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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  1. normanx
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    For whatever reason, the critics saw the first episode and wrote off the series... Their loss. This is not your daddy's Richard Chamberlain/Shogun... this is violent, sexy, deviant and filled with peril and wonder. When "Users" ....based on a hundred reviews see it as an 8.2 and critics are at a mere 48... somebody is not doing their job. Watch it. Hate it, or love it... it is a veryFor whatever reason, the critics saw the first episode and wrote off the series... Their loss. This is not your daddy's Richard Chamberlain/Shogun... this is violent, sexy, deviant and filled with peril and wonder. When "Users" ....based on a hundred reviews see it as an 8.2 and critics are at a mere 48... somebody is not doing their job. Watch it. Hate it, or love it... it is a very dynamic series-portrayed in lush film production...… Expand
  2. astralboy79
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    brilliant...in one sitting watched the first 4 episodes, smooth flow. ignore the critic reviews, its one jem of a show....digging the mongol lifestyle, hot women, tensions and war. Can see its not a cheap show and care has been put into every detail including camera work, costumes, music. i wish for season II.
  3. nick14ch
    Dec 17, 2014
    10
    I had very low expectations after reading critics reviews but after watching the series I have no idea why it got rated so badly. It s true that the pilot isn't great and a bit slow but the show gets better and better. Production and costumes are amazing, the cast is great (although I do agree that the main actor is not charismatic enough) and the plot is gripping. Definitely recommended
  4. Thumbsdown
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    Great story, fabricated or semi inventive, can't stop watching. Has great Kung Fu, Sex, Bloody battles and lots of Drama. There are many historical facts to this which I truly enjoy, as a history buff. I like the Main character, he plays his role well as do the other actors.
  5. UncleEarl
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    NOTE: I will mostly mention the few flaws in the show. In truth, the positives of the show more than outweighed the negatives and there just isn't enough room to write about them. Go watch the show.

    First few episodes have some dumb Confucian-type dialogue that the writers probably thought would help highlight the eastern setting but it kind of falls flat. The dialogue gets better    NOTE: I will mostly mention the few flaws in the show. In truth, the positives of the show more than outweighed the negatives and there just isn't enough room to write about them. Go watch the show.

    First few episodes have some dumb Confucian-type dialogue that the writers probably thought would help highlight the eastern setting but it kind of falls flat. The dialogue gets better around the third episode or so and the exposition gives way to the quick pace the rest of the season enjoys.

    There are a lot of exciting and outrageous fight scenes all throughout the show and they're really captivating. Critics have complained about these scenes. "This woman fights 3 guys by herself while she's naked! This is so sexist! The writers and directors are pigs!" You're missing the whole point. The fights are stylistic and fantastical as a nod to the choreography that eastern films are legendary for. One woman fights naked because she lulled the men trying to screw her into a false sense of security and then she pounced while they didn't expect it. This is practical, not sexist or whatever you want to label it.

    I don't even have to mention the cinematography, atmosphere, music, set design. It's all impeccable and money well spent.

    Aside from the dialogue issues that don't reappear after the first 2 episodes, My only other gripe is how illogically loyal and naive the character Marco Polo is. It's a shame we don't see him crush his foes when he has a chance. He tries to make everyone happy, and we all know you can't please everyone all the time. But still, the rest of the characters are ruthless enough for him. They dictate the pace of the plot, not Marco, which would seem fitting since this is their home court, not his. Overall, this show was a wonderful experience and the low critical reviews say a lot about the authority of critics who weren't able to accurately appraise the program.

    10/10 binge-watched this in one night instead of writing my final paper    … Expand
  6. kamiyamaninja1
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    this was a very interesting and exciting series.
    I was extremely pleased with the story and quality of acting.
    Beautiful people and awesome sets.. at times breath taking.
    More shows should be made like this..
    The kung fu master was awesome and really added to the story line.. very smart adding this to the plot..
  7. hydrologi
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    I disagree with the critics, and I hope other viewers ignore them. The show is thoroughly enjoyable. Just don't expect a show focusing on Marco Polo's adventures. This is about Kublai Khan, his court, and his rivalry with Jia Sidao.

