 01:18:03,250
and headed a faction
that wanted an eternal war.
664
01:18:03,500 --> 01:18:08,541
With straw heads he practiced
cutting off the heads of enemies.
665
01:18:08,750 --> 01:18:11,666
He had ordered to stop Marco Polo
666
01:18:11,875 --> 01:18:16,041
fearing that the message of the Pope
would increase the desire for peace
667
01:18:16,291 --> 01:18:17,958
in the heart of his father.
668
01:18:18,166 --> 01:18:21,000
Nayan was convinced that
the Mongolians shouldn't stop,
669
01:18:21,208 --> 01:18:24,916
and that their conquest should
extend to the limits of the earth.
670
01:18:26,541 --> 01:18:30,375
The generals are united,
the emperor wants you at court.
671
01:18:48,833 --> 01:18:50,500
- Guard!
- What are you doing?
672
01:18:53,666 --> 01:18:55,875
I am the delegate
of His Holiness the Pope.
673
01:18:56,125 --> 01:18:59,125
Please tell the emperor
that I ask to be received.
674
01:18:59,333 --> 01:19:02,208
- Is this man with you?
- I am His Holiness' delegate!
675
01:19:02,416 --> 01:19:06,666
- Take him away!
- I am the Pope's delegate!
676
01:19:07,000 --> 01:19:11,000
Let me go! The emperor will find out,
and you will be in trouble.
677
01:19:16,875 --> 01:19:20,166
- What happened?
- A foreigner dared raise his eyes
678
01:19:20,375 --> 01:19:22,166
on one of the princesses.
679
01:19:24,916 --> 01:19:29,083
I can't order to return
the rice conquered with arms!
680
01:19:29,291 --> 01:19:32,583
- The soldiers are famished!
- So are our farmers!
681
01:19:32,791 --> 01:19:35,875
They don't have our rights.
We Mongolians are the winners!
682
01:19:36,083 --> 01:19:38,500
There isn't enough rice for everyone.
683
01:19:38,708 --> 01:19:41,625
May our celestial emperor
tell us his thought
684
01:19:41,833 --> 01:19:45,166
now that he heard the truth
from his Mongolian generals.
685
01:19:45,500 --> 01:19:47,500
Yes, let's hear it!
686
01:19:50,000 --> 01:19:53,083
- Excuse me?
- We illustrated the situation.
687
01:19:53,333 --> 01:19:57,041
- I wasn't listening.
- We've been here yelling for hours!
688
01:19:58,166 --> 01:20:00,500
Your cries are disturbing my cat.
689
01:20:00,750 --> 01:20:04,250
Then I'll speak softly,
celestial sovereign.
690
01:20:04,458 --> 01:20:07,541
My Mongolians won't be able
to understand
691
01:20:07,750 --> 01:20:11,833
why they must return the rice
to Chinese farmers who are subjects!
692
01:20:12,041 --> 01:20:15,875
Not give, but share.
693
01:20:17,583 --> 01:20:22,041
I am the emperor of China
and the rice belongs to my people.
694
01:20:22,583 --> 01:20:26,625
If your soldiers didn't understand,
you didn't succeed in your mission.
695
01:20:26,875 --> 01:20:30,916
There is a solution if the emperor
wishes to feed everyone.
696
01:20:31,125 --> 01:20:34,291
We can plunder the lands
of the west,
697
01:20:34,500 --> 01:20:37,625
and be able to feed
200 million Chinese!
698
01:20:37,875 --> 01:20:42,333
It's better if we attack,
than wait for them to attack!
699
01:20:42,500 --> 01:20:47,333
War only means massacres.
If we exploit our resources,
700
01:20:47,500 --> 01:20:50,208
our children and their children
701
01:20:50,416 --> 01:20:53,500
will no longer suffer from famine.
702
01:20:53,666 --> 01:20:57,750
This is a glorious objective,
even for soldiers like us.
703
01:20:58,000 --> 01:21:02,041
Allow me to welcome
the prince, your son,
704
01:21:02,250 --> 01:21:04,250
who has decided to leave his horses.
705
01:21:04,500 --> 01:21:08,458
For a Mongolian prince,
even horses are a State matter.
706
01:21:09,208 --> 01:21:13,583
We realize how difficult it is
for a Mongolian to become Chinese.
