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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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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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00:02:04,791 --> 00:02:07,416
Those... those ants
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00:02:08,291 --> 00:02:10,750
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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00:02:17,708 --> 00:02:20,541
The people here in Venice,
especially sailors,
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look at them suspiciously,
with hostility. And you know why?
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00:02:25,833 --> 00:02:29,541
Because those carpenters
are using new construction systems
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that nobody has ever seen in Venice.
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00:02:32,375 --> 00:02:36,791
They learned to tie the planking
of the ship in a new way.
13
00:02:37,041 --> 00:02:41,000
Things are changing, many things
are changing, Marco.
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Yes, but not for me.
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00:02:43,875 --> 00:02:48,916
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
00:02:54,000 --> 00:02:58,416
On that day I realized
it was the end of an era.
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00:02:58,625 --> 00:03:01,750
- So much the better! It was old.
- And you are young.
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00:03:01,958 --> 00:03:05,291
While your teacher explains things,
20
00:03:05,500 --> 00:03:08,500
what do you do?
You play with your dagger!
21
00:03:08,750 --> 00:03:13,250
An absurd exercise with the only
result of possibly injuring you.
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00:03:13,500 --> 00:03:17,000
Marco, be serious!
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00:03:17,250 --> 00:03:22,541
Listen, and believe me when I say
that man is changing the world.
24
00:03:23,625 --> 00:03:28,125
I wasted my last years
teaching a young boy.
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00:03:28,333 --> 00:03:33,000
Your father, in leaving for China,
asked me to teach you what I know,
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00:03:33,208 --> 00:03:36,041
and I wasn't successful.
- No, it's not true.
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00:03:36,250 --> 00:03:39,125
The little good there is in me,
I owe to you.
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00:03:39,333 --> 00:03:43,500
I'm no longer a boy and I angrily see
the world slipping from my hands.
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00:03:45,291 --> 00:03:48,625
Even if your father should return
with a ship full of gold,
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00:03:48,833 --> 00:03:52,791
it won't be his riches to give you
the world. You must conquer it!
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00:03:53,000 --> 00:03:56,291
How? People say that my father
is ruined, that he was lost at sea.
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00:03:56,500 --> 00:04:01,625
- I am nobody in Venice.
- You're Marco Polo, 20 years old.
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00:04:01,833 --> 00:04:04,125
Venice is not the world.
34
00:04:04,625 --> 00:04:08,500
You know what the banker Spinello
says against us?
35
00:04:08,708 --> 00:04:11,291
- Let him speak.
- I won't!
36
00:04:11,500 --> 00:04:15,708
I won't allow anyone to speak badly
of my father. No one!
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00:04:17,000 --> 00:04:19,375
I can't do much,
38
00:04:19,583 --> 00:04:22,916
but I can silence Spinello!
- Look here.
39
00:04:23,500 --> 00:04:27,958
You're the only creature in the world
that I really love.
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00:04:28,125 --> 00:04:31,666
For you I engraved those notches
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00:04:31,875 --> 00:04:34,416
on my splendid astrolabe.
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00:04:34,625 --> 00:04:38,750
They mark the position
of all the stars in the sky,
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00:04:39,708 --> 00:04:43,208
during the hour of your birth.
- What do the stars predict for me?
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00:04:43,416 --> 00:04:45,875
I told you hundreds of times.
45
00:04:46,916 --> 00:04:50,416
Glory... and prison.
46
00:04:51,416 --> 00:04:54,000
Two things that often
go hand in hand.
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00:04:54,208 --> 00:04:58,541
But you start with conquering glory.
Where are you going now?
48
00:04:58,791 --> 00:05:01,916
Not to conquer glory,
but maybe to prison.
49
00:05:02,083 --> 00:05:05,625
I'm playing chess with Spinello.
The bankers must understand
50
00:05:05,833 --> 00:05:09,375
that other things exist besides
those recorded in their books.
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00:05:09,625 --> 00:05:12,625
- For example, Marco?
- Honor!
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00:05:47,500 --> 00:05:50,541
- Good-day, Mr. Spinello!
- Good-day.
53
00:05:50,750 --> 00:05:53,000
Did you hear the news?
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00:05:53,166 --> 00:05:58,166
At dawn, the Cape Kormakitis lookout
spotted a ship.
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00:05:58,375 --> 00:06:02,000
Its form and mast look like it
could be my father's ship, San Marco.
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00:06:02,166 --> 00:06:05,166
It's racing in front of the wind
with its sails unfurled!
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00:06:05,375 --> 00:06:07,416
Don't make me laugh.
58
00:06:07,625 --> 00:06:10,875
The man who was a lookout
must have been drunk.
59
00:06:11,041 --> 00:06:15,083
What if it's true, and the San Marco
docks tomorrow in the lagoon
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00:06:15,291 --> 00:06:18,916
with a precious cargo of perfumes
from Arabia, Persian carpets,
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00:06:19,083 --> 00:06:24,416
and soft silks from China?
I would laugh at you. Right?
62
00:06:24,625 --> 00:06:27,875
My dear boy, if this were true,
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00:06:28,041 --> 00:06:32,916
I'd be the first to be pleased with
all my heart, for a thousand reasons.
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00:06:33,083 --> 00:06:36,166
You understand me!
But believe me,
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00:06:36,375 --> 00:06:39,875
the Cape Kormakitis lookout
is a drunkard.
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00:06:41,041 --> 00:06:44,083
But then, on the horizon,
a small dot appeared.
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00:06:44,291 --> 00:06:48,000
It was far away and as it approached,
it took on the form of a ship
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00:06:48,208 --> 00:06:51,458
with the sails in the wind,
racing towards Venice.
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00:06:51,666 --> 00:06:54,625
It was truly the San Marco
taking back to the mother country
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00:06:54,833 --> 00:06:56,833
Marco's father and uncle.
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00:06:57,000 --> 00:07:01,000
But with his great disappointment,
the holds were empty.
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00:07:01,166 --> 00:07:04,291
The long awaited riches
had not arrived.
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00:07:06,458 --> 00:07:09,000
All the merchandize
from the faraway Orient
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00:07:09,208 --> 00:07:13,458
had been confiscated by Byzantium,
at war with Venice.
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00:07:13,666 --> 00:07:16,958
Niccolò Polo and his brother Matteo
were ruined.
76
00:07:17,125 --> 00:07:21,291
Destiny, politics and war are things
that creditors understand very well,
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00:07:21,500 --> 00:07:25,166
but they aren't reasons
for not being paid.
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00:07:25,375 --> 00:07:29,458
Very soon the two Polo brothers,
sitting at a table,
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00:07:29,666 --> 00:07:33,875
found themselves fighting against
a horde of creditors.
80
00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:39,125
We can only offer you our word.
81
00:07:39,333 --> 00:07:44,000
But I know that for the merchants
of Venice it means nothing.
82
00:07:46,333 --> 00:07:51,250
That envelope that we bring
can only be unsealed by the Pope.
83
00:07:52,000 --> 00:07:56,291
But I can assure you that the proposals
of the Emperor of China
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00:07:56,500 --> 00:08:01,750
can change the entire future
of Christianity.
85
00:08:02,041 --> 00:08:06,000
Let's forget about
the future of Christianity.
86
00:08:06,208 --> 00:08:10,541
And let's talk about
the 250,000 ducats you owe us.
87
00:08:11,541 --> 00:08:13,958
Without a doubt you will not pay.
88
00:08:14,125 --> 00:08:17,333
So I ask for confiscation
of all your assets
89
00:08:17,583 --> 00:08:21,791
until we see, lined up along
the piers, as much merchandize
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00:08:22,041 --> 00:08:26,375
as it takes to pay your debts.
91
00:08:57,875 --> 00:09:02,000
But it was written that fortune
was to smile again at the Polos.
92
00:09:03,333 --> 00:09:06,250
As you saw,
I didn't say anything,
93
00:09:06,458 --> 00:09:09,125
but I know something
that the others don't know yet.
94
00:09:09,333 --> 00:09:15,000
A new pope was elected.
Gregorio of Piacenza.
95
00:09:15,208 --> 00:09:18,750
Gregorio of Piacenza?
Then we are saved!
96
00:09:18,958 --> 00:09:21,666
- If the tiara hasn't changed him.
- That's right,
97
00:09:21,875 --> 00:09:24,875
but Gregorio, before becoming pope,
was your friend.
98
00:09:25,041 --> 00:09:28,000
I don't see why he should deny
his affection now.
99
00:09:28,166 --> 00:09:31,500
Here, take it.
There is some gold for you.
100
00:09:31,708 --> 00:09:36,833
I am sure you'll need it. Take the
message of the emperor to the pope,
101
00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:41,125
and if the Orient opens its door
to us, we'll make excellent deals.
102
00:09:41,333 --> 00:09:45,333
- The mice are getting back on board.
- It is usually an excellent sign.
103
00:09:45,541 --> 00:09:49,750
- Alright. We'll divide it in three.
- Yes, we're good friends.
104
00:09:58,958 --> 00:10:03,333
Let's not get our hopes up too much.
He was our friend as a bishop.
105
00:10:03,541 --> 00:10:06,791
Now we must talk to him as a pope,
and that is very different.
106
00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:10,166
He held Marco on his lap.
He surely hasn't forgotten that.
107
00:10:10,375 --> 00:10:12,958
- You are lovely.
- Thank you.
108
00:10:15,708 --> 00:10:18,375
I am beginning to like this city.
109
00:10:18,583 --> 00:10:20,750
I'm not surprised.
110
00:10:20,958 --> 00:10:26,208
I heard that during my absence
all you did was chase girls.
111
00:10:26,708 --> 00:10:29,708
I don't deny it,
but it's not totally true.
112
00:10:29,916 --> 00:10:32,500
Sometimes I didn't
have to chase them.
113
00:10:32,708 --> 00:10:36,541
Don't kidnap Roman women while your
uncle and I are with His Holiness.
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00:10:43,625 --> 00:10:46,500
I don't doubt the sincerity
of the Polo brothers,
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00:10:46,750 --> 00:10:49,708
but I fear their simplicity.
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00:10:49,916 --> 00:10:53,083
My advisor is convinced
that the Emperor of China
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is preparing a war
against Christianity.
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00:10:56,333 --> 00:10:59,458
Father Vincent,
Koublai Khan only wants peace.
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00:10:59,666 --> 00:11:01,833
His message is proof of this.
120
00:11:02,000 --> 00:11:07,000
He just wants to chase our doubts
away while he prepares war.
121
00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:12,875
We received precise information
of what is happening in China.
122
00:11:13,041 --> 00:11:16,375
There is a faction that's pro war,
but the emperor is blocking it.
