Marco Polo (2014)

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Dec 12, 2014
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 499 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 411 out of 499
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 499
  3. Negative: 57 out of 499
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User Reviews

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  1. LucaCritics
    Mar 28, 2020
    7
    Marco Polo (2014) Season 1 Review: 7/10
    Very nice and enjoyable show. Great plot and stunning visuals.
  2. MetaBoBB
    Apr 16, 2019
    9
    Good fights, good acting and it looks great. This show is so underrated and deserved better. Desperately needs a season 3.
  3. savvyuec
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    I was really enjoying the show and had watched the two seasons. What a pity that they have pulled the plug as the ratings were not good. I guess the ratings have improved since then. Netflix should reconsider their decision.
  4. bluewaves
    Feb 8, 2017
    10
    My feeling on this show cannot be described...this is the first time I have been so hooked for a decade...perhaps since the remake of Battlestar Galactica...I really haven't seen a quality series like this forever!

    As someone who has lived in the east and absorbed the culture its really a surprising and respectful effort. I love the genuine and hard battles Marco has to pursue in his    My feeling on this show cannot be described...this is the first time I have been so hooked for a decade...perhaps since the remake of Battlestar Galactica...I really haven't seen a quality series like this forever!

    As someone who has lived in the east and absorbed the culture its really a surprising and respectful effort.

    I love the genuine and hard battles Marco has to pursue in his course, sometimes he lacks real character though it could be said he is not always the central role in this play.

    It really is a beautiful theatre. I love the attention to the ancient art of war and the landscapes make a fitting backdrop. The music is perfect and unique as well as great costume design and cinematography.

    I really feel the criticism of the critics is due to the hardness and unforgiving nature of the show though they fail to realise how much it gives to strong female leads and moral code. I hope people can see past the critics and see Marco Polo for what it really is...a fantastic and fantastical adventure.    … Expand
  5. cboy619
    Sep 29, 2016
    10
    This show is awesome, the dialogue is great and fight scenes are amazing. There are so many historical truths in this store too (although there is plenty of artistic liberties as well).

    Overall a great show and definitely worth watching.
  6. Seffer
    Jul 25, 2016
    9
    This show has its ups and downs, and I'll admit it's not for everybody. But if you like martial arts movies and historical drama, you should watch this. I've watched kung fu movies my whole life, and I think that some of the fights in this series compare very well with the best fights in the movies. The character Hundred Eyes is the best, and fights beautifully. There's another martialThis show has its ups and downs, and I'll admit it's not for everybody. But if you like martial arts movies and historical drama, you should watch this. I've watched kung fu movies my whole life, and I think that some of the fights in this series compare very well with the best fights in the movies. The character Hundred Eyes is the best, and fights beautifully. There's another martial arts TV show, Into the Badlands, that's even more directly martial-arts themed, yet has much worse fights.

    Other points: The sets are incredible, and obviously expensive. I'm no Mongol expert, but I have a better than average knowledge of world history and military history, and I think the series as a whole has a good, historical feel. Sometimes the show can drag, and you're more or less waiting for something to happen. Other times a scene is so cool that I watch it again immediately.    … Expand
  7. Frosty1979
    Jul 19, 2016
    10
    Starts slow and gets better and better then. Similar as the show -Vkings-. Characters are fleshed out superbly and develop in interesting and surprising ways.

    Of course historical accuracy is not the shows strength, but who would really want that? Maybe the "professional" critics, who rated this show so lowly? Quite sure most of these "professionals" haven't seen more than one and a    Starts slow and gets better and better then. Similar as the show -Vkings-. Characters are fleshed out superbly and develop in interesting and surprising ways.

    Of course historical accuracy is not the shows strength, but who would really want that?