    Landscapes are breathtaking, fight scenes are spectacular (particularly season finale). Marco isn't a main character that you would expect from this genre    I disagree with the critics, and I hope other viewers ignore them. The show is thoroughly enjoyable. Just don't expect a show focusing on Marco Polo's adventures. This is about Kublai Khan, his court, and his rivalry with Jia Sidao.

    Landscapes are breathtaking, fight scenes are spectacular (particularly season finale). Marco isn't a main character that you would expect from this genre (e.g. Tyrion, Spartacus, etc). He is just along for the ride and do what he's told. But the other characters, Kublai, Hundred Eyes, Lady Chabi etc. are interesting and played wonderfully. Can't wait for season 2. Hopefully the producers aren't discouraged by the wisearse critics and will keep making this wonderful show.    … Expand
  8. ralphrepo
    Dec 18, 2014
    9
    Compared to GOT in its entirety? No. But when stacked against just GOT season 1? Yes, it holds its own. Polo has a lot pulling for it too, given the semi-historical and non-fantasy setting. Also, it showcases the able language and acting ability of Asian talent in what is arguably a fully English speaking production, without subtitles nor stilted "Fu Manchu" accents. In essence, probablyCompared to GOT in its entirety? No. But when stacked against just GOT season 1? Yes, it holds its own. Polo has a lot pulling for it too, given the semi-historical and non-fantasy setting. Also, it showcases the able language and acting ability of Asian talent in what is arguably a fully English speaking production, without subtitles nor stilted "Fu Manchu" accents. In essence, probably the first western made epic in which the central Chinese figure isn't portrayed by a white actor dressed in Asian wardrobe. Nicely done!… Expand
  9. lizardrath
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    I spend weeks sometimes looking for interesting, mature and sophisticated shows and Marco Polo is all that! This is the first review I have ever written and it is in response to the unbelievable bad "critics" review of this epic series. Beautiful scenes, well thought out dialogue and plots...yeah, Game of Thrones is good (but doesn't quite live up to the books - too fast paced and lostI spend weeks sometimes looking for interesting, mature and sophisticated shows and Marco Polo is all that! This is the first review I have ever written and it is in response to the unbelievable bad "critics" review of this epic series. Beautiful scenes, well thought out dialogue and plots...yeah, Game of Thrones is good (but doesn't quite live up to the books - too fast paced and lost important details!). Marco Polo is a clear winner! With all the immature, unbelievable shows on TV, you think critics could see a good thing if right in front of their face! Makes me wonder if there is a little politics going on here between traditional TV and online...… Expand
  10. ssmater
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    I am surprised how negative some of the critics reviews are. On of them wrote "..undermined by ponderously self-important writing". Well yes, it is self-important, it's supposed to be self-important. This is a movie about the Great Khan, the Khan of Khans, the Ruler of the Silk Road and the World, whose name terrified people from Central Europe to Chinese Coast. If you don't the get powerI am surprised how negative some of the critics reviews are. On of them wrote "..undermined by ponderously self-important writing". Well yes, it is self-important, it's supposed to be self-important. This is a movie about the Great Khan, the Khan of Khans, the Ruler of the Silk Road and the World, whose name terrified people from Central Europe to Chinese Coast. If you don't the get power of the Mongols and the fear they created in the civilized World, this is not a show for you. I also noticed that this movie feels like a very smooth mixture of Eastern and Western cinema.… Expand
  11. RenanAAlmeida
    Dec 13, 2014
    9
    Critics need to relax a little bit. The show isn't nearly as bad as they're making it sound like. Beautifully shot and directed. The writing could be better? Yes. But that doesn't mean it's terrible, it just need improvement. Just because you don't see familiar faces everywhere like you expect in big american productions doesn't mean the show is bad. The way that they used a latin actor toCritics need to relax a little bit. The show isn't nearly as bad as they're making it sound like. Beautifully shot and directed. The writing could be better? Yes. But that doesn't mean it's terrible, it just need improvement. Just because you don't see familiar faces everywhere like you expect in big american productions doesn't mean the show is bad. The way that they used a latin actor to do latin character and every chinese/mongol character they used real chinese actors is simply... well... awesome. Can't wait to see more of this show and I expect it to be renewed, but if the viewership doesn't pay off its big budget I will be really sad if its only destiny is cancellation.… Expand
  12. sandwalker
    Dec 13, 2014
    9
    I notice most critics' reviews are based on only the first 1-2 episodes. This is a series that gets better and better as it goes along, until the climactic final episode that pays off in a big way. Keep watching - it's worth it.
  13. baford
    Dec 15, 2014
    8
    Marco Polo accomplished what it set out to do: entertain me as a viewer. The show is historically inaccurate, but then again I don't expect most modern day shows to serve as a history lesson. I enjoyed the show from the first episode, and I was pleased that the show continually improved throughout the season. I notice that a lot of critics are giving this show low ratings and there seemsMarco Polo accomplished what it set out to do: entertain me as a viewer. The show is historically inaccurate, but then again I don't expect most modern day shows to serve as a history lesson. I enjoyed the show from the first episode, and I was pleased that the show continually improved throughout the season. I notice that a lot of critics are giving this show low ratings and there seems to be a cliche of Game of Thrones comparisons. I can kinda see the point they are making: Both shows are on a high budget, 10 episodes long, extremely violent, contain shady politics and sex, and filmed at exotic locations. Is that really "new" though? Take the show for what it is; an entertaining series that is historically inaccurate yet still catches the essence of the time period with mild cultural insight (albeit a bit cliche). I found the series to be interesting from the first episode and enjoyed the season as it gradually improved with each episode. I hope the show gets a second season, and look forward to continuing Netflix's fictional account of Marco Polo.… Expand
  14. Ezekius
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    Walked in expecting nothing. This show was way better then I thought it could be. I did not like the pilot, and it almost made me stop watching, but I stuck it out a few more episodes and the show got way better. Hope there is a next season!
  15. KMV
    Dec 14, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think some critics are taking this show a bit too seriously. I too would have liked it to be a bit more feasible, and less exploitive of women (not sure the nude harem scene was entirely necessary to the plot). But its got a lot going for it. Basically, you have to accept that this is like a less sophisticated "Game of Thrones" - great cinematography, less characters (and truthfully, less character development), but a lot of the same sword and schemes excitement. There are characters and plot lines I did care about, some great bad guys, and a moment of sacrifice I really did find believable and touching.