123
00:11:16,625 --> 00:11:18,625
He could change his mind.
124
00:11:18,833 --> 00:11:22,375
He asked to send priests
to teach Christianity.
125
00:11:22,583 --> 00:11:26,166
In exchange, he promises help
for liberation of the Holy Sepulcher.
126
00:11:26,375 --> 00:11:28,791
It's a trick, holy Father.
127
00:11:29,000 --> 00:11:32,916
I think that Koublai Khan
is really against war,
128
00:11:33,083 --> 00:11:37,541
and is waiting for a word from us
to strengthen his position.
129
00:11:37,750 --> 00:11:40,041
We will give it to him.
130
00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:46,666
It is very important that
our benevolent attitude reach him
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00:11:46,875 --> 00:11:48,875
as soon as possible.
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00:11:49,041 --> 00:11:53,000
Niccolò, Matteo, you know him.
He trusts you.
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00:11:53,208 --> 00:11:56,750
Take my message
of hope and good will to him.
134
00:11:56,958 --> 00:12:02,041
I will send two Templar priests
with you for spiritual matters.
135
00:12:02,291 --> 00:12:04,458
Marco will take care of the rest.
136
00:12:04,666 --> 00:12:07,000
Marco? Why Marco?
137
00:12:08,458 --> 00:12:11,458
The pope wanted to see Marco.
138
00:12:12,041 --> 00:12:16,458
What was the secret thought
of this wise and cautious man?
139
00:12:17,541 --> 00:12:20,333
The Emperor of China
asked him for 100 wise men
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00:12:20,541 --> 00:12:22,750
to teach the ways
of the Western world
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00:12:22,958 --> 00:12:26,416
and the Christian religion,
made of tenderness and love.
142
00:12:26,625 --> 00:12:31,750
The Pope knew he couldn't find
100 wise me in all of Rome,
143
00:12:31,958 --> 00:12:34,958
but when young Marco
was facing him,
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00:12:35,125 --> 00:12:38,125
the Pope was struck
by his audacious aspect
145
00:12:38,333 --> 00:12:41,666
and by his honest and loyal look,
and an idea came to his mind.
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00:12:41,875 --> 00:12:45,375
An idea that scandalized
the Christian world at that time.
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00:12:45,583 --> 00:12:49,000
Later is was said that he had been
inspired by the Holy Spirit,
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00:12:49,250 --> 00:12:52,000
and that God had spoken to his heart.
149
00:12:52,166 --> 00:12:57,166
Since he didn't have 100 wise men,
why not send only one man,
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00:12:57,375 --> 00:13:01,250
the most courageous,
the most handsome he could find?
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00:13:01,458 --> 00:13:04,041
Me, holy Father?
152
00:13:04,750 --> 00:13:07,291
The Pope looked at Marco and smiled,
153
00:13:07,500 --> 00:13:11,625
thinking that youth and beauty
are the smile of God on Earth
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00:13:11,833 --> 00:13:16,083
and can obtain more than 100 wise men
with all their wisdom.
155
00:13:18,333 --> 00:13:20,125
Guess who!
156
00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:42,125
- How long will you be away?
- 5, 10, 15 years. Who knows?
157
00:13:49,166 --> 00:13:52,208
Where were you?
It's already time to sail!
158
00:13:52,416 --> 00:13:55,041
I went to say goodbye to my teachers.
159
00:14:12,958 --> 00:14:16,000
So, because of Pope Gregorio's
strange decision,
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00:14:16,208 --> 00:14:19,125
on a November morning in 1271,
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00:14:19,333 --> 00:14:23,875
the Silk Road opened
in front of a 20 year old Venetian.
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00:14:24,041 --> 00:14:26,875
Marco didn't know
that he would return
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00:14:27,041 --> 00:14:29,666
when half of his life had gone by.
164
00:14:43,166 --> 00:14:46,125
His first landing
was in the Holy Land.
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00:15:09,833 --> 00:15:11,833
Welcome, my friends!
166
00:15:12,000 --> 00:15:15,541
Your last trip was very fruitful.
You have come back soon.
167
00:15:15,750 --> 00:15:20,708
You're fortunate because I've
the loveliest slaves of the Orient.
168
00:15:21,750 --> 00:15:23,750
We want to buy camels and horses.
169
00:15:23,958 --> 00:15:27,416
I have horses and camels,
the most beautiful in all the Orient.
170
00:15:27,625 --> 00:15:30,333
Pure breed Arab horses,
as fast as the wind,
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00:15:30,541 --> 00:15:33,833
and camels capable
of crossing all deserts.
172
00:15:56,500 --> 00:15:59,125
Already the news
of this mysterious caravan
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00:15:59,333 --> 00:16:01,375
had spread throughout the Orient.
174
00:16:01,583 --> 00:16:05,000
Apparently the Pope's messengers
were being spied and followed
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00:16:05,166 --> 00:16:07,708
along the entire road to China.
176
00:16:19,750 --> 00:16:22,750
- Uncle, watch over my father.
- Don't worry.
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00:16:55,458 --> 00:16:59,458
Go ahead. I'll join you immediately!
Understand?
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00:17:20,375 --> 00:17:23,291
While the caravan was on its way
towards Samarkand.
179
00:17:23,500 --> 00:17:26,291
Marco and the two Templars
headed towards an oasis
180
00:17:26,500 --> 00:17:30,000
where they would meet another
two Templars from Jerusalem
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00:17:30,208 --> 00:17:33,750
to give them an ampoule of holy oil
to donate to the emperor of China.
182
00:17:35,083 --> 00:17:37,666
The idea of this gift
had seemed sacrilegious
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00:17:37,875 --> 00:17:40,041
to Pope Gregorio's contemporaries.
184
00:17:41,208 --> 00:17:45,291
Putting into the hands of a pagan
the holy symbol of Christianity
185
00:17:45,500 --> 00:17:48,666
would expose it
to a horrible profanation.
186
00:17:48,875 --> 00:17:54,000
The Pope imagined that this risk
could reach the emperor's heart.
187
00:18:39,250 --> 00:18:41,916
Two merchants
taken from their affairs,
188
00:18:42,083 --> 00:18:45,750
two poor priests,
and an inexperienced young man
189
00:18:45,958 --> 00:18:49,333
is what the Pope found
to conquer China.
190
00:18:50,458 --> 00:18:52,333
Good-day, maiden.
191
00:18:58,041 --> 00:19:03,166
Jesus was alone, and his apostles
were 12 barefoot men.
192
00:19:03,416 --> 00:19:06,166
We'll be caught like mice
halfway along the road.
193
00:19:06,416 --> 00:19:09,166
If it will be necessary,
we will know how to die.
194
00:19:09,375 --> 00:19:11,833
The Templars were seriously perplexed
195
00:19:12,083 --> 00:19:15,541
in seeing Marco chase
all the lovely girls that he met,
196
00:19:15,750 --> 00:19:19,125
forgetting the seriousness
of the mission entrusted to him.
197
00:19:19,333 --> 00:19:22,333
They didn't doubt the Pope's wisdom
198
00:19:22,583 --> 00:19:25,250
in choosing a young man
for such an important mission,
199
00:19:25,458 --> 00:19:29,666
but anguishing problems
tormented their Templar serenity.
200
00:19:42,250 --> 00:19:46,000
Meanwhile, the Polo brothers
had reached the desert area,
201
00:19:46,208 --> 00:19:49,750
under the domain of Alau,
a powerful Arab head,
202
00:19:49,958 --> 00:19:53,833
with which they had made friends
on their previous trips.
203
00:19:58,125 --> 00:20:02,333
Vile disgusting jackal!
You're stupider than a crazy camel!
204
00:20:02,541 --> 00:20:04,416
Silence!
205
00:20:05,333 --> 00:20:10,833
Don't ever come into my tent
during the siesta hour. Understand?
206
00:20:11,000 --> 00:20:15,000
- Niccolò Polo is coming.
- Niccolò, my beloved brother!
207
00:20:15,166 --> 00:20:18,333
Why didn't you tell me right away?
Round up the men
208
00:20:18,541 --> 00:20:22,375
and tell the women to get ready
for a big celebration. Run, go on!
209
00:20:26,333 --> 00:20:30,750
Wake up! Everyone on your hoses.
The master's orders!
210
00:20:38,250 --> 00:20:41,875
- You are leaving again?
- Don't be upset, my sweetness.
211
00:20:42,041 --> 00:20:45,708
Niccolò is a brother. It would be
an offence not to go greet him.
212
00:20:45,916 --> 00:20:48,458
- I am never with my husband.
- What?
213
00:20:48,666 --> 00:20:51,916
I am with you every Saturday night.
Isn't it proof that I love you?
214
00:20:52,083 --> 00:20:55,000
If you really loved me,
you'd chase away your other wives.
215
00:20:55,208 --> 00:20:59,416
They're unimportant. I keep them
because it's the custom. I love you.
216
00:20:59,625 --> 00:21:05,375
My father was happy with only 3 wives
and my uncle only has 2.
217
00:21:06,500 --> 00:21:09,041
While you have 26.
218
00:21:09,291 --> 00:21:11,083
26?
219
00:21:11,333 --> 00:21:13,125
I told you, it's the custom.
220
00:21:13,333 --> 00:21:16,041
I don't want you to have
lots of wives besides me!
221
00:21:27,250 --> 00:21:30,000
But the road that Marco Polo
and his companions took
222
00:21:30,166 --> 00:21:32,625
was not covered with stars
and lovely girls.
223
00:21:32,833 --> 00:21:38,291
Their journey was followed
by sinister figures dressed in black.
224
00:22:17,458 --> 00:22:19,708
Death and destruction were the result
225
00:22:19,916 --> 00:22:22,791
of whoever dared
rebel against his will.
226
00:22:25,291 --> 00:22:29,166
The tyrant knew about the mission
entrusted to Marco and his companions
227
00:22:29,375 --> 00:22:32,666
and also knew they were
in his territory.
228
00:23:50,083 --> 00:23:52,083
Are you Venetians?
229
00:23:53,458 --> 00:23:55,791
Yes, merchants.
230
00:23:56,041 --> 00:23:59,583
My master, who everyone calls
the Old Mountain Man,
231
00:23:59,791 --> 00:24:02,875
offers you hospitality.
- The Old Mountain Man?
232
00:24:03,041 --> 00:24:06,500
- I thought it was a legend.
- You'll see if it's a legend!
233
00:24:06,750 --> 00:24:10,333
We are grateful for his invitation,
but are in a hurry.
234
00:24:10,583 --> 00:24:12,458
Maybe we'll stop on the way back.
235
00:24:12,666 --> 00:24:16,708
The village you passed
disobeyed the Old Mountain Man.