    Maybe the "professional" critics, who rated this show so lowly? Quite sure most of these "professionals" haven't seen more than one and a half episodes... But well like most people know by now, user ratings are way better to determine the quality of a show.    … Expand
  8. mariamerc
    Jul 16, 2016
    10
    Absolutely love it! The visuals are stunning, I love Mongolian history and that show totally delivers. Michelle Yeaoh & Tom Wu doing Kung Fu is also a treat! I honestly don't know what those critics are thinking in rating this TV show. Give it a shot. Season 1 is okay but Season 2?? I'm blown away.
  9. GadosenBR
    Jul 14, 2016
    10
    I dont know why critics gave such a bad review, this series are better than The walking dead and Game of thrones. TWD and GOT started very well but now are kinda boring. These series arent. I seriously recommend you to see it and ignore critics, they probably dont know what they're talking about
  10. algoody421
    Jun 9, 2016
    10
    Hate when critics get it wrong. This is an excellent show that displays a new era and area of history we dont often see, in a premium cable night time tele sort of way. Its every bit as good as some of these other shows, its just in its infancy. The cast is awesome, giving a lot of underrated asian talent a spotlight they wouldnt otherwise gain. Dont let those who hate it outweigh theHate when critics get it wrong. This is an excellent show that displays a new era and area of history we dont often see, in a premium cable night time tele sort of way. Its every bit as good as some of these other shows, its just in its infancy. The cast is awesome, giving a lot of underrated asian talent a spotlight they wouldnt otherwise gain. Dont let those who hate it outweigh the voice of your fellow viewers. The positive to negative for viewers at the time of this writing is 356 positive to 38 negative, with 24 mixed. So out of almost 420 viewers, 40 or so hated or didnt like it and 20 or so were iffy, the rest loved or at least liked it. We're talking 90% approval at an avg score of 8.3. Thats a damn good show...… Expand
  11. Crizzle
    Mar 15, 2016
    10
    A fine example of 'Known' reviewers a their poorest. Did they even watch this series?

    Amazing show, with a great storyline, good characters, great acting and amazing visuals. Can't wait for Season 2.

    Fck you reviewers.
  12. Kinghenry8
    Feb 26, 2016
    9
    Very good show, it reminds me a lot of Game Of Thrones except without the magic and dragons. Nonetheless, I recommend watching it for the martial arts and the cinematography.
  13. Jackelfo
    Feb 8, 2016
    9
    I absolutely loved the show and sometimes wonder if the critics have been watching the same show that I have binge watched for the last 3 days. The scenes and the colours are so vivid, it kind of transported me back to Kublai Khan's era and ancient Mongolia. The pace is just right if you want to learn about a culture most are not familiar with in order to accompany the story that picks upI absolutely loved the show and sometimes wonder if the critics have been watching the same show that I have binge watched for the last 3 days. The scenes and the colours are so vivid, it kind of transported me back to Kublai Khan's era and ancient Mongolia. The pace is just right if you want to learn about a culture most are not familiar with in order to accompany the story that picks up quite soon. All characters are likeable in their own way. I thought Lorenzo Richelmy's Marco Polo was a bit dull to start with, but I am getting used to him, and now that I learned he was thought English for the show only, it kind of makes more sense that he became more believable towards the middle of the season, but whatever Marco Polo lacks in English skills, all the other actors compensate in amazing performances, the cinematography is perfect, the characters are deep and their story gets you completely involved.
    Needless to say, I am hooked.    … Expand
  14. doninss53
    Feb 6, 2016
    10
    i like it just fine, but the important thing to take away from this is how utterly useless "professional" critics are in deciding what one might like in film and TV. (or games or art for that matter.) long live the great unwashed.
  15. TheShahMaestro
    Jan 20, 2016
    10
    The critics had to review this show based on the first few episodes. But even this doesn't fully explain their ridiculous under-rating of this magnificent series.
    The sets are gorgeous, the production value amazing, the plot engaging and the characters layered. This is almost impeccable TV.
  16. guilamu
    Nov 23, 2015
    10
    Very good show all in all despite an average lead, the rest of the cast is stellar, the production is amazing, the sets are splendid, I can't wait for season 2!
  17. Ushae
    Nov 10, 2015
    10
    Fantastic show, which great depth and cinematography. I have no clue what the 'official' critics are thinking, they must be stoned or just have utterly **** taste in shows. This is a fantastic series, if you have any interest in historical shows this is one of the best to watch, set in a very unique time period.

    Bring on Season 2.
  18. Jasd4242
    Jul 24, 2015
    9
    highly recommended if you are looking for drama
    pros: Great drama, good politics, enjoyable characters.
    cons: lack of action scenes until the very last episodes.
  19. LuckySevens_7
    Jul 6, 2015
    10
    One of my favorite shows since Spartacus season 1, I don't understand why the critics are going so hard on the negative reviews, this show is awesome. You get attached to some great characters..Like the bald monk, marco polo, some of the khans sons and the khan himself
  20. Rifter
    May 28, 2015
    10
    I'm used to seeing poor reviews by critics on fantasy style shows, but It was very disheartening to see the reviews here. The show took a bit to rev up, and it can drag on. It has issues, but at the end of the day, it is a fun adventure. There are not that many shows that catch me so quick and keep me up an hour or two after my bedtime every night, to watch the show. This one did that.I'm used to seeing poor reviews by critics on fantasy style shows, but It was very disheartening to see the reviews here. The show took a bit to rev up, and it can drag on. It has issues, but at the end of the day, it is a fun adventure. There are not that many shows that catch me so quick and keep me up an hour or two after my bedtime every night, to watch the show. This one did that. While it stumbles from time to time, overall, it is outstanding.