707
01:21:13,791 --> 01:21:17,125
It is difficult for our emperor too.
708
01:21:17,333 --> 01:21:23,000
Yes. My head feels Chinese,
but my feet mark the pace.
709
01:21:23,291 --> 01:21:28,500
What has our sovereign decided?
To proceed with head or with feet?
710
01:21:29,791 --> 01:21:32,541
We must learn to proceed with both.
711
01:21:33,083 --> 01:21:35,333
Return to you provinces
712
01:21:35,500 --> 01:21:39,500
and tell the troops
that I want peace, not war,
713
01:21:39,708 --> 01:21:42,083
and that within seven days,
714
01:21:42,291 --> 01:21:45,791
I will give them a Chinese woman
as queen.
715
01:21:46,041 --> 01:21:48,875
These meetings are more tiring
than a month on horseback.
716
01:21:49,083 --> 01:21:52,291
You should participate.
You will be emperor one day.
717
01:22:15,125 --> 01:22:19,291
When that time comes, only my opinion
as emperor will matter for me.
718
01:22:19,500 --> 01:22:22,583
A man alone
is never able to be infallible.
719
01:22:22,791 --> 01:22:26,708
- Infallible or not, he's the emperor.
- The princesses are ready.
720
01:22:26,916 --> 01:22:30,333
Good. When will you marry?
721
01:22:31,166 --> 01:22:33,958
Chinese women are too refined.
722
01:22:34,166 --> 01:22:36,500
I prefer the savage Mongolian ones.
723
01:22:36,666 --> 01:22:40,250
A Mongolian girl that I loved
was not savage.
724
01:22:40,458 --> 01:22:42,500
Help me choose.
725
01:22:42,708 --> 01:22:47,208
I prefer staying with my generals
and learning diplomacy.
726
01:23:09,625 --> 01:23:13,833
Princess Mei Ling,
from the province of Guangxi, age 18.
727
01:23:14,041 --> 01:23:16,458
She plays the lute and writes poems.
728
01:23:20,916 --> 01:23:25,166
Your beauty transforms the confusion
in choosing into delight.
729
01:23:32,833 --> 01:23:37,500
Princess Tzai Tan,
from the province of Yunnan, age 19.
730
01:23:37,666 --> 01:23:40,208
She plays the lute and writes poems.
731
01:23:47,208 --> 01:23:52,708
Your beauty transforms the confusion
in choosing into delight.
732
01:24:00,250 --> 01:24:04,500
Princess Gogatine,
from the province of Xinjiang, age 16.
733
01:24:04,750 --> 01:24:07,916
She plays the lute and writes poems.
734
01:24:12,541 --> 01:24:16,750
Your beauty transforms confusion...
735
01:24:16,958 --> 01:24:18,875
Who did her horoscope?
736
01:24:21,875 --> 01:24:23,541
Come closer.
737
01:24:28,291 --> 01:24:30,333
You are a child.
738
01:24:30,500 --> 01:24:32,500
I am 16 years old.
739
01:24:35,250 --> 01:24:38,958
I will have many gifts given to you
to compensate your disappointment.
740
01:24:39,166 --> 01:24:44,291
It wouldn't be wise for an emperor
to marry such a fragile woman.
741
01:24:45,125 --> 01:24:48,375
I don't desire being
the wife of the emperor.
742
01:24:48,541 --> 01:24:54,041
- Why? Perhaps you don't like me?
- No, celestial majesty.
743
01:24:54,250 --> 01:24:57,666
- Why, then?
- Because you are the Great Khan
744
01:24:57,875 --> 01:25:02,083
and I am afraid of you.
Besides, I love someone else.
745
01:25:02,833 --> 01:25:07,250
Someone else?
These words could cost your life.
746
01:25:07,500 --> 01:25:09,083
But I love him!
747
01:25:09,333 --> 01:25:12,875
Your life is hanging on a thread.
You could be tortured.
748
01:25:13,125 --> 01:25:17,291
My life doesn't matter
and he is in danger.
749
01:25:17,500 --> 01:25:20,000
Only you can help him.
750
01:25:20,208 --> 01:25:23,541
He has come from the west
and his name is Polo.
751
01:25:27,083 --> 01:25:30,458
- His caravan was assaulted...