    And its good points are good enough, that its plot holes and melodrama become kind of a fun game, questions you can save up (Minor SPOILER ALERT): like, why is a 100 pound courtesan able to fight like a character from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"? Are we really supposed to believe that the best swordsman in the Mongol lands is completely blind? If you're going to send a spy into an enemy Chinese city, wouldn't you pick someone who wouldn't draw attention, rather than the only European they're likely to have ever seen?

    Marco Polo isn't 'must-see' TV. But if you're looking for something fun and exciting in this genre, it should make for a fun evening.    … Expand
  16. DrHutch
    Dec 14, 2014
    7
    Setting aside the terrible historical inaccuracies (of which there are many) and the troubling stereotypes that crop up about Chinese and Mongolian culture, the show as a work of fiction is on par with the quality of Game of Thrones. While it does not have the same epic sweep, its a ability to move between locations on the social hierarchy and its avoidance of sexposition in favour ofSetting aside the terrible historical inaccuracies (of which there are many) and the troubling stereotypes that crop up about Chinese and Mongolian culture, the show as a work of fiction is on par with the quality of Game of Thrones. While it does not have the same epic sweep, its a ability to move between locations on the social hierarchy and its avoidance of sexposition in favour of exploring sensuality as a system of power and authority make it in some ways superior to its HBO cousin. Yet, the dialogue is, as many critics have pointed out, weak. At times, too, the motivations of characters, especially villainous ones, are too one-dimensional to be believable. Is this the greatest show on television? No. Nor is it the weakest among the growing number of epics.… Expand
  17. jwai
    Dec 15, 2014
    9
    I'll say this: I'm very picky about the shows I invest my time in. This is one of those rare shows. There's just something about it. Maybe it's the lavish set pieces and costumes or its Eastern flavor or the sweeping landscape backdrops. Whatever it is, it got me watching and talking and telling my friends to give it try. Sure, it borrows liberally from Game of Thrones but I found theI'll say this: I'm very picky about the shows I invest my time in. This is one of those rare shows. There's just something about it. Maybe it's the lavish set pieces and costumes or its Eastern flavor or the sweeping landscape backdrops. Whatever it is, it got me watching and talking and telling my friends to give it try. Sure, it borrows liberally from Game of Thrones but I found the captivating beauty and sheer scale of this production far outweighs the occasional imitative annoyances. Seeing the workmanship in crafting this epic alone is worth the price of admission. So give it try. You won't be disappointed.… Expand
  18. Foka
    Dec 15, 2014
    10
    Excellent. I watched all 10 eps in one shot! The story is not deep and complex like GoT, but still good. The character are well designed and the landscapes are awesome. Nice fighting scenes as well.
  19. alexanderb2
    Dec 14, 2014
    9
    Registered just because I finished first season and saw "unfair" reviews by critics. Firstly, few things I can agree yes acting is maybe not best you can find you are used to, but it's so refreshing to see some new faces who do still act well (to be honest I'm so tired of few actors who are just in mostly each series no matter they fit or not, even so they are great overall). I'm EuropeanRegistered just because I finished first season and saw "unfair" reviews by critics. Firstly, few things I can agree yes acting is maybe not best you can find you are used to, but it's so refreshing to see some new faces who do still act well (to be honest I'm so tired of few actors who are just in mostly each series no matter they fit or not, even so they are great overall). I'm European so not Chinese expert but have few friends from central Asia and it was very refreshing to see some Kazakhs and Mongol faces playing Mongols and their thick accent which some people do not like is in my opinion is amazing and add so much more colour to the movie. Story is great and very close to what I have red back in the years about polo and post Genghis Khan era in china. The view on steps with hundred horses riding is just amazing. I do recommend anyone who like "historical" movies to watch it. It is maybe one of the best series you will see along with "Rome" and very few others.… Expand
  20. dgauss
    Dec 14, 2014
    9
    Half way through the first season and I am in love with it. While the first two episodes are a slow with plot build up, by the 4th you are pulled into the world of Marco Polo and the drama that surrounds him.