    Yes, it can be campy, No, the acting isn't always top notch. But, the premise, and the surprising attention to history is uncanny. I am interested in seeing where the show goes after the first season.    … Expand
  21. connolly85
    Apr 13, 2015
    10
    A thoroughly enjoyable show with completely unwarranted critic reviews. I was relieved when I saw that Netflix had signed for a second series.

    The fact that so many people talk about this in the same breath as GOT speaks for itself. The production is top notch and the story gripping. The characters are all likeable and actually believable. The season finale is an absolute epic - I'd    A thoroughly enjoyable show with completely unwarranted critic reviews. I was relieved when I saw that Netflix had signed for a second series.

    The fact that so many people talk about this in the same breath as GOT speaks for itself. The production is top notch and the story gripping. The characters are all likeable and actually believable.

    The season finale is an absolute epic - I'd definitely recommend this and this proves to me once again just how out of touch critic reviews can be.    … Expand
  22. TheWaffle
    Mar 20, 2015
    8
    It's clear that the professional critics simply can't handle something that doesn't fit the usual mold. The show is very well cast and filmed with an eye for history, and for once we have a production that casts actors in keeping with their actual heritage instead of a white washed history in British accents (::cough:: Da Vinci's Demons and Prince of Persia ::cough::). This is Game ofIt's clear that the professional critics simply can't handle something that doesn't fit the usual mold. The show is very well cast and filmed with an eye for history, and for once we have a production that casts actors in keeping with their actual heritage instead of a white washed history in British accents (::cough:: Da Vinci's Demons and Prince of Persia ::cough::). This is Game of Thrones in the far east, except that many of the show's events are real. There are certainly a lot of borrowed tropes and a bit of fantastical kung fu, but it also often refuses to take the easy road. The protagonists are both brutal and empathetic, and the conflicts between characters are very believable. The primary villain is a bit too dastardly in my mind, especially since he's fighting against a Mongol invasion. But the show is very good and is easy to watch.… Expand
  23. Omphaloskepsi
    Feb 23, 2015
    10
    I have a lot to say about why I love this show. Here's my reddit rant on why: http://redd.it/2pvz17

    "Jia Sidao and Thousand Eyes are very similar and could be considered foils in some degree. Ying and Yang, Confucianism and Taoism. They both accomplish great skill through hard work, which 100 Eyes tells us is the meaning of kung fu (did not know that and I'm a huge Chinese culture    I have a lot to say about why I love this show. Here's my reddit rant on why: http://redd.it/2pvz17

    "Jia Sidao and Thousand Eyes are very similar and could be considered foils in some degree. Ying and Yang, Confucianism and Taoism. They both accomplish great skill through hard work, which 100 Eyes tells us is the meaning of kung fu (did not know that and I'm a huge Chinese culture aficionado). One's mind is in bondage, another's is not. Thousand Eyes is powerless, yet he has power. Jia Sidao has power, yet he is powerless. Jia Sidao is soft (emotional wounds), so he must be hard. Thousand Eyes is hard, because he is soft.

    I watched this season again and the fact that their characters blossom and engage my imagination such that the characters grow before me is a true gift. Thank You Netflix.    … Expand
  24. king1323
    Feb 17, 2015
    10
    I don't understand you guys low rating for this show its one of the best shows I have seen in a few years. But then again when you guys give better grades to shows like blackish and American Idol what can we expect.
  25. baoboa
    Feb 15, 2015
    10
    What is with these critics on here!? Rave reviews for utter garbage and poor reviews for anything with any quality content. This is one of those that deserves a FAAAAAAAAR better rating than its getting. The acting is good. The setting and cinematography are very good. The storyline is good. Its a winner by all accounts. Deserves a solid 7 IMO, but gets a 10 due to the low critic rating.What is with these critics on here!? Rave reviews for utter garbage and poor reviews for anything with any quality content. This is one of those that deserves a FAAAAAAAAR better rating than its getting. The acting is good. The setting and cinematography are very good. The storyline is good. Its a winner by all accounts. Deserves a solid 7 IMO, but gets a 10 due to the low critic rating. Please....… Expand
  26. Scarzi
    Feb 5, 2015
    9
    This show is fantastic. I have no idea what all these critics were watching but this show has been excellent so far. It has only gotten better with each episode.
  27. kyberus
    Jan 26, 2015
    9
    An excellent show, with beautifully designed visual materials. The portrayal of the Mongol and Chinese empires, both at peace and at war is a rare enough delight to merit watching the program on its own. Though some licence is taken with the historical materials, the complex culture and politics of the Khanate of Kublai is well realized. Finally, the cast starts quietly, but overall thereAn excellent show, with beautifully designed visual materials. The portrayal of the Mongol and Chinese empires, both at peace and at war is a rare enough delight to merit watching the program on its own. Though some licence is taken with the historical materials, the complex culture and politics of the Khanate of Kublai is well realized. Finally, the cast starts quietly, but overall there are a host of interesting and well developed characters. Marco himself is a relatively quiet character, but he provides a good framing device to highlight a variety of multifaceted characters and talented actors.