- The Polos are in China?
752
01:25:30,625 --> 01:25:34,416
- Is Niccolò here?
- No, Marco is here.
753
01:25:35,208 --> 01:25:39,291
In prison. The Mongolian archers
assaulted his caravan.
754
01:25:39,541 --> 01:25:43,500
- The Mongolian archers?
- He's the only one who survived.
755
01:25:43,750 --> 01:25:46,291
Please, protect him,
celestial majesty.
756
01:25:48,791 --> 01:25:50,791
The Mongolians?
757
01:25:53,625 --> 01:25:58,166
There's a man in prison
whose name is Polo. Bring him to me.
758
01:25:58,458 --> 01:26:00,000
Father.
759
01:26:01,875 --> 01:26:06,000
Judging from your face,
the choice has disappointed you.
760
01:26:06,208 --> 01:26:10,291
A caravan from the West
was assaulted
761
01:26:11,541 --> 01:26:13,583
by Mongolian archers.
762
01:26:13,791 --> 01:26:16,916
The Mongolians are soldiers,
not bandits.
763
01:26:17,208 --> 01:26:20,166
- Is the man responsible among you?
- Who accuses us?
764
01:26:20,958 --> 01:26:24,250
- I accuse you.
- On what basis?
765
01:26:27,125 --> 01:26:31,500
It is rare that something takes place
in my domains without your knowing.
766
01:26:31,708 --> 01:26:33,791
Father, that is unfair.
767
01:26:36,875 --> 01:26:39,500
- Is your name Polo?
- Marco Polo.
768
01:26:39,708 --> 01:26:42,416
- Are you a relative of Niccolò?
- I am his son.
769
01:26:42,583 --> 01:26:45,375
Kneel before the emperor!
770
01:26:45,541 --> 01:26:48,625
He is not a prisoner, but a guest!
Where is your father?
771
01:26:48,833 --> 01:26:51,541
- Are you Koublai Khan?
- Where is your father?
772
01:26:51,750 --> 01:26:56,041
I'd like to know, too. The Mongolian
guides assaulted us and...
773
01:26:56,958 --> 01:27:01,500
- Why did they do that?
- Many tried to stop us.
774
01:27:01,666 --> 01:27:04,458
My father and uncle were captured.
775
01:27:04,625 --> 01:27:08,583
I escaped and swore that at any cost
776
01:27:08,791 --> 01:27:13,875
I would give you the message
from the Pope, even risking my life.
777
01:27:14,125 --> 01:27:17,708
It was important that
the message of peace arrive in time.
778
01:27:17,958 --> 01:27:21,833
Two Templars were killed
before reaching Samarkand.
779
01:27:22,083 --> 01:27:24,916
With the help of God,
one of us managed to arrive.
780
01:27:25,625 --> 01:27:27,875
He is a ballad singer!
781
01:27:29,041 --> 01:27:30,958
He should be accompanied by a lute.
782
01:27:35,083 --> 01:27:40,041
Majesty, I am not worthy of being
the bearer of the word of the Pope.
783
01:27:40,250 --> 01:27:45,083
Your message started with the words,
"magnitudinem in Coelis et..."
784
01:27:45,291 --> 01:27:47,291
"Pacem in Terris..."
785
01:27:49,625 --> 01:27:54,458
His Holiness answers with a fatherly
heart, "Peace to all of humanity".
786
01:27:54,625 --> 01:27:57,958
The Pope speaks of peace
and rounds up men for war.
787
01:27:58,208 --> 01:28:01,625
- His Holiness does not lie!
- Everyone lies if they've interests.
788
01:28:04,833 --> 01:28:08,500
I believe the Pope
and believe my friend, Niccolò.
789
01:28:10,208 --> 01:28:13,875
- And I believe this boy.
- And you don't believe your son?
790
01:28:16,333 --> 01:28:18,000
Am I wrong?
791
01:28:23,208 --> 01:28:25,125
Should I believe you?
792
01:28:40,500 --> 01:28:43,333
- Why are you staying?
- We are sure that our Khan
793
01:28:43,500 --> 01:28:47,541
does not desire to remain alone
among the Chinese with this Christian.
794
01:28:51,541 --> 01:28:53,875
I will send my soldiers
to find your father.