    I am not watching this as a historical piece but for entertainment. I am also not a historian so I can not speak to its accuracy. What I can tell you is the show has not    Half way through the first season and I am in love with it. While the first two episodes are a slow with plot build up, by the 4th you are pulled into the world of Marco Polo and the drama that surrounds him.

    I am not watching this as a historical piece but for entertainment. I am also not a historian so I can not speak to its accuracy. What I can tell you is the show has not disappointing me at all and it just seems to be getting better and better.

    If you have Netflix I recommend you give this a good watch.    … Expand
  21. jameshca
    Dec 20, 2014
    8
    Great cinematic, but too much of sex.

    Very different from what I expected. I was expecting a depiction of Mongol/Orient society during the reign of khanate (customs, politics, military cultures and etc. ), which the show delivered - the trebuchet is awesome, but the kung fu part is too hard to stomach. A Kung Fu Master Marco Polo? come on... Why critics gave the show such a low    Great cinematic, but too much of sex.

    Very different from what I expected.
    I was expecting a depiction of Mongol/Orient society during the reign of khanate (customs, politics, military cultures and etc. ), which the show delivered - the trebuchet is awesome, but the kung fu part is too hard to stomach. A Kung Fu Master Marco Polo? come on...

    Why critics gave the show such a low score? Are we going to have season 2?    … Expand
  22. sholmes019
    Dec 14, 2014
    10
    If you like naked women, gore, and action, then Marco Polo is for you. In my opinion that's all a show really needs along with half decent acting. I never read what the critics have to say about shows on this website. I only read what the every day people have to say. Critics tend to have the worst opinions on anything while the people tend to have a more down to earth view on things. TheIf you like naked women, gore, and action, then Marco Polo is for you. In my opinion that's all a show really needs along with half decent acting. I never read what the critics have to say about shows on this website. I only read what the every day people have to say. Critics tend to have the worst opinions on anything while the people tend to have a more down to earth view on things. The fact that Marco Polo had high reviews among the people and low reviews among the critics supports this.… Expand
  23. PoeticDumpling
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    I am voting based on only two episodes thus far, but I am flabberghasted to see such low reviews from critics. This show is fantastic and thrilling! The acting isn't out of this world, but it isn't by any means bad either. The culture is fresh, the scale is sweeping, the action adventure is cranked up. I have no complaints thus far. Perhaps I will add an upadated review after furtherI am voting based on only two episodes thus far, but I am flabberghasted to see such low reviews from critics. This show is fantastic and thrilling! The acting isn't out of this world, but it isn't by any means bad either. The culture is fresh, the scale is sweeping, the action adventure is cranked up. I have no complaints thus far. Perhaps I will add an upadated review after further episodes or season 1 completion.… Expand
  24. rwieland
    Dec 15, 2014
    8
    The comparison to GOT is misleading. It's an epic historical drama like HBO's Rome. And I think what the critics mean when they say there's no characters to care about is that there aren't enough white people in it. It's beautiful and entertaining and the only way you could be bored by it is if you are too small minded to appreciate what it offers. I think non-American critics will reviewThe comparison to GOT is misleading. It's an epic historical drama like HBO's Rome. And I think what the critics mean when they say there's no characters to care about is that there aren't enough white people in it. It's beautiful and entertaining and the only way you could be bored by it is if you are too small minded to appreciate what it offers. I think non-American critics will review this much more favourably. It's the best thing on Netflix right now in my opinion.… Expand
  25. ImSedated
    Dec 15, 2014
    8