236
00:24:31,541 --> 00:24:34,000
Come, it is not difficult.
237
00:24:35,500 --> 00:24:37,333
Let's move!
238
00:24:41,250 --> 00:24:43,250
One of us by go by!
239
00:24:43,458 --> 00:24:45,041
Don't move!
240
00:24:57,750 --> 00:24:59,541
Pig!
241
00:24:59,750 --> 00:25:04,708
Don't provoke. At times, real courage
is that of knowing how to submit.
242
00:25:04,916 --> 00:25:08,125
You, who fought for Christ
all your life, say that?
243
00:25:08,333 --> 00:25:09,416
Yes.
244
00:25:09,666 --> 00:25:13,083
So, will you decide
to accept our gracious invitation?
245
00:25:13,333 --> 00:25:16,541
If you want me to come with you,
you'll have to force me.
246
00:25:17,958 --> 00:25:19,500
Get him!
247
00:25:19,708 --> 00:25:22,958
Remember, the master
wants him alive, if it's possible.
248
00:25:23,125 --> 00:25:24,833
Why don't you come get me?
249
00:25:27,166 --> 00:25:30,041
Must I lose my patience?
250
00:25:30,250 --> 00:25:34,458
Coward! You hide behind
the backs of your men.
251
00:25:35,125 --> 00:25:37,625
Come get me, if you dare!
252
00:26:23,500 --> 00:26:25,958
- Let him go!
- Marco, the dagger!
253
00:26:37,500 --> 00:26:41,916
You were right. Real courage
would have been giving in.
254
00:26:42,083 --> 00:26:46,750
I always dreamed of dying for
the glory of Christ, not for yours.
255
00:26:59,083 --> 00:27:03,500
You seem perturbed, brother.
Aren't you happy to see me again?
256
00:27:03,708 --> 00:27:08,625
- Marco should've come yesterday.
- He'll arrive tonight or tomorrow.
257
00:27:08,833 --> 00:27:11,583
Nothing happened to him,
or I would've been informed.
258
00:27:11,791 --> 00:27:14,500
Come freshen up.
259
00:27:32,208 --> 00:27:34,583
I sent my men to look for Marco.
260
00:27:34,791 --> 00:27:38,375
Even if he's late, he'll join you.
Tomorrow you'll leave as planned.
261
00:27:38,583 --> 00:27:41,666
Marco is bright. He'll manage
to join us one way or another.
262
00:27:41,875 --> 00:27:44,166
Stop worrying, Niccolò.
263
00:27:44,375 --> 00:27:48,000
In my territory he is as safe
as a child in his mother's arms.
264
00:27:48,166 --> 00:27:51,125
Eat. A big celebration
was prepared for you.
265
00:28:21,416 --> 00:28:23,833
The royal palace
of the Old Mountain Man
266
00:28:24,000 --> 00:28:26,666
where Marco and his companions
were taken,
267
00:28:26,875 --> 00:28:30,458
was an immense palace
cut inside the rock.
268
00:28:31,833 --> 00:28:35,625
The site had a sinister reputation
in all of the Orient.
269
00:28:36,750 --> 00:28:40,041
It was known that inside
there were magnificent riches,
270
00:28:40,250 --> 00:28:43,250
rare animals,
a library that had no equals,
271
00:28:43,458 --> 00:28:47,416
and beautiful women that the
Old Mountain Man had kidnapped
272
00:28:47,625 --> 00:28:50,000
from the four corners of the world.
273
00:28:50,166 --> 00:28:52,791
According to the legend,
this genius of evil
274
00:28:53,000 --> 00:28:56,541
who only believed in the denial of
every truth and every moral,
275
00:28:56,750 --> 00:29:01,750
had no age or name,
and it was said he was immortal.
276
00:29:02,958 --> 00:29:05,750
His face was covered
by a golden mask
277
00:29:05,958 --> 00:29:09,375
that he only removed in front
of those who were destined to die.
278
00:29:10,333 --> 00:29:14,166
He secretly chose his successor.
279
00:29:14,375 --> 00:29:18,250
He would have worn
the golden mask one day,
280
00:29:18,458 --> 00:29:22,166
and in following the same principles
of evil denial of anything good,
281
00:29:22,375 --> 00:29:26,958
he would have acquired the right
to life and death on all the realm.
282
00:29:30,333 --> 00:29:32,250
Aristotle.
283
00:29:32,458 --> 00:29:34,500
Plato.
284
00:29:34,708 --> 00:29:37,708
You said he was an evil
and cruel monster.
285
00:29:37,916 --> 00:29:39,791
I still say it.
286
00:29:40,000 --> 00:29:43,166
He is the human incarnation
of all evil on the earth.
287
00:29:43,375 --> 00:29:47,166
How is it possible that evil flourishes
among books of so much wisdom?
288
00:29:47,375 --> 00:29:50,291
Each man takes from books
the truth that he prefers.
289
00:29:50,500 --> 00:29:52,916
This is a truth, too.
290
00:30:02,666 --> 00:30:05,750
Why are you wearing a mask?
Let me see your face.
291
00:30:06,000 --> 00:30:08,416
Don't worry, you'll see it
292
00:30:08,625 --> 00:30:11,291
before you wish doing so.
293
00:30:19,041 --> 00:30:22,041
There are many ways
to descend a stairway,
294
00:30:23,208 --> 00:30:25,791
but there is only one way
295
00:30:26,000 --> 00:30:30,291
to climb the stairway
that leads to paradise.
296
00:30:36,166 --> 00:30:41,041
You have an ordinary and vulgar face,
one of a common fatso.
297
00:30:44,375 --> 00:30:47,458
You're the insolent type of man
that I very much like.
298
00:30:47,666 --> 00:30:49,875
And you, the sly type that I detest.
299
00:30:51,125 --> 00:30:53,458
I like you.
300
00:30:53,666 --> 00:30:58,833
I'd be glad if you decided
to stay with me spontaneously,
301
00:30:59,000 --> 00:31:01,375
without having to convince you.
302
00:31:02,333 --> 00:31:06,083
Do you like me too?
Admit it.
303
00:31:06,333 --> 00:31:09,208
If you want me to be your friend,
let us go.
304
00:31:11,333 --> 00:31:13,958
You worry about your holy pilgrim
305
00:31:14,125 --> 00:31:18,125
who you consider a guardian
of your faith and your conscience.
306
00:31:21,375 --> 00:31:23,875
A useless being.
307
00:31:24,041 --> 00:31:27,333
Very soon you will thank
the Old Mountain Man
308
00:31:27,541 --> 00:31:30,125
for the great gift he's about
to give you.
309
00:31:30,333 --> 00:31:34,791
I'll show you that the faith
they've shoved into your head
310
00:31:35,041 --> 00:31:38,666
since you were a child,
is only one of illusions.
311
00:31:38,958 --> 00:31:40,333
Yes.
312
00:31:41,250 --> 00:31:45,125
I want to show you
because I like you very much.
313
00:31:45,333 --> 00:31:49,791
- I'd rather you didn't like me.
- It's an instinctive emotion.
314
00:31:50,750 --> 00:31:55,666
Your Christian friends
think they are so strong
315
00:31:55,875 --> 00:32:01,375
as to transform a piece of bread
into the body of a god.
316
00:32:03,875 --> 00:32:09,416
I will show you that the faith
preached by this holy man
317
00:32:11,000 --> 00:32:14,083
is nothing more than a lie.
318
00:32:14,291 --> 00:32:18,666
Yes, it's a disgusting lie.
319
00:32:18,875 --> 00:32:21,000
Pray.
320
00:32:21,791 --> 00:32:23,958
Pray, pray.
321
00:32:24,125 --> 00:32:28,458
You can obtain a lot more
by inhaling hashish.
322
00:32:28,666 --> 00:32:31,416
Just one caress from brother pain
323
00:32:31,625 --> 00:32:36,291
and he will deny his faith
as one denies an unsuitable bride.
324
00:32:39,375 --> 00:32:43,333
If you touch even one hair
of that man, you'll have to kill me.
325
00:32:43,541 --> 00:32:46,166
No. Nobody will touch him.
326
00:32:46,416 --> 00:32:49,958
He must only listen to a bell,
327
00:32:50,125 --> 00:32:51,708
and nothing else.
328
00:32:53,000 --> 00:32:57,666
Christians like to listen
to the sound of bells.
329
00:32:57,875 --> 00:32:59,541
Isn't that so?
330
00:33:33,708 --> 00:33:35,500
Enough!
331
00:33:47,833 --> 00:33:49,166
Stop!
332
00:34:15,166 --> 00:34:18,541
To show you how little is left
of his faith,
333
00:34:20,000 --> 00:34:23,166
I'll ask him to spit on his God.
334
00:34:25,208 --> 00:34:28,875
It's much easier and faster
than questioning him
335
00:34:29,041 --> 00:34:32,666
on the sincerity of convictions
that he nurtures in his heart.
336
00:34:47,875 --> 00:34:49,875
Leave him alone!
337
00:35:00,041 --> 00:35:05,250
This is the force of the faith
you were raised with.
338
00:35:17,750 --> 00:35:20,458
I learned something from you today.
339
00:35:26,208 --> 00:35:28,208
I am very grateful.
340
00:35:31,291 --> 00:35:33,000
I realized
341
00:35:34,125 --> 00:35:39,916
what it means to love my fellow men,
even if weak and malicious.
342
00:35:40,166 --> 00:35:43,666
I will soon test
what you call a great love.
343
00:35:44,916 --> 00:35:48,291
Your terrestrial glory
is just an illusion!
344
00:35:49,250 --> 00:35:52,333
You are nothing. Nothing!
345
00:35:55,291 --> 00:35:57,541
The day you disappear
from the living,
346
00:35:57,750 --> 00:36:01,458
what will be left of you is only
a shriveled, disgusting memory.
347
00:36:02,791 --> 00:36:05,875
But what we believe in
will live forever.
348
00:36:07,958 --> 00:36:12,458
So it seems I was not able
to convince you.
349
00:36:13,000 --> 00:36:15,500
All I can do is have him climb
350
00:36:15,708 --> 00:36:18,750
the first step of our paradise.
Don't you think?
351
00:36:27,041 --> 00:36:29,250
Don't hurt him.
352
00:36:29,458 --> 00:36:32,250
He will soon be a military
in your army.
353
00:36:38,083 --> 00:36:41,708
We have spoken enough.
Let's go rest.
354
00:36:41,916 --> 00:36:43,916
Yes, naturally.
355
00:36:44,083 --> 00:36:47,333
The thought that you can remain
so little, saddens me.
356
00:36:47,541 --> 00:36:50,625
But I'll expect another visit
when you return from China.