    I find the initial episode started somewhat slowly, but not unpleasantly so, and the pacing picks up over the following episodes. Given that most viewers are probably not familiar with the Mongol empire, I think this is a wise decision.

    Overall, Marco Polo is well worth watching, and at least on par with the history channel's "Vikings" series. I find it difficult to reconcile my own assessment with the critical reviews of Marco Polo. I have never been struck by this strong a contrast, I wonder if they might have been watching another program.    … Expand
  28. Jmadrigal323
    Jan 24, 2015
    10
    The action, acting, views and historical significance makes this show such a spectacle to behold. I don't usually crave to watch a series back to back but Marco Polo demanded it with its amazing story and tempting narrative.
    If you want a series that will hold your attention from start to finish then I suggest that you give this amazing show a chance. At the end of the day, this show was    The action, acting, views and historical significance makes this show such a spectacle to behold. I don't usually crave to watch a series back to back but Marco Polo demanded it with its amazing story and tempting narrative.
    If you want a series that will hold your attention from start to finish then I suggest that you give this amazing show a chance. At the end of the day, this show was made for the regular consumers and not the critics.
    I really hope the user rating is leverage enough to act as a counterweight for the critics low score.    … Expand
  29. PainSt
    Jan 23, 2015
    9
    Highly recommended
    I finally watched this series over the past couple days after being initially discouraged by the critic reviews. It was well worth it. It turned out to be very engaging if at times somewhat predictable. The unfavorable comparisons with Games of Thrones are off the mark. Surely the similarities do exist with excellent settings, beautiful costumes and developed characters    Highly recommended
    I finally watched this series over the past couple days after being initially discouraged by the critic reviews. It was well worth it. It turned out to be very engaging if at times somewhat predictable. The unfavorable comparisons with Games of Thrones are off the mark. Surely the similarities do exist with excellent settings, beautiful costumes and developed characters but with none of the droning dialogue, mediocre acting and cluttered storylines that made GoT a cure for insomnia. Marco Polo does lack the shock value that makes GoT interesting but by sticking to the core story we get a focused effort that marches relentlessly towards its climax. Every scene is integral to the story. Every grunt is meaningful. Marco Polo is only one of many highly developed characters and my only complaint is that the series should have been named "Kublai Khan." He is the real star and central character, brilliantly rendered by first class acting. The first season does not end on a cliff hanger so give it a go. Its worth it.    … Expand
  30. aarvizu
    Jan 22, 2015
    9
    I am hooked! I did have to watch the 1st episode twice to get straight who everyone was. But, now have watched 8 episodes and can't wait to watch the next episode tonite. I really don't understand why the critics did not give it higher reviews? I have recommended to many family members and friends.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
32
#32 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
48

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 21
  3. Negative: 7 out of 21
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Margaret Lyons
    Dec 15, 2014
    30
    The show is vacant and uninspiring, so much so that I'd rather fill my imaginary home with ball utensils than watch Marco Polo.
    Read full review
  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Dec 15, 2014
    70
    A fun, body-flinging, old-fashioned epic.... As Kublai Khan, British actor Benedict Wong gives an impressive performance, one of the best of the year: You absolutely believe his ruthlessness, his power and his calculating thoughtfulness. As Marco Polo, on the other hand, Italian actor Lorenzo Richelmy, who looks like a more lyrical Emile Hirsch, mostly has to be put up with.
    Read full review
  3. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Mekeisha Madden Toby
    Dec 15, 2014
    70
    Ultimately, once viewers overcome the sluggish pace there’s something for everyone with Marco Polo. History lovers will enjoy Googling along with the series as historical names and battles are introduced while martial arts fans will appreciate the intricately choreographed fight scenes. Although the series isn’t as riveting as “Game of Thrones,” strong performances and impeccable visuals make it worthy of a watch on a slow and rainy afternoon.
    Read full review
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