795
01:28:54,125 --> 01:28:58,791
Majesty, I brought you the Pope's
message. My mission is over.
796
01:28:59,000 --> 01:29:01,708
I will look for my father and uncle.
797
01:29:03,916 --> 01:29:05,833
They wouldn't allow you to leave.
798
01:29:09,500 --> 01:29:13,291
Lately I often dreamed
of being killed in my sleep.
799
01:29:26,500 --> 01:29:30,958
Along the entire journey,
I saw hatred everywhere.
800
01:29:31,166 --> 01:29:32,916
Violence!
801
01:29:34,291 --> 01:29:36,791
Violence and killing!
802
01:29:39,916 --> 01:29:43,791
If the 2 most powerful men of East
and West don't reach an agreement,
803
01:29:44,000 --> 01:29:46,291
what hope is there for us?
804
01:29:46,541 --> 01:29:49,125
Why is there so much hatred?
805
01:29:49,333 --> 01:29:52,708
And why is it so difficult
for men to live in peace?
806
01:29:54,291 --> 01:29:59,166
In war, everyone knows what he
must do. In peace, it is uncertain.
807
01:29:59,375 --> 01:30:03,625
Some want power,
some want earnings, some want love.
808
01:30:03,833 --> 01:30:07,375
Many choices and much confusion.
809
01:30:07,541 --> 01:30:10,708
Only one thing matters in war...
810
01:30:10,916 --> 01:30:14,041
Killing or being killed.
811
01:30:14,916 --> 01:30:17,250
So there's no hope?
Man will never change?
812
01:30:17,458 --> 01:30:20,250
He'll change. Tomorrow.
813
01:30:20,458 --> 01:30:22,291
Even today.
814
01:30:25,541 --> 01:30:27,625
Do you two know each other?
815
01:30:29,500 --> 01:30:31,958
- Yes.
- I saw him once.
816
01:30:32,166 --> 01:30:35,000
- How is it possible?
- I looked at him.
817
01:30:35,208 --> 01:30:38,541
- You know nothing about him.
- No, but I can imagine.
818
01:30:39,875 --> 01:30:45,166
An astrologer reads the stars,
a statesman makes laws,
819
01:30:45,375 --> 01:30:48,666
but the heart follows its own path.
820
01:30:54,583 --> 01:30:57,750
During the year of the dragon,
on the emperor's day of birth,
821
01:30:57,958 --> 01:31:00,833
the great Koublai Khan
make a blood pact
822
01:31:01,041 --> 01:31:04,625
with his adopted people
by choosing a Chinese empress
823
01:31:04,833 --> 01:31:09,208
and making solemn the commitment
to give China 100 years of peace.
824
01:31:09,500 --> 01:31:13,291
May the new empress
give the Great Khan 100 children.
825
01:31:13,500 --> 01:31:16,291
- What will he do now?
- According to the color he chooses,
826
01:31:16,500 --> 01:31:19,250
we'll know which princess he marries.
827
01:31:36,250 --> 01:31:41,250
Princess Tzai Tan di Yunnan
is the new empress!
828
01:32:03,750 --> 01:32:07,375
While he plays with fireworks,
let's assault the palace!
829
01:32:09,625 --> 01:32:12,125
You want me to declare war
on my father?
830
01:32:12,333 --> 01:32:15,166
Every son substitutes his father
sooner or later!
831
01:32:15,375 --> 01:32:17,291
Your moment has come!
832
01:32:18,041 --> 01:32:21,250
Become emperor
while there is something to govern!
833
01:32:22,500 --> 01:32:26,833
- Take the throne and let's go to war!
- I will talk to my father first.
834
01:32:27,041 --> 01:32:29,750
Watch out that the fox
doesn't put you in a trap!
835
01:33:02,541 --> 01:33:05,916
- Are you enjoying the fireworks?
- I've never seen anything like it.
836
01:33:06,125 --> 01:33:09,708
What are they made of?
Why do they make so much noise?
837
01:33:09,958 --> 01:33:12,958
It's a powder that our wise men
have known about for a long time.
838
01:33:13,916 --> 01:33:18,375
They are just noisy toys of light.
Light it.
839
01:33:33,041 --> 01:33:38,166
It's not just a toy.