357
00:36:50,833 --> 00:36:53,333
Please, don't interrupt
the celebration.
358
00:36:56,583 --> 00:36:58,666
Thank you for everything, Alau.
359
00:37:09,541 --> 00:37:13,666
Sleep well and don't worry
about your son!
360
00:37:25,000 --> 00:37:27,833
Now I understand.
The aim of torture
361
00:37:28,000 --> 00:37:31,083
is disgracing a man
in front of himself.
362
00:37:31,291 --> 00:37:34,000
The old man thinks he has won.
363
00:37:34,250 --> 00:37:36,541
But he has lost!
364
00:37:36,750 --> 00:37:40,708
I will die damned!
I will die like a coward!
365
00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:44,583
Calm down. It's not true.
366
00:37:46,875 --> 00:37:51,708
You have shown great courage,
beyond the limits of resistance.
367
00:37:53,333 --> 00:37:55,333
I will never forget you.
368
00:37:56,666 --> 00:37:58,625
It's only thanks to you
369
00:38:00,583 --> 00:38:03,083
if I regained my faith again.
370
00:38:03,291 --> 00:38:05,791
If that is true, son,
371
00:38:06,708 --> 00:38:10,583
then I will be less terrorized
372
00:38:11,416 --> 00:38:13,541
to appear in front of Him.
373
00:38:28,291 --> 00:38:29,875
Master!
374
00:38:31,041 --> 00:38:33,875
Marco Polo is a prisoner
of the old man.
375
00:38:34,041 --> 00:38:36,583
Round up 15 armed men
and a saddled horse.
376
00:38:36,791 --> 00:38:38,583
Don't wake up the Polo brothers.
377
00:38:38,791 --> 00:38:42,541
Tomorrow morning you'll tell them
Marco will join them in 2 days.
378
00:39:28,208 --> 00:39:33,083
Mongolian Prince Nayan
donated 5 bags of gold to me
379
00:39:33,541 --> 00:39:36,208
to interrupt the journey
of the 5 Christians
380
00:39:36,416 --> 00:39:39,375
that are going to visit your father,
Koublai Khan.
381
00:39:39,583 --> 00:39:43,375
To have me interrupt the journey
of the 5 Christians.
382
00:39:44,083 --> 00:39:46,166
Yes, alright.
383
00:40:12,958 --> 00:40:14,791
Wait here.
384
00:40:29,375 --> 00:40:33,041
- Desert lion!
- Mountain eagle!
385
00:40:34,458 --> 00:40:36,041
Come, Alau.
386
00:40:38,250 --> 00:40:42,791
My solitude vanishes
when my eyes look upon you.
387
00:40:43,000 --> 00:40:46,291
Sit down, please, my friend.
Rest from the journey.
388
00:40:47,958 --> 00:40:51,500
Please, describe the most beautiful
of your wives to me.
389
00:40:51,708 --> 00:40:54,500
For you, great and valorous eagle
of the mountain,
390
00:40:54,708 --> 00:40:59,625
I will exalt the beauty of Jasmine,
the most beautiful of my wives.
391
00:40:59,875 --> 00:41:03,666
- Remove the mask. We are alone.
- Yes, you're right.
392
00:41:03,958 --> 00:41:07,666
You are the only person in the world
who can see my face
393
00:41:07,916 --> 00:41:12,208
without ending up immediately
in paradise as a reward.
394
00:41:15,166 --> 00:41:17,250
I feel cooler like this.
395
00:41:17,500 --> 00:41:21,083
I realize you enjoy living
in the artificial paradise of hashish,
396
00:41:21,291 --> 00:41:24,291
but why do you cover your face
with a mask?
397
00:41:24,541 --> 00:41:28,708
You think I could convey terror
and respect with a face like this
398
00:41:28,916 --> 00:41:33,208
and with all this lard?
This is an immortal symbol.
399
00:41:33,416 --> 00:41:38,708
The people always follow the symbol,
not the man. But...
400
00:41:39,000 --> 00:41:41,791
Tell me. Give me the joy
of this sweet vision.
401
00:41:42,041 --> 00:41:46,416
She has two tiny feet
that are exquisitely proportioned.
402
00:41:46,625 --> 00:41:50,166
Each toe is like a love poem.
403
00:41:50,375 --> 00:41:54,666
Perfect legs stem from
her delicate ankles,
404
00:41:54,958 --> 00:41:58,250
in the captivating passion
of true love.
405
00:41:58,500 --> 00:42:01,291
Her look is as deep
as a mountain lake
406
00:42:01,500 --> 00:42:04,541
that shines among eternal snow
and cries out to you,
407
00:42:06,583 --> 00:42:09,166
"Come, my sweet loved one."
408
00:42:09,375 --> 00:42:12,958
"Love me, fountain of every love.
Kiss me."
409
00:42:17,166 --> 00:42:20,333
Deliver Marco Polo to me immediately.
410
00:42:21,583 --> 00:42:26,958
Your words have brutally
wiped away a divine vision, cousin.
411
00:42:27,125 --> 00:42:29,291
Why punish your trusted friend?
412
00:42:29,500 --> 00:42:33,791
According to our agreement,
you must not molest the caravans!
413
00:42:34,041 --> 00:42:37,166
Marco Polo is a travelling salesman
of Christianity.
414
00:42:37,416 --> 00:42:41,791
The caravan was under my protection
and I want him back immediately!
415
00:42:42,041 --> 00:42:45,375
It is not good for either of us
that he reach Koublai Khan.
416
00:42:45,583 --> 00:42:49,291
Let the Mongolians fight
the Christians. We can gain from it.
417
00:42:49,541 --> 00:42:52,500
I want him back, I said,
without further nonsense!
418
00:42:52,750 --> 00:42:55,000
Alau, there will be trouble.
419
00:42:55,166 --> 00:42:58,500
We'll have the Mongolians here,
the crusades on the other side,
420
00:42:58,708 --> 00:43:01,166
both busy conquering
the promised land.
421
00:43:01,416 --> 00:43:05,000
The Jews have already been
a bother for 2,000 years!
422
00:43:05,250 --> 00:43:08,250
We will be torn between two fires,
crushed like walnuts,
423
00:43:08,458 --> 00:43:12,958
between the Christian Jews
and the Christian Mongolians.
424
00:43:13,125 --> 00:43:16,625
Let's stop the seed of
Christianity from spreading in China!
425
00:43:18,250 --> 00:43:21,333
Can you imagine yellow Christians?
426
00:43:22,083 --> 00:43:26,833
Listen, old man. I know about
your dealings with the Mongolians.
427
00:43:27,000 --> 00:43:29,541
They paid you very well.
428
00:43:30,250 --> 00:43:32,791
Only small gifts of no importance.
429
00:43:33,000 --> 00:43:38,041
Alau, today you often offended
my honor and my pride.
430
00:43:38,250 --> 00:43:41,875
Dear step-brother, you oblige me
to strike you with another blow.
431
00:43:42,041 --> 00:43:45,958
- Really? Will it be painful for me?
- I'm afraid so.
432
00:43:46,166 --> 00:43:50,000
Remember one day long ago
you gave me a dagger
433
00:43:50,166 --> 00:43:53,458
covered with gems and
with your coat-of-arms on the handle?
434
00:43:53,708 --> 00:43:56,291
It was a gesture of brotherly love.
435
00:43:56,500 --> 00:43:58,583
And as such, I accepted it.
436
00:44:00,166 --> 00:44:04,750
If you don't deliver Marco Polo
to me immediately, safe and sound,
437
00:44:04,958 --> 00:44:08,333
that dagger will be found
stabbed in Ahmed's back,
438
00:44:08,583 --> 00:44:11,958
the delegate of Prince Nayan,
who is now your guest.
439
00:44:12,166 --> 00:44:17,500
- It wouldn't be a good thing for you.
- Nor would it be for Ahmed.
440
00:44:17,708 --> 00:44:22,041
However, if you've decided
to kill him, do so,
441
00:44:22,250 --> 00:44:25,166
but I beg you to use another dagger.
442
00:44:25,416 --> 00:44:28,416
You know that when I die
this mask will go to you.
443
00:44:28,625 --> 00:44:33,000
- You will inherit my kingdom.
- I already have a kingdom.
444
00:44:33,208 --> 00:44:37,500
I don't desire having yours.
I want Marco Polo.
445
00:44:39,875 --> 00:44:43,916
Only you can make me do
what I don't want,
446
00:44:44,083 --> 00:44:48,083
but I can't help caring for you
and considering you like a son.
447
00:44:48,291 --> 00:44:52,791
And to prove it to you,
I will bring Marco Polo here.
448
00:44:53,000 --> 00:44:55,666
Beloved and brotherly friend!
449
00:44:58,666 --> 00:45:01,875
Marco, drunk with hashish,
was an easy prey
450
00:45:02,041 --> 00:45:05,916
in the hands of the Old Mountain Man.
Or at least he thought that.
451
00:45:06,083 --> 00:45:09,708
The Venetians, teachers of science,
of poisons and antidotes,
452
00:45:09,916 --> 00:45:13,666
had given the young man
a secret powder
453
00:45:13,875 --> 00:45:16,208
hidden in the bezel of a ring.
454
00:45:16,750 --> 00:45:20,916
I order you to stab this dagger
in Alau's back,
455
00:45:21,083 --> 00:45:23,458
before he leaves the palace.
456
00:45:25,833 --> 00:45:28,458
Before he leaves the palace.
457
00:45:34,791 --> 00:45:37,333
Before he leaves the palace.
458
00:45:55,333 --> 00:45:58,416
My men are waiting for us outside.
459
00:45:58,625 --> 00:46:02,416
Go ahead and lead the way.
460
00:46:23,958 --> 00:46:28,166
My esteemed friend, when Prince Nayan
and the Mongolian generals
461
00:46:28,375 --> 00:46:32,375
will find out about your betrayal,
they will swear to kill you!
462
00:46:32,583 --> 00:46:36,041
You are mistaken,
my untrusting friend.
463
00:46:36,250 --> 00:46:40,958
Everything will end according
to my wish and our plans.
464
00:46:41,125 --> 00:46:44,583
Didn't you say that whoever
sees your face must die?
465
00:46:44,791 --> 00:46:47,041
That is so.
466
00:46:47,250 --> 00:46:50,875
- Alau saw your face!
- How can you be sure of that?
467
00:46:51,041 --> 00:46:53,333
I heard you two talking!
468
00:46:55,333 --> 00:46:59,708
If that is so,
then you can see me too,
469
00:46:59,916 --> 00:47:02,166
my dear brother.
470
00:47:21,416 --> 00:47:24,625
It is painful to lose a friend.
