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. BernieMargolis
    Feb 13, 2017
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was very disappointed in this show. It started out well, and there were flashes of brilliance here and there, but the plot trudged along at a snail's pace. The show was padded with lots of gratuitous sex and violence that distracted from the plot. Honestly, if I wanted to watch porn, I would have just watched porn. I don't need to take a ten minute porn break from my historical drama every fifteen minutes. The sets are beautiful, and I have no fault with the acting, but the plot is simply sub par.

    Some have compared this show to A Game of Thrones, but the two are nothing alike. The sex and violence in A Game of Thrones are always in the context of the show's plot, and the situations are consistent with the participants' character. The most violent scenes are often the climax of an arc that was built up over several episodes. In Marco Polo, on the other hand, the sex and violence are so commonplace that they lose their impact. For example, there is a banquet that Marco Polo attends. Kublai Khan has instructed him to pay attention and report on what he sees. So what brilliant insights does he have? Well, he immediately gets into a wrestling match with a random girl for no apparent reason, and it quickly turns into sex for no apparent reason. Oh, and it later turns out that she's the clan chief's "virgin" daughter. Yeah, right. This is a thirteen year old boy's dream scenario, not the content of a coherent plot in a show for adults.

    There are plenty of women to be had, and the Khan has promised Marco free access to his harem if he can prove his trustworthiness. However, Marco instead fixates on the one royal hostage who has been declared off-limits. He spends 75% of his time on the show stalking her, and her supposed bodyguard seems to be 100% oblivious to Marco's activities. Most of the show's plot seems to focus on this ridiculous situation.

    I was able to endure four episodes of this nonsense before giving up. I was tempted to call it quits earlier, but every time I felt I had had enough the show would pull me back in with actual intrigue and beautiful sets. If only they had focused more on the geopolitical aspects and the relationship between Marco and the Khan, I think the show would have been pretty good, if not great. Unfortunately, I just couldn't spend any more time watching the story of a creepy stalker and his relationship with a temperamental psychopath who somehow refrains from killing him despite countless provocations.    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. YorkMan
    Jul 13, 2016
    4
    Whenever you watch anything 'fantastical' on television, or in the cinema, you have to switch off the more rational part of your brain and just go with the notion that what you're witnessing falls into the scope of the show/film as it's set up and progresses.
    But therein lies the problem with Marco Polo, it's a television show about a recognised historical figure, one of actual    Whenever you watch anything 'fantastical' on television, or in the cinema, you have to switch off the more rational part of your brain and just go with the notion that what you're witnessing falls into the scope of the show/film as it's set up and progresses.
    But therein lies the problem with Marco Polo, it's a television show about a recognised historical figure, one of actual importance, but it is written and produced using only the slightest amount of known historical fact.
    What that means is we witness completely fictitious characters and events that have no basis in what actually did happen when this Portuguese trader ended up in Mongolia in the 13th Century, it's just turned into blatant 'popcorn' escapism, and it's frustrating.

    So, is there anything good about the programme?
    Well, the direction is good, the cinematography is nice, the set design is well done, as is the costume design. From a visual perspective, you are wowed by the effort put into the production.
    But that's really about it....

    What is bad then?
    I understand that the show is funded by Americans, for Americans... And we know the 'average' American is generally too stupid to understand the world extends beyond their own 50 States.... But having everyone speaking English destroys any sense of atmosphere. I don't understand why the people making the show would go to such great lengths to make things 'look' so good if, whenever someone starts speaking, they speak a language that they clearly shouldn't be.
    Add to that some dubious casting choices (why do 90% of the Mongolians look Chinese/Japanese?), some terrible action choreography (every action scene, on pretty much every scale, is shot in near darkness), and huge lulls in pacing.... And you get a show which is watchable, but only if you switch off your brain completely.

    Oh, and as pointed out earlier.... Don't go into this show thinking it's something you can use to really find things out about its particular era and 'real life' characters..... It's 99% fiction.    … Expand
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. bluetea
    Dec 5, 2015
    0
    This show makes me sick. It is just knockoff Game of Thrones, orientalism version. The tragedy is the show is not based on fantasy fiction. But you know nothing Jon Snow... This show is joke. I am so disappointed in Netflix.
  19. 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!
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. aelredus
    Apr 28, 2015
    3
    I'm disappointed. Marco Polo wasn't a Marvel hero. He was a real man. I wanted a credibly historic serie here, not the Nth version of American ninja. Mongol girl fighters? Come on, that is the most ridiculous historic abuse ever seen.
  25. 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
  26. Kryndude
    Mar 20, 2015
    5
    Anyone who expected a historic drama know this; Marco Polo is a fantasy show taking place in an imaginary world based on the stereotypical (and mostly inaccruate) view of Asia. BS everywhere. Those who have the slightest clue of Asian culture and history would find this seires unbearably clumsy. Aside from that, the show itself is okay.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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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