In evil hands it can be dangerous.
840
01:33:38,416 --> 01:33:41,625
Yes, this idea often tormented me.
841
01:34:03,833 --> 01:34:05,833
Being an empress is very easy.
842
01:34:06,041 --> 01:34:09,875
You need only kneel
and greet with grace.
843
01:34:14,833 --> 01:34:17,666
The Mongolian troops
are preparing to attack.
844
01:34:22,250 --> 01:34:24,833
- They will overtake us!
- Let's use the magic powder!
845
01:34:25,041 --> 01:34:28,291
- I will decide!
- At least let's get ready!
846
01:34:32,541 --> 01:34:34,250
So be it.
847
01:34:55,166 --> 01:34:57,250
What is happening?
848
01:34:57,458 --> 01:34:59,291
War.
849
01:35:32,833 --> 01:35:35,666
Do you come as an enemy
or as a son?
850
01:35:37,250 --> 01:35:40,916
As a son I come to apologize
for my behavior today.
851
01:35:45,958 --> 01:35:48,875
As supreme commander,
I come to give you an ultimatum.
852
01:35:49,083 --> 01:35:53,625
I accept my son's apology.
As for the ultimatum,
853
01:35:53,833 --> 01:35:56,625
make sure you have
victory in your fist,
854
01:35:56,833 --> 01:36:00,250
or your ultimatum
will be your humiliation.
855
01:36:00,500 --> 01:36:03,958
Behind me there is an army
of Mongolians, and only the Chinese
856
01:36:04,208 --> 01:36:07,541
are defending the palace.
- You want to overthrow your father?
857
01:36:07,750 --> 01:36:12,916
Tonight an emperor and his
supreme commander are speaking.
858
01:36:16,000 --> 01:36:18,500
I listen to the supreme commander.
859
01:36:24,083 --> 01:36:28,583
My men will not give up
what they conquered with their blood.
860
01:36:28,791 --> 01:36:33,666
When the sun rises, either accept
to lead us, or I will take the throne.
861
01:36:35,000 --> 01:36:37,666
There is no need for you to take it.
862
01:36:37,875 --> 01:36:40,458
I will give it to you. It's there.
863
01:36:41,291 --> 01:36:44,500
It is an ordinary,
rather uncomfortable chair.
864
01:36:44,666 --> 01:36:49,333
My cat sits on it, but that does not
make him an emperor.
865
01:36:50,291 --> 01:36:54,500
You will govern when you acknowledge
inside your heart
866
01:36:54,708 --> 01:37:00,250
the dream, the hunger of millions.
If you are ready, I'll abdicate.
867
01:37:00,916 --> 01:37:04,625
But if the throne for you
is just a right for war,
868
01:37:04,833 --> 01:37:06,833
then you will have to take it
with force.
869
01:37:09,750 --> 01:37:12,333
What has changed you?
870
01:37:12,500 --> 01:37:16,291
Age? A comfortable life?
871
01:37:16,500 --> 01:37:20,750
I know it's not fear.
Why don't we invade the West?
872
01:37:20,958 --> 01:37:24,208
- War is not a solution.
- We are soldiers!
873
01:37:24,458 --> 01:37:28,916
When you were a child,
we were nomads. We had no country.
874
01:37:29,125 --> 01:37:34,041
We needed land for rice,
so war was inevitable.
875
01:37:34,916 --> 01:37:39,666
Now we have a country and have land.
Times have changed.
876
01:37:39,916 --> 01:37:41,625
You have changed.
877
01:37:41,833 --> 01:37:47,166
Trust what I say,
not as an emperor, but as a father.
878
01:37:47,958 --> 01:37:53,500
Hold back you zeal and learn to wait.
The wait won' be long.
879
01:37:54,708 --> 01:37:58,208
We've already waited!
We have waited enough!
880
01:37:59,458 --> 01:38:02,000
May I ask that you do something,
as a son?
881
01:38:02,208 --> 01:38:04,833
- Speak up.
- Think about what I said.
882
01:38:05,625 --> 01:38:08,166
I hope that before dawn
you will join us.
883
01:38:14,458 --> 01:38:17,375
I will ask you the identical thing.
884
01:38:17,541 --> 01:38:21,041
Don't have the new sun
find us on enemy fields.