471
00:48:01,000 --> 00:48:03,375
They're running away! Alarm!
472
00:48:03,583 --> 00:48:06,166
On horseback! Let's get them!
473
00:48:39,458 --> 00:48:41,500
We tricked them well, huh, Marco?
474
00:48:41,708 --> 00:48:46,333
I feared that the Old Mountain Man
would send me to his paradise.
475
00:48:47,875 --> 00:48:51,916
- Thank you for liberating me.
- It was a pleasure.
476
00:48:52,083 --> 00:48:56,208
I hope one day you'll return
to see the beauty of my land.
477
00:48:56,416 --> 00:49:00,958
I accept your invitation. I'll be your
guest upon my return from China.
478
00:49:01,125 --> 00:49:04,666
I must join my father now.
Where is he?
479
00:49:04,875 --> 00:49:07,291
If you gallop a full day,
you will be with him.
480
00:49:07,500 --> 00:49:10,375
The shortest way is through
the Assir Passage.
481
00:49:10,583 --> 00:49:14,333
- In which direction?
- East. Look.
482
00:49:17,583 --> 00:49:22,583
Your father and your uncle
should be here at this hour.
483
00:49:24,291 --> 00:49:26,291
We are here.
484
00:49:26,500 --> 00:49:29,166
Follow the valley to the east,
going straight,
485
00:49:29,375 --> 00:49:31,916
and you will reach a crossroad.
486
00:49:32,083 --> 00:49:36,000
You must turn left
and you'll join them here.
487
00:49:36,583 --> 00:49:39,958
- On the right, master.
- No, that's a dangerous road.
488
00:49:40,125 --> 00:49:42,666
He must turn left
and it will be quicker.
489
00:49:42,875 --> 00:49:46,000
- It is much shorter
- No, it's longer.
490
00:49:46,208 --> 00:49:48,291
- But it's easier to follow.
- I said left.
491
00:49:48,541 --> 00:49:50,541
As you like it, master.
492
00:50:02,958 --> 00:50:04,958
You will be his guide.
493
00:50:38,458 --> 00:50:41,333
Marco didn't follow Alau's advice.
494
00:50:41,541 --> 00:50:45,541
He took the wrong road, galloping
towards a precise destination.
495
00:50:45,791 --> 00:50:50,333
Going east at all costs,
and joining the caravan.
496
00:50:53,291 --> 00:50:55,875
Soon he found himself
in the desert.
497
00:51:32,541 --> 00:51:35,916
Beyond the mountain,
only a few miles away,
498
00:51:36,083 --> 00:51:39,000
the Polo brothers were travelling
towards Samarkand,
499
00:51:39,166 --> 00:51:42,833
not knowing that Marco
had lost his way.
500
00:52:35,291 --> 00:52:38,000
The territory covered
by young Marco
501
00:52:38,208 --> 00:52:41,500
was crossed by bloodthirsty
and savage horsemen.
502
00:52:41,708 --> 00:52:45,541
They were Mongolian,
launched in a ruthless hunt.
503
00:52:45,750 --> 00:52:50,041
They were after an inoffensive being
that had no other riches
504
00:52:50,250 --> 00:52:53,458
than a message of peace
from one man to another.
505
00:52:53,666 --> 00:52:55,875
And yet, the order was precise.
506
00:52:56,041 --> 00:52:59,583
Capture and kill him
like that worst of enemies.
507
00:53:26,000 --> 00:53:30,208
- What are you playing, children?
- Merchants, with a real coin.
508
00:53:30,416 --> 00:53:35,541
Marco had found a trace of
the passage of his father's caravan.
509
00:53:39,583 --> 00:53:42,666
- It's strange, huh?
- Yes, but who gave it to you?
510
00:53:42,875 --> 00:53:47,208
Two travelers
who slept here one night.
511
00:53:47,458 --> 00:53:49,958
Where did they go?
512
00:53:50,125 --> 00:53:53,208
In that direction,
towards Samarkand.
513
00:53:54,375 --> 00:53:56,375
Your boots are lovely.
514
00:53:58,458 --> 00:54:00,208
Here.
515
00:54:00,666 --> 00:54:02,208
Thank you.
516
00:54:06,083 --> 00:54:08,083
- Greetings to you.
- Greetings.
517
00:54:09,000 --> 00:54:12,916
The children told me two foreigners
came by here.
518
00:54:13,083 --> 00:54:15,291
Do you know when
and where they went?
519
00:54:15,500 --> 00:54:18,958
They were here two days ago,
coming from the west.
520
00:54:19,125 --> 00:54:23,750
They continued towards the east,
taking the road to Samarkand.
521
00:54:37,541 --> 00:54:40,125
Did you see a young foreigner
coming from the west?
522
00:54:45,791 --> 00:54:48,500
In the sky,
the two Templars realized
523
00:54:48,708 --> 00:54:51,625
how great the wisdom
of the Pope was.
524
00:54:54,125 --> 00:54:59,750
Where a shrewd and armed messenger
would've been caught and killed,
525
00:54:59,958 --> 00:55:02,750
Marco had found safety
and a refuge,
526
00:55:02,958 --> 00:55:05,625
by arousing, thanks to
his youthful attractiveness,
527
00:55:05,833 --> 00:55:10,416
tender love emotions in the heart
of a young girl of another race.
528
00:55:11,166 --> 00:55:14,833
What can even
the most powerful world army do
529
00:55:15,000 --> 00:55:18,333
against a woman determined
to save her love?
530
00:55:25,333 --> 00:55:28,583
Wait! It's me, Taha!
531
00:55:35,750 --> 00:55:38,208
What is it?
Why did you follow me?
532
00:55:38,416 --> 00:55:41,125
I brought two horses.
Let me come with you.
533
00:55:41,333 --> 00:55:44,250
I am very grateful to you.
You can come.
534
00:55:44,458 --> 00:55:48,666
We will ride together and I will
take you where you must go.
535
00:55:50,291 --> 00:55:53,833
And so Taha left her land
and her people
536
00:55:54,000 --> 00:55:56,458
to guide Marco to Samarkand.
537
00:56:18,208 --> 00:56:20,458
It was written that at that moment
538
00:56:20,666 --> 00:56:24,541
the message of Christianity
to the fabulous lord of the Orient,
539
00:56:24,750 --> 00:56:29,458
was entrusted to the intuition
of a young girl in love.
540
00:56:51,791 --> 00:56:55,583
Samarkand, the intersection
of a hundred caravans.
541
00:56:55,791 --> 00:56:59,708
Samarkand, a melting pot
of peoples and races.
542
00:56:59,916 --> 00:57:04,250
The caravan of the Polo brothers
was obliged to pass by there,
543
00:57:04,458 --> 00:57:08,583
and Marco had a good chance
of joining his father and uncle.
544
00:57:28,125 --> 00:57:30,375
Come. Let's look inside.
545
00:57:52,708 --> 00:57:55,791
But where there is a commotion
of merchants and messengers
546
00:57:56,000 --> 00:58:00,666
with gold and secret orders,
there is always a beautiful woman
547
00:58:00,875 --> 00:58:04,500
who works for someone
who remains in the shadows.
548
00:58:04,708 --> 00:58:06,625
Do as I say.
549
00:58:06,833 --> 00:58:11,750
Obey without arguing.
It is an order by Prince Nayan.
550
00:58:11,958 --> 00:58:15,083
The girl with the whip
had no other name.
551
00:58:15,291 --> 00:58:19,833
She was generously rewarded
by the Mongolians for her services.
552
00:59:35,583 --> 00:59:37,375
Are you Venetian?
553
00:59:38,750 --> 00:59:40,166
Yes.
554
01:00:15,375 --> 01:00:20,208
At this point, the two Templars
looked at the stars, perplexed,
555
01:00:20,416 --> 01:00:23,250
and were again overtaken
by the doubt
556
01:00:23,458 --> 01:00:26,958
that maybe the choice of the Pope,
with all due respect,
557
01:00:27,125 --> 01:00:29,583
was a bit risky.
558
01:00:40,083 --> 01:00:44,583
I like your name.
It has a pleasant sound.
559
01:00:46,750 --> 01:00:50,958
I've decided, Marco.
I want to come to Venice with you.
560
01:00:52,166 --> 01:00:56,125
Don't laugh.
When I decide something, I do it.
561
01:00:56,333 --> 01:00:58,708
I'm not going to Venice.
I'm going to China.
562
01:00:58,916 --> 01:01:03,375
It's late. In this season you won't
be able to cross the desert.
563
01:01:03,583 --> 01:01:05,708
Nobody will want to be your guide.
564
01:01:05,916 --> 01:01:10,458
I will try just the same.
I must reach Koublai Khan.
565
01:01:11,291 --> 01:01:14,125
Why are you so set on seeing
Koublai Khan?
566
01:01:18,125 --> 01:01:22,500
It would be too difficult
to answer this question.
567
01:01:23,625 --> 01:01:26,583
Marco, your father has arrived!
He is here!
568
01:01:32,791 --> 01:01:34,166
He's down there!
569
01:01:37,583 --> 01:01:40,625
Hey, father! I'm Marco!
570
01:01:43,291 --> 01:01:46,000
- Father! Uncle Matteo!
- Marco!
571
01:01:46,208 --> 01:01:49,041
We had lost all hope
of finding you!
572
01:02:03,250 --> 01:02:05,750
You are dressed as princes.
Look at me!
573
01:02:05,958 --> 01:02:08,416
I crossed deserts and mountains
to get here!
574
01:02:14,708 --> 01:02:18,708
Are you or not the Pope's delegate?
Then your attire doesn't matter!
575
01:02:28,208 --> 01:02:31,625
No. The desert is too dangerous.
576
01:02:31,833 --> 01:02:36,000
I care about my animals. I don't want
to lose them or have them suffer.
577
01:02:36,166 --> 01:02:39,041
In this season they'd die
of hardships and the cold.
578
01:02:39,291 --> 01:02:41,833
- I only ask you to be our guide.
- No.
579
01:02:43,041 --> 01:02:46,958
What if I doubled the number of
animals and provisions for the trip?
580
01:02:47,166 --> 01:02:49,583
- How much for your horse?
- It's not for sale.
581
01:02:49,791 --> 01:02:52,166
I pay well. Why not?
582
01:02:57,750 --> 01:03:00,625
- Well?
- No.
583
01:03:00,833 --> 01:03:03,083
What if I triple the price?
584
01:03:04,416 --> 01:03:08,041
Don't insist, please.
It's too dangerous.
585
01:03:12,083 --> 01:03:14,750
- Think it over well.
- It's not a matter of money.
586
01:03:14,958 --> 01:03:16,583
I won't accompany you.
