Emperor’s short reign hits big screen
A film based on the ups and downs of the Marquis of Haihun’s life will start shooting in May next year and hit the big screen in 2018.
The film, Haihunhou Code, will create its narrative through a combination of modern archaeological findings and the legendary life of Liu He (92-59 BC).
Beginning with the archaeological discovery of the Marquis of Haihun’s tomb, the film will interpret the secrets of the marquis and explore the real Liu He through the eyes of archaeologists.
The story will then shift to show the archaeologists fighting off thieves who are attempting to steal relics, and gradually reveal the rise and fall of emperor Liu He.
Liu He was the shortest reigning emperor during the Western Han Dynasty — some 27 days — who was later given the title of the Marquis of Haihun.
His tomb, filled with numerous relics, was discovered earlier this year in Nanchang, capital of East China’s Jiangxi province.
The film will fuse elements of history, archaeology, robbery, suspense, spying and combat as well as showcase the history of the middle Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) and illustrate how difficult it is to excavate and save relics.
It’s the first film to be based on the Marquis of Haihun, and the first Chinese movie to center on the theme of archaeology.