885
01:38:21,250 --> 01:38:23,166
I hope so!
886
01:38:23,375 --> 01:38:28,416
An unworthy son
says goodbye to his beloved father.
887
01:39:15,208 --> 01:39:19,500
Koublai Khan made the fatal decision
of showing the men
888
01:39:19,708 --> 01:39:23,625
that the magic powder
could be used for less innocent aims.
889
01:39:23,833 --> 01:39:28,000
Its use was not only that
of colored fireworks in the sky.
890
01:41:06,291 --> 01:41:07,833
Attack!
891
01:41:26,500 --> 01:41:28,333
Charge!
892
01:43:03,541 --> 01:43:05,875
The old fox...
893
01:43:06,083 --> 01:43:09,125
was shrewder than the wolf.
894
01:43:09,333 --> 01:43:11,625
That doesn't comfort me.
895
01:43:11,833 --> 01:43:15,500
You know the magic... of thunder.
896
01:43:15,750 --> 01:43:20,666
It isn't magic, son,
but a source of destruction.
897
01:43:21,125 --> 01:43:24,166
Go to war... conquer.
898
01:43:25,166 --> 01:43:26,708
You will be...
899
01:43:27,625 --> 01:43:30,166
master of the world!
900
01:44:35,666 --> 01:44:39,291
- The caravan is ready to leave.
- Are the gifts and ambassadors on it?
901
01:44:39,500 --> 01:44:41,833
They are just waiting
for your farewell.
902
01:44:42,041 --> 01:44:45,041
With great relief
I had news of my father.
903
01:44:45,250 --> 01:44:49,166
- He is safe in Samarkand.
- This pleases me very much.
904
01:44:50,125 --> 01:44:54,000
Marco, tell the Pope
what you saw here.
905
01:44:54,208 --> 01:44:58,083
Don't exaggerate in describing good,
and don't make evil look better.
906
01:44:58,291 --> 01:45:00,458
One more favor.
907
01:45:00,625 --> 01:45:05,750
Don't talk about... my pain.
That only belongs to me.
908
01:45:05,958 --> 01:45:10,791
I foresaw your desire, and already
gave such orders to the ambassadors.
909
01:45:11,416 --> 01:45:13,750
I will not leave with the caravan.
910
01:45:15,041 --> 01:45:17,458
I... would like to stay here.
911
01:45:19,166 --> 01:45:24,458
What holds you?
Philosophy or Chinese beauty?
912
01:45:24,625 --> 01:45:28,333
I am staying for Koublai Khan,
a wise man who I will not leave
913
01:45:28,500 --> 01:45:31,625
until I have learned
what he can teach me.
914
01:45:31,833 --> 01:45:34,875
Marco, I don't have much
to teach you,
915
01:45:35,083 --> 01:45:38,041
but knowing how to advise,
is a gift coming from experience.
916
01:45:38,250 --> 01:45:41,500
I will accept all your advice,
as from a father.
917
01:45:41,708 --> 01:45:43,916
And I will give it,
as if you were a son.
918
01:46:23,000 --> 01:46:25,875
The caravan headed towards the West
919
01:46:26,083 --> 01:46:30,875
carrying with it a message of peace
to the entire Old World.
920
01:46:31,083 --> 01:46:36,166
A message that would be received
only a long time later.
921
01:46:42,625 --> 01:46:45,208
Having left behind
adventures and dangers,
922
01:46:45,416 --> 01:46:47,958
and forgetting
the smiles of many women,
923
01:46:48,166 --> 01:46:53,166
Marco found, at the same time,
knowledge and love.
924
01:46:55,000 --> 01:46:58,541
He stayed in China,
and remained there for 17 years
925
01:46:58,750 --> 01:47:02,458
before deciding to return
in the land of his youth.
926
01:47:02,625 --> 01:47:07,166
He had the wisdom that only maturity
and experience can give.
927
01:47:07,375 --> 01:47:10,458
His eyes had seen fabulous
and faraway countries.
928
01:47:10,625 --> 01:47:15,708
He became familiar with the hearts
of men beyond the known borders,
929
01:47:15,916 --> 01:47:18,208
and so he wrote his story.
930
01:47:18,416 --> 01:47:21,041
The story that we just told.
80227
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