587
01:03:21,416 --> 01:03:26,083
We were born in this country
and don't need a guide.
588
01:03:26,291 --> 01:03:30,250
If the foreigners want to continue
the journey through the desert,
589
01:03:30,458 --> 01:03:32,458
we will be happy to help them.
590
01:03:32,666 --> 01:03:36,583
Everyone refused.
You don't think it's dangerous?
591
01:03:37,375 --> 01:03:42,000
There is always danger everywhere,
but we are men,
592
01:03:42,166 --> 01:03:47,000
and there isn't an enemy
or snow storm that can frighten us.
593
01:03:47,791 --> 01:03:50,166
Alright, we'll go with you.
594
01:05:51,583 --> 01:05:56,583
A trap had been set for Marco
where he would find death,
595
01:05:56,791 --> 01:05:59,458
but the girl with the whip knew this.
596
01:05:59,666 --> 01:06:03,000
So the two Templars had to again
believe in the heavens.
597
01:06:03,166 --> 01:06:06,458
The choice of the Pope
had been wise after all.
598
01:06:06,666 --> 01:06:10,833
The handsome face of Marco
had softened the heart of the girl,
599
01:06:11,000 --> 01:06:16,291
and gave her the courage
to rescue him and risk her life.
600
01:06:26,250 --> 01:06:28,708
Tell me!
Why did you run after me?
601
01:06:29,000 --> 01:06:31,333
- What do you want?
- You'll see.
602
01:06:35,000 --> 01:06:38,291
- Did something happen?
- My horse is down there.
603
01:06:38,500 --> 01:06:40,791
Let's go back, the two of us.
604
01:06:41,000 --> 01:06:43,875
I already told you it's impossible.
605
01:06:44,041 --> 01:06:47,458
Come on. Go back to Samarkand
and forget me.
606
01:08:24,250 --> 01:08:27,458
You knew about this betrayal
and didn't warn me!
607
01:08:27,666 --> 01:08:29,666
- I saved your life.
- I should kill you!
608
01:08:29,875 --> 01:08:32,291
- Kill me.
- Where is your horse?
609
01:08:56,333 --> 01:09:00,791
The girl with the whip died,
but not in vain.
610
01:09:01,000 --> 01:09:04,375
With her death she saved
the life of Marco Polo,
611
01:09:04,583 --> 01:09:09,541
and in one instant was forgiven
of the many sins she committed.
612
01:09:10,083 --> 01:09:15,041
Just one gesture of generosity often
absolves a lifetime of mistakes.
613
01:09:32,541 --> 01:09:35,500
Now Marco was faced
with another desert,
614
01:09:35,708 --> 01:09:37,875
more terrible than the former one.
615
01:09:38,041 --> 01:09:42,291
And there was no beautiful girl now
to help him.
616
01:09:51,791 --> 01:09:56,000
In the immense desolation, Mongolian
horsemen looked for the young man,
617
01:09:56,166 --> 01:09:59,208
ready to pounce on him
and kill him.
618
01:10:16,125 --> 01:10:20,541
The thousand dangers of the desert
were tightening around him.
619
01:10:20,750 --> 01:10:24,916
But Marco had changed.
He was more mature, less impulsive.
620
01:10:25,083 --> 01:10:28,000
Ever since the wise Templar
had died in his arms,
621
01:10:28,166 --> 01:10:30,458
he saw the world with different eyes.
622
01:10:30,666 --> 01:10:33,416
Marco had become a man.
623
01:10:34,666 --> 01:10:36,958
After having survived this desert,
624
01:10:37,125 --> 01:10:39,875
he met other young girls
625
01:10:40,041 --> 01:10:43,666
and stopped to find pleasure
in the joys of a fleeting instance,
626
01:10:43,875 --> 01:10:46,458
but he knew that the road to travel
627
01:10:46,666 --> 01:10:50,916
would not be one
of only carefree pleasures.
628
01:10:51,083 --> 01:10:55,000
He had been assigned a mission,
and he would accomplish it,
629
01:10:55,166 --> 01:10:57,000
cost what it may.
630
01:11:35,583 --> 01:11:38,666
When he survived the great desert
after many hardships,
631
01:11:38,875 --> 01:11:42,083
Marco was exhausted,
practically dying,
632
01:11:42,291 --> 01:11:45,708
right at the doors
of the so desired China.
633
01:11:51,000 --> 01:11:55,416
Some strange men on the mountains
were looking for him
634
01:11:55,625 --> 01:11:57,958
and finally found him.
635
01:12:41,000 --> 01:12:42,625
But...
636
01:12:43,000 --> 01:12:44,833
Where am I?
637
01:12:45,000 --> 01:12:48,250
You are at the doors of China.
638
01:12:48,458 --> 01:12:51,833
We have been waiting
many months for you.
639
01:13:17,250 --> 01:13:22,208
Many vicious men had tried
to stop Marco's journey.
640
01:13:22,416 --> 01:13:25,000
But many were men of good will,
641
01:13:25,208 --> 01:13:29,958
desiring that the message of peace
reach the emperor.
642
01:13:30,125 --> 01:13:33,541
Koublai Khan was Mongolian,
the head of a great empire
643
01:13:33,750 --> 01:13:36,541
that had recently conquered China.
644
01:13:36,750 --> 01:13:38,750
Away from his authority,
645
01:13:38,958 --> 01:13:42,958
the Mongolian warriors ransacked
and pillaged the Chinese lands.
646
01:14:20,666 --> 01:14:25,666
But Koublai Khan was a wise man,
and realized that as emperor of China
647
01:14:25,875 --> 01:14:29,875
he couldn't behave any longer
as a despotic prince of Mongolia.
648
01:14:31,333 --> 01:14:35,125
One of his first political gestures
in bringing peace to the country,
649
01:14:35,333 --> 01:14:38,625
was his decision to marry
a Chinese princess
650
01:14:38,833 --> 01:14:42,208
to show everyone his desire
to be assimilated
651
01:14:42,416 --> 01:14:45,541
in the great race that was now
under his domain.
652
01:14:48,000 --> 01:14:52,291
From the 4 corners of the empire,
noble girls were invited to his court
653
01:14:52,500 --> 01:14:56,208
so that the Great Khan
could choose his bride.
654
01:14:57,083 --> 01:15:00,916
One of these princesses
stopped at the monastery
655
01:15:01,083 --> 01:15:03,458
where Marco had found refuge.
656
01:15:03,666 --> 01:15:06,666
The head of the bonzes
thought that the best way
657
01:15:06,875 --> 01:15:11,000
to have the young Venetian
reach the court of the emperor
658
01:15:11,166 --> 01:15:15,875
was that of having him join the escorts
accompanying the young girl.
659
01:17:02,916 --> 01:17:05,625
Did you make it? It's beautiful.
660
01:17:05,833 --> 01:17:08,958
- The Mongolians have left.
- Very well.
661
01:17:10,958 --> 01:17:12,583
Continue.
662
01:18:13,041 --> 01:18:16,750
Prince Nayan, son of the emperor,
was against his father
663
01:18:17,000 --> 01:18:19,750
and headed a faction
that wanted an eternal war.
664
01:18:20,000 --> 01:18:25,041
With straw heads he practiced
cutting off the heads of enemies.
665
01:18:25,250 --> 01:18:28,166
He had ordered to stop Marco Polo
666
01:18:28,375 --> 01:18:32,541
fearing that the message of the Pope
would increase the desire for peace
667
01:18:32,791 --> 01:18:34,458
in the heart of his father.
668
01:18:34,666 --> 01:18:37,500
Nayan was convinced that
the Mongolians shouldn't stop,
669
01:18:37,708 --> 01:18:41,416
and that their conquest should
extend to the limits of the earth.
670
01:18:43,041 --> 01:18:46,875
The generals are united,
the emperor wants you at court.
671
01:19:05,333 --> 01:19:07,000
- Guard!
- What are you doing?
672
01:19:10,166 --> 01:19:12,375
I am the delegate
of His Holiness the Pope.
673
01:19:12,625 --> 01:19:15,625
Please tell the emperor
that I ask to be received.
674
01:19:15,833 --> 01:19:18,708
- Is this man with you?
- I am His Holiness' delegate!
675
01:19:18,916 --> 01:19:23,166
- Take him away!
- I am the Pope's delegate!
676
01:19:23,500 --> 01:19:27,500
Let me go! The emperor will find out,
and you will be in trouble.
677
01:19:33,375 --> 01:19:36,666
- What happened?
- A foreigner dared raise his eyes
678
01:19:36,875 --> 01:19:38,666
on one of the princesses.
679
01:19:41,416 --> 01:19:45,583
I can't order to return
the rice conquered with arms!
680
01:19:45,791 --> 01:19:49,083
- The soldiers are famished!
- So are our farmers!
681
01:19:49,291 --> 01:19:52,375
They don't have our rights.
We Mongolians are the winners!
682
01:19:52,583 --> 01:19:55,000
There isn't enough rice for everyone.
683
01:19:55,208 --> 01:19:58,125
May our celestial emperor
tell us his thought
684
01:19:58,333 --> 01:20:01,666
now that he heard the truth
from his Mongolian generals.
685
01:20:02,000 --> 01:20:04,000
Yes, let's hear it!
686
01:20:06,500 --> 01:20:09,583
- Excuse me?
- We illustrated the situation.
687
01:20:09,833 --> 01:20:13,541
- I wasn't listening.
- We've been here yelling for hours!
688
01:20:14,666 --> 01:20:17,000
Your cries are disturbing my cat.
689
01:20:17,250 --> 01:20:20,750
Then I'll speak softly,
celestial sovereign.
690
01:20:20,958 --> 01:20:24,041
My Mongolians won't be able
to understand
691
01:20:24,250 --> 01:20:28,333
why they must return the rice
to Chinese farmers who are subjects!
692
01:20:28,541 --> 01:20:32,375
Not give, but share.
693
01:20:34,083 --> 01:20:38,541
I am the emperor of China
and the rice belongs to my people.
694
01:20:39,083 --> 01:20:43,125
If your soldiers didn't understand,
you didn't succeed in your mission.
695
01:20:43,375 --> 01:20:47,416
There is a solution if the emperor
wishes to feed everyone.
696
01:20:47,625 --> 01:20:50,791
We can plunder the lands
of the west,
697
01:20:51,000 --> 01:20:54,125
and be able to feed
200 million Chinese!
698
01:20:54,375 --> 01:20:58,833
It's better if we attack,
than wait for them to attack!
699
01:20:59,000 --> 01:21:03,833
War only means massacres.
If we exploit our resources,
700
01:21:04,000 --> 01:21:06,708
our children and their children
701
01:21:06,916 --> 01:21:10,000
will no longer suffer from famine.