    At first, I thought the show to be cheesy with the accents and lack there of. Maybe if it were in English subtitles, I would give it a 9 or 10. However, by the third episode I was hooked and watched the show from beginning to end. What annoyed me in the beginning quickly faded.

    The show had many plots, intriguing side stories and from a chick's perspective, good fighting scenes.    At first, I thought the show to be cheesy with the accents and lack there of. Maybe if it were in English subtitles, I would give it a 9 or 10. However, by the third episode I was hooked and watched the show from beginning to end. What annoyed me in the beginning quickly faded.

    The show had many plots, intriguing side stories and from a chick's perspective, good fighting scenes.
    I'm not sure what the "critics" are watching but it's not the new Netflix Original Marco Polo.    … Expand
  26. Pier
    Jan 1, 2015
    7
    Why did critics pan this show? The writing and acting may not be as good as Games of Thrones but are way above average. Cinematography and production design are exceptional. A great historical show with a slow plot targeted at mature audiences. Let's hope Netflix renews for a second season.
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. sm0kie
    Jan 2, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great show! The critics are wrong about this one. Just look at the user reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and this site. The people love this show.

    The set design and costumes are impeccable. Just watch this show and look at the costumes, the city, the beautiful wood carvings, etc. Then go back and compare it to Game of Thrones season 1. It makes Game of Thrones look fake!

    You can tell that the writers did their history research. I know a good amount about the history of the Mongols and I appreciate how they include little extra history tidbits through dialogue. This show does embellish a lot though, to keep things interesting and appeal to the audience. I really wish they didn't have every asian know magically know kung fu.

    I also wish they had more full fledged battles instead of just skipping them through cuts. Come on, 90 million bucks and you can't show a full-on, messy battle? What a great opportunity to highlight the world conquering Mongol war tactics. No problem. It's only season 1, hopefully they'll include more next season.

    Spoilers:
    They really embellished a lot in the last few episodes and did a disservice to the Persian engineers. By this time, Trebuchets were already used Middle East for a long time, but they let Marco be the magical inventor?    … Expand
  31. twillsie
    Jan 2, 2015
    9
    I don't know why critics have panned this show. My wife and I enjoyed watching all 10 episodes of the first season. Contrary to what the critics said, we did not fall asleep to any of the episodes, in fact we had a hard time not binge watching the entire series in one night. The production value was phenomenal, the story telling was great, and the acting superb. Listen to the users,I don't know why critics have panned this show. My wife and I enjoyed watching all 10 episodes of the first season. Contrary to what the critics said, we did not fall asleep to any of the episodes, in fact we had a hard time not binge watching the entire series in one night. The production value was phenomenal, the story telling was great, and the acting superb. Listen to the users, because clearly the critics are drunk.… Expand
  32. unclebilly123
    Jan 3, 2015
    9
    The show is great, the first episode is so-so but it gets better later on. Personally I dont agree with the critics like most user reviews. The show offers some great combat and romance scenes. However some times the plot gets a bit dull. In general this show is pretty decent.
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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.
  36. 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
  37. 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.
  38. 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.
  39. LucaCritics
    Mar 28, 2020
    7
    Marco Polo (2014) Season 1 Review: 7/10
    Very nice and enjoyable show. Great plot and stunning visuals.
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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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