702
01:21:10,166 --> 01:21:14,250
This is a glorious objective,
even for soldiers like us.
703
01:21:14,500 --> 01:21:18,541
Allow me to welcome
the prince, your son,
704
01:21:18,750 --> 01:21:20,750
who has decided to leave his horses.
705
01:21:21,000 --> 01:21:24,958
For a Mongolian prince,
even horses are a State matter.
706
01:21:25,708 --> 01:21:30,083
We realize how difficult it is
for a Mongolian to become Chinese.
707
01:21:30,291 --> 01:21:33,625
It is difficult for our emperor too.
708
01:21:33,833 --> 01:21:39,500
Yes. My head feels Chinese,
but my feet mark the pace.
709
01:21:39,791 --> 01:21:45,000
What has our sovereign decided?
To proceed with head or with feet?
710
01:21:46,291 --> 01:21:49,041
We must learn to proceed with both.
711
01:21:49,583 --> 01:21:51,833
Return to you provinces
712
01:21:52,000 --> 01:21:56,000
and tell the troops
that I want peace, not war,
713
01:21:56,208 --> 01:21:58,583
and that within seven days,
714
01:21:58,791 --> 01:22:02,291
I will give them a Chinese woman
as queen.
715
01:22:02,541 --> 01:22:05,375
These meetings are more tiring
than a month on horseback.
716
01:22:05,583 --> 01:22:08,791
You should participate.
You will be emperor one day.
717
01:22:31,625 --> 01:22:35,791
When that time comes, only my opinion
as emperor will matter for me.
718
01:22:36,000 --> 01:22:39,083
A man alone
is never able to be infallible.
719
01:22:39,291 --> 01:22:43,208
- Infallible or not, he's the emperor.
- The princesses are ready.
720
01:22:43,416 --> 01:22:46,833
Good. When will you marry?
721
01:22:47,666 --> 01:22:50,458
Chinese women are too refined.
722
01:22:50,666 --> 01:22:53,000
I prefer the savage Mongolian ones.
723
01:22:53,166 --> 01:22:56,750
A Mongolian girl that I loved
was not savage.
724
01:22:56,958 --> 01:22:59,000
Help me choose.
725
01:22:59,208 --> 01:23:03,708
I prefer staying with my generals
and learning diplomacy.
726
01:23:26,125 --> 01:23:30,333
Princess Mei Ling,
from the province of Guangxi, age 18.
727
01:23:30,541 --> 01:23:32,958
She plays the lute and writes poems.
728
01:23:37,416 --> 01:23:41,666
Your beauty transforms the confusion
in choosing into delight.
729
01:23:49,333 --> 01:23:54,000
Princess Tzai Tan,
from the province of Yunnan, age 19.
730
01:23:54,166 --> 01:23:56,708
She plays the lute and writes poems.
731
01:24:03,708 --> 01:24:09,208
Your beauty transforms the confusion
in choosing into delight.
732
01:24:16,750 --> 01:24:21,000
Princess Gogatine,
from the province of Xinjiang, age 16.
733
01:24:21,250 --> 01:24:24,416
She plays the lute and writes poems.
734
01:24:29,041 --> 01:24:33,250
Your beauty transforms confusion...
735
01:24:33,458 --> 01:24:35,375
Who did her horoscope?
736
01:24:38,375 --> 01:24:40,041
Come closer.
737
01:24:44,791 --> 01:24:46,833
You are a child.
738
01:24:47,000 --> 01:24:49,000
I am 16 years old.
739
01:24:51,750 --> 01:24:55,458
I will have many gifts given to you
to compensate your disappointment.
740
01:24:55,666 --> 01:25:00,791
It wouldn't be wise for an emperor
to marry such a fragile woman.
741
01:25:01,625 --> 01:25:04,875
I don't desire being
the wife of the emperor.
742
01:25:05,041 --> 01:25:10,541
- Why? Perhaps you don't like me?
- No, celestial majesty.
743
01:25:10,750 --> 01:25:14,166
- Why, then?
- Because you are the Great Khan
744
01:25:14,375 --> 01:25:18,583
and I am afraid of you.
Besides, I love someone else.
745
01:25:19,333 --> 01:25:23,750
Someone else?
These words could cost your life.
746
01:25:24,000 --> 01:25:25,583
But I love him!
747
01:25:25,833 --> 01:25:29,375
Your life is hanging on a thread.
You could be tortured.
748
01:25:29,625 --> 01:25:33,791
My life doesn't matter
and he is in danger.
749
01:25:34,000 --> 01:25:36,500
Only you can help him.
750
01:25:36,708 --> 01:25:40,041
He has come from the west
and his name is Polo.
751
01:25:43,583 --> 01:25:46,958
- His caravan was assaulted...
- The Polos are in China?
752
01:25:47,125 --> 01:25:50,916
- Is Niccolò here?
- No, Marco is here.
753
01:25:51,708 --> 01:25:55,791
In prison. The Mongolian archers
assaulted his caravan.
754
01:25:56,041 --> 01:26:00,000
- The Mongolian archers?
- He's the only one who survived.
755
01:26:00,250 --> 01:26:02,791
Please, protect him,
celestial majesty.
756
01:26:05,291 --> 01:26:07,291
The Mongolians?
757
01:26:10,125 --> 01:26:14,666
There's a man in prison
whose name is Polo. Bring him to me.
758
01:26:14,958 --> 01:26:16,500
Father.
759
01:26:18,375 --> 01:26:22,500
Judging from your face,
the choice has disappointed you.
760
01:26:22,708 --> 01:26:26,791
A caravan from the West
was assaulted
761
01:26:28,041 --> 01:26:30,083
by Mongolian archers.
762
01:26:30,291 --> 01:26:33,416
The Mongolians are soldiers,
not bandits.
763
01:26:33,708 --> 01:26:36,666
- Is the man responsible among you?
- Who accuses us?
764
01:26:37,458 --> 01:26:40,750
- I accuse you.
- On what basis?
765
01:26:43,625 --> 01:26:48,000
It is rare that something takes place
in my domains without your knowing.
766
01:26:48,208 --> 01:26:50,291
Father, that is unfair.
767
01:26:53,375 --> 01:26:56,000
- Is your name Polo?
- Marco Polo.
768
01:26:56,208 --> 01:26:58,916
- Are you a relative of Niccolò?
- I am his son.
769
01:26:59,083 --> 01:27:01,875
Kneel before the emperor!
770
01:27:02,041 --> 01:27:05,125
He is not a prisoner, but a guest!
Where is your father?
771
01:27:05,333 --> 01:27:08,041
- Are you Koublai Khan?
- Where is your father?
772
01:27:08,250 --> 01:27:12,541
I'd like to know, too. The Mongolian
guides assaulted us and...
773
01:27:13,458 --> 01:27:18,000
- Why did they do that?
- Many tried to stop us.
774
01:27:18,166 --> 01:27:20,958
My father and uncle were captured.
775
01:27:21,125 --> 01:27:25,083
I escaped and swore that at any cost
776
01:27:25,291 --> 01:27:30,375
I would give you the message
from the Pope, even risking my life.
777
01:27:30,625 --> 01:27:34,208
It was important that
the message of peace arrive in time.
778
01:27:34,458 --> 01:27:38,333
Two Templars were killed
before reaching Samarkand.
779
01:27:38,583 --> 01:27:41,416
With the help of God,
one of us managed to arrive.
780
01:27:42,125 --> 01:27:44,375
He is a ballad singer!
781
01:27:45,541 --> 01:27:47,458
He should be accompanied by a lute.
782
01:27:51,583 --> 01:27:56,541
Majesty, I am not worthy of being
the bearer of the word of the Pope.
783
01:27:56,750 --> 01:28:01,583
Your message started with the words,
"magnitudinem in Coelis et..."
784
01:28:01,791 --> 01:28:03,791
"Pacem in Terris..."
785
01:28:06,125 --> 01:28:10,958
His Holiness answers with a fatherly
heart, "Peace to all of humanity".
786
01:28:11,125 --> 01:28:14,458
The Pope speaks of peace
and rounds up men for war.
787
01:28:14,708 --> 01:28:18,125
- His Holiness does not lie!
- Everyone lies if they've interests.
788
01:28:21,333 --> 01:28:25,000
I believe the Pope
and believe my friend, Niccolò.
789
01:28:26,708 --> 01:28:30,375
- And I believe this boy.
- And you don't believe your son?
790
01:28:32,833 --> 01:28:34,500
Am I wrong?
791
01:28:39,708 --> 01:28:41,625
Should I believe you?
792
01:28:57,000 --> 01:28:59,833
- Why are you staying?
- We are sure that our Khan
793
01:29:00,000 --> 01:29:04,041
does not desire to remain alone
among the Chinese with this Christian.
794
01:29:08,041 --> 01:29:10,375
I will send my soldiers
to find your father.
795
01:29:10,625 --> 01:29:15,291
Majesty, I brought you the Pope's
message. My mission is over.
796
01:29:15,500 --> 01:29:18,208
I will look for my father and uncle.
797
01:29:20,416 --> 01:29:22,333
They wouldn't allow you to leave.
798
01:29:26,000 --> 01:29:29,791
Lately I often dreamed
of being killed in my sleep.
799
01:29:43,000 --> 01:29:47,458
Along the entire journey,
I saw hatred everywhere.
800
01:29:47,666 --> 01:29:49,416
Violence!
801
01:29:50,791 --> 01:29:53,291
Violence and killing!
802
01:29:56,416 --> 01:30:00,291
If the 2 most powerful men of East
and West don't reach an agreement,
803
01:30:00,500 --> 01:30:02,791
what hope is there for us?
804
01:30:03,041 --> 01:30:05,625
Why is there so much hatred?
805
01:30:05,833 --> 01:30:09,208
And why is it so difficult
for men to live in peace?
806
01:30:10,791 --> 01:30:15,666
In war, everyone knows what he
must do. In peace, it is uncertain.
807
01:30:15,875 --> 01:30:20,125
Some want power,
some want earnings, some want love.
808
01:30:20,333 --> 01:30:23,875
Many choices and much confusion.
809
01:30:24,041 --> 01:30:27,208
Only one thing matters in war...
810
01:30:27,416 --> 01:30:30,541
Killing or being killed.
811
01:30:31,416 --> 01:30:33,750
So there's no hope?
Man will never change?
812
01:30:33,958 --> 01:30:36,750
He'll change. Tomorrow.
813
01:30:36,958 --> 01:30:38,791
Even today.
814
01:30:42,041 --> 01:30:44,125
Do you two know each other?
815
01:30:46,000 --> 01:30:48,458
- Yes.
- I saw him once.
816
01:30:48,666 --> 01:30:51,500
- How is it possible?
- I looked at him.
817
01:30:51,708 --> 01:30:55,041
- You know nothing about him.
- No, but I can imagine.
818
01:30:56,375 --> 01:31:01,666
An astrologer reads the stars,
a statesman makes laws,
819
01:31:01,875 --> 01:31:05,166
but the heart follows its own path.
820
01:31:11,083 --> 01:31:14,250
During the year of the dragon,
on the emperor's day of birth,
821
01:31:14,458 --> 01:31:17,333
the great Koublai Khan
make a blood pact
822
01:31:17,541 --> 01:31:21,125
with his adopted people
by choosing a Chinese empress
823
01:31:21,333 --> 01:31:25,708
and making solemn the commitment
to give China 100 years of peace.
824
01:31:26,000 --> 01:31:29,791
May the new empress
give the Great Khan 100 children.
825
01:31:30,000 --> 01:31:32,791
- What will he do now?
- According to the color he chooses,
826
01:31:33,000 --> 01:31:35,750
we'll know which princess he marries.
827
01:31:52,750 --> 01:31:57,750
Princess Tzai Tan di Yunnan
is the new empress!
828
01:32:20,250 --> 01:32:23,875
While he plays with fireworks,
let's assault the palace!
829
01:32:26,125 --> 01:32:28,625
You want me to declare war
on my father?
830
01:32:28,833 --> 01:32:31,666
Every son substitutes his father
sooner or later!
831
01:32:31,875 --> 01:32:33,791
Your moment has come!
832
01:32:34,541 --> 01:32:37,750
Become emperor
while there is something to govern!
833
01:32:39,000 --> 01:32:43,333
- Take the throne and let's go to war!
- I will talk to my father first.
834
01:32:43,541 --> 01:32:46,250
Watch out that the fox
doesn't put you in a trap!
835
01:33:19,041 --> 01:33:22,416
- Are you enjoying the fireworks?
- I've never seen anything like it.
836
01:33:22,625 --> 01:33:26,208
What are they made of?
Why do they make so much noise?
837
01:33:26,458 --> 01:33:29,458
It's a powder that our wise men
have known about for a long time.
838
01:33:30,416 --> 01:33:34,875
They are just noisy toys of light.
Light it.
839
01:33:49,541 --> 01:33:54,666
It's not just a toy.
In evil hands it can be dangerous.
840
01:33:54,916 --> 01:33:58,125
Yes, this idea often tormented me.
841
01:34:20,333 --> 01:34:22,333
Being an empress is very easy.
842
01:34:22,541 --> 01:34:26,375
You need only kneel
and greet with grace.
843
01:34:31,333 --> 01:34:34,166
The Mongolian troops
are preparing to attack.
844
01:34:38,750 --> 01:34:41,333
- They will overtake us!
- Let's use the magic powder!
845
01:34:41,541 --> 01:34:44,791
- I will decide!
- At least let's get ready!
846
01:34:49,041 --> 01:34:50,750
So be it.
847
01:35:11,666 --> 01:35:13,750
What is happening?
848
01:35:13,958 --> 01:35:15,791
War.
849
01:35:49,333 --> 01:35:52,166
Do you come as an enemy
or as a son?
850
01:35:53,750 --> 01:35:57,416
As a son I come to apologize
for my behavior today.
851
01:36:02,458 --> 01:36:05,375
As supreme commander,
I come to give you an ultimatum.
852
01:36:05,583 --> 01:36:10,125
I accept my son's apology.
As for the ultimatum,
853
01:36:10,333 --> 01:36:13,125
make sure you have
victory in your fist,
854
01:36:13,333 --> 01:36:16,750
or your ultimatum
will be your humiliation.
855
01:36:17,000 --> 01:36:20,458
Behind me there is an army
of Mongolians, and only the Chinese
856
01:36:20,708 --> 01:36:24,041
are defending the palace.
- You want to overthrow your father?
857
01:36:24,250 --> 01:36:29,416
Tonight an emperor and his
supreme commander are speaking.
858
01:36:32,500 --> 01:36:35,000
I listen to the supreme commander.
859
01:36:40,583 --> 01:36:45,083
My men will not give up
what they conquered with their blood.
860
01:36:45,291 --> 01:36:50,166
When the sun rises, either accept
to lead us, or I will take the throne.
861
01:36:51,500 --> 01:36:54,166
There is no need for you to take it.
862
01:36:54,375 --> 01:36:56,958
I will give it to you. It's there.
863
01:36:57,791 --> 01:37:01,000
It is an ordinary,
rather uncomfortable chair.
864
01:37:01,166 --> 01:37:05,833
My cat sits on it, but that does not
make him an emperor.
865
01:37:06,791 --> 01:37:11,000
You will govern when you acknowledge
inside your heart
866
01:37:11,208 --> 01:37:16,750
the dream, the hunger of millions.
If you are ready, I'll abdicate.
867
01:37:17,416 --> 01:37:21,125
But if the throne for you
is just a right for war,
868
01:37:21,333 --> 01:37:23,333
then you will have to take it
with force.
869
01:37:26,250 --> 01:37:28,833
What has changed you?
870
01:37:29,000 --> 01:37:32,791
Age? A comfortable life?
871
01:37:33,000 --> 01:37:37,250
I know it's not fear.
Why don't we invade the West?
872
01:37:37,458 --> 01:37:40,708
- War is not a solution.
- We are soldiers!
873
01:37:40,958 --> 01:37:45,416
When you were a child,
we were nomads. We had no country.
874
01:37:45,625 --> 01:37:50,541
We needed land for rice,
so war was inevitable.
875
01:37:51,416 --> 01:37:56,166
Now we have a country and have land.
Times have changed.
876
01:37:56,416 --> 01:37:58,125
You have changed.
877
01:37:58,333 --> 01:38:03,666
Trust what I say,
not as an emperor, but as a father.
878
01:38:04,458 --> 01:38:10,000
Hold back you zeal and learn to wait.
The wait won' be long.
879
01:38:11,208 --> 01:38:14,708
We've already waited!
We have waited enough!
880
01:38:15,958 --> 01:38:18,500
May I ask that you do something,
as a son?
881
01:38:18,708 --> 01:38:21,333
- Speak up.
- Think about what I said.
882
01:38:22,125 --> 01:38:24,666
I hope that before dawn
you will join us.
883
01:38:30,958 --> 01:38:33,875
I will ask you the identical thing.
884
01:38:34,041 --> 01:38:37,541
Don't have the new sun
find us on enemy fields.
885
01:38:37,750 --> 01:38:39,666
I hope so!
886
01:38:39,875 --> 01:38:44,916
An unworthy son
says goodbye to his beloved father.
887
01:39:31,708 --> 01:39:36,000
Koublai Khan made the fatal decision
of showing the men
888
01:39:36,208 --> 01:39:40,125
that the magic powder
could be used for less innocent aims.
889
01:39:40,333 --> 01:39:44,500
Its use was not only that
of colored fireworks in the sky.
890
01:41:22,791 --> 01:41:24,333
Attack!
891
01:41:43,000 --> 01:41:44,833
Charge!
892
01:43:20,041 --> 01:43:22,375
The old fox...
893
01:43:22,583 --> 01:43:25,625
was shrewder than the wolf.
894
01:43:25,833 --> 01:43:28,125
That doesn't comfort me.
895
01:43:28,333 --> 01:43:32,000
You know the magic... of thunder.
896
01:43:32,250 --> 01:43:37,166
It isn't magic, son,
but a source of destruction.
897
01:43:37,625 --> 01:43:40,666
Go to war... conquer.
898
01:43:41,666 --> 01:43:43,208
You will be...
899
01:43:44,125 --> 01:43:46,666
master of the world!
900
01:44:52,166 --> 01:44:55,791
- The caravan is ready to leave.
- Are the gifts and ambassadors on it?
901
01:44:56,000 --> 01:44:58,333
They are just waiting
for your farewell.
902
01:44:58,541 --> 01:45:01,541
With great relief
I had news of my father.
903
01:45:01,750 --> 01:45:05,666
- He is safe in Samarkand.
- This pleases me very much.
904
01:45:06,625 --> 01:45:10,500
Marco, tell the Pope
what you saw here.
905
01:45:10,708 --> 01:45:14,583
Don't exaggerate in describing good,
and don't make evil look better.
906
01:45:14,791 --> 01:45:16,958
One more favor.
907
01:45:17,125 --> 01:45:22,250
Don't talk about... my pain.
That only belongs to me.
908
01:45:22,458 --> 01:45:27,291
I foresaw your desire, and already
gave such orders to the ambassadors.
909
01:45:27,916 --> 01:45:30,250
I will not leave with the caravan.
910
01:45:31,541 --> 01:45:33,958
I... would like to stay here.
911
01:45:35,666 --> 01:45:40,958
What holds you?
Philosophy or Chinese beauty?
912
01:45:41,125 --> 01:45:44,833
I am staying for Koublai Khan,
a wise man who I will not leave
913
01:45:45,000 --> 01:45:48,125
until I have learned
what he can teach me.
914
01:45:48,333 --> 01:45:51,375
Marco, I don't have much
to teach you,
915
01:45:51,583 --> 01:45:54,541
but knowing how to advise,
is a gift coming from experience.
916
01:45:54,750 --> 01:45:58,000
I will accept all your advice,
as from a father.
917
01:45:58,208 --> 01:46:00,416
And I will give it,
as if you were a son.
918
01:46:39,500 --> 01:46:42,375
The caravan headed towards the West
919
01:46:42,583 --> 01:46:47,375
carrying with it a message of peace
to the entire Old World.
920
01:46:47,583 --> 01:46:52,666
A message that would be received
only a long time later.
921
01:46:59,125 --> 01:47:01,708
Having left behind
adventures and dangers,
922
01:47:01,916 --> 01:47:04,458
and forgetting
the smiles of many women,
923
01:47:04,666 --> 01:47:09,666
Marco found, at the same time,
knowledge and love.
924
01:47:11,500 --> 01:47:15,041
He stayed in China,
and remained there for 17 years
925
01:47:15,250 --> 01:47:18,958
before deciding to return
in the land of his youth.
926
01:47:19,125 --> 01:47:23,666
He had the wisdom that only maturity
and experience can give.
927
01:47:23,875 --> 01:47:26,958
His eyes had seen fabulous
and faraway countries.
928
01:47:27,125 --> 01:47:32,208
He became familiar with the hearts
of men beyond the known borders,
929
01:47:32,416 --> 01:47:34,708
and so he wrote his story.
930
01:47:34,916 --> 01:47:37,541
The story that we just told.
75848
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