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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. Phix105
    Dec 17, 2014
    10
    I thought this was one of the best new shows that I have watched in a long time. The critics prove once again that they have no clue what most people like. It's not as good as Game of Thrones but I would rate it really close.
  4. 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!
  5. 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
  6. LaKillingFrenzy
    Jan 2, 2015
    10
    Marco Polo is a great show. It really makes it clear that for Netflix shows have a future. Me and my friend could not stop watching. The characters were awesome and it doesn't take long before you start picking favorites. I can't wait to start my encore next week.
  7. MixedFeelings
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    I have to hand it to Netflix for this incredible series. Cinematography stunning throughout the whole series. Engaging plot. At first I didn't expect much due to the low rating but that changed after 2 episodes in. I binged the rest of the episodes in a day and no complaints. It may feel a little weird having all these asian characters speaking english but don't let that discourage youI have to hand it to Netflix for this incredible series. Cinematography stunning throughout the whole series. Engaging plot. At first I didn't expect much due to the low rating but that changed after 2 episodes in. I binged the rest of the episodes in a day and no complaints. It may feel a little weird having all these asian characters speaking english but don't let that discourage you from watching this spectacular.

    Its a shame to have a good show get bashed by critics who watched like one episode. It may not be game of thrones but this show definitely deserves more than a metascore of 25. So stop comparing it to GoT. Why do I have a feeling that cable networks like HBO paid the critics off to eliminate competition? If Netflix continues to produce quality shows like this, they will continue to have my support. No amount of bad reviews from **** critics will stop me from watching this and neither should it you.    … Expand
  8. tantoun
    Dec 29, 2014
    10
    This is an other case where you will find a huge disparity between the viewers score and the "professionals" score. Do you know which opinion count at the end of the day? Us the viewers. This is a fun show, with great production value. The attention to details is more than i have expected for a first production of this sort for Netflix. Some of the plot maybe predictable at times, but itThis is an other case where you will find a huge disparity between the viewers score and the "professionals" score. Do you know which opinion count at the end of the day? Us the viewers. This is a fun show, with great production value. The attention to details is more than i have expected for a first production of this sort for Netflix. Some of the plot maybe predictable at times, but it never was boring or uninteresting. Let's not forget that this is the first season where the show is still trying to find its tone. I have started watching this show with my wife yesterday and already we are at episode 8. Give it a try you will not be disappointed. Just keep in mind that this is by no measure any competitor for GOT nor it is trying to be and you will be just fine.… Expand
  9. CommGhost
    Dec 30, 2014
    10
    I really don't understand the so called professional critics negative reviews.

    Marco Polo was awesome with epic battle scenes and fantastic fights and intrigue, i was hooked from the word go and desperately want a second season. Someone please remind me not to watch the rubbish these so called experts recommend as no doubt it will be garbage if we are that far apart on opinion.    I really don't understand the so called professional critics negative reviews.

    Marco Polo was awesome with epic battle scenes and fantastic fights and intrigue, i was hooked from the word go and desperately want a second season.

    Someone please remind me not to watch the rubbish these so called experts recommend as no doubt it will be garbage if we are that far apart on opinion.

    Ignore the critics and prepare for a exciting ride !    … Expand
  10. xMonkeykingx
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    Critics are biased as hell. They compare this to got and thats basically like saying, why cant my new born baby drive a car? This show is good but new. The first season of got is exremely boring and I stopped after the second episode. This however is interesting and exciting. A show shouldnt tell the users that its going to be better. It should be shown.
  11. 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!
  12. nodesman
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    I don't know what the critics are looking for really. This is a good show. If they want a mongolian Game of Thrones, then this isn't it. Fine. This is Marco Polo. Game of thrones isn't sufficiently Marco Polo. Your turn Critics. In other words - there is not much of a difference between this and game of thrones.

    Except in this show a lot more things happen in a single episode than does    I don't know what the critics are looking for really. This is a good show. If they want a mongolian Game of Thrones, then this isn't it. Fine. This is Marco Polo. Game of thrones isn't sufficiently Marco Polo. Your turn Critics. In other words - there is not much of a difference between this and game of thrones.

    Except in this show a lot more things happen in a single episode than does in GoT. It is very engaging and has a healthy balance of exciting moments and drama.

    The screen play is very good. It looks freaking expensive. The actors behind Kublai Khan and Hundred Eyes played in incredibly well.

    Some critics complain about the amount of nudity in it. There is no more nudity in this than in any other show that are running strong right now.    … Expand
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. Wrz77
    Dec 12, 2014
    10
    Truly a superb show. The expensive production really shines in both CGI of structures, sets, costumes, sound, cinematography, and all other aspects that I could discern. There is a perfect balance of complex geopolitical scenes that highlight the culture and politics of the Mongols in the 13th century and also a tasteful amount of action.

    This is another diamond in the rough drama    Truly a superb show. The expensive production really shines in both CGI of structures, sets, costumes, sound, cinematography, and all other aspects that I could discern. There is a perfect balance of complex geopolitical scenes that highlight the culture and politics of the Mongols in the 13th century and also a tasteful amount of action.

    This is another diamond in the rough drama series that rewards paying attention and where one will pickup more detail on future re-watches. But also one can watch it casually and still understand the plot.
    Absolutely no characters seemed one dimensional and they all had colorful and dynamic backgrounds and interesting traits.
    Sex scenes are also tastefully done unlike many TV-MA shows where they seem like filler and run on for way too long.

    Cinematography: 5/5 - The colorful sets and outdoor scenes alike are breathtaking and really pull you in. I was fully absorbed within the first 10 minutes of watching.

    Acting: 4/5 - I found the acting on the level of Game of Thrones and other hit drama series.
    Plot: 5/5 - The most important aspect of any drama movie or TV series is the plot, in my opinion, and this does not disappoint. It goes into the complex geopolitics of the Mongols and explores it without dragging on, seeming like filler, or becoming boring.

    Picture Quality: 4/5 - I watched in Super HD on a 40" display and did not notice any macroblocking or other common artifacts associated with bitrate starvation.
    The only nitpick I have is the aspect ratio not being 16:9 as all other modern TV series are. However, the black bars are extremely minimal and nowhere near as big as movies often have so it was not distracting.

    Audio: 5/5 - I only have a 2.0 sound system so I listened to the Stereo mix which sounds very different than the Dolby DD+ 5.1 mix - on my 2.0 system the Stereo mix sounded like it was optimized specifically for 2.0 systems rather than a cheap downmix from 5.1.
    The musical score really adds to the tone and feel of the show and I find the quality of the compositions to rival John Williams or other big names in film.    … 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. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Polofan
    Dec 14, 2014
    10
    I registered to write this review for Marco Polo after having my expectations for Marco Polo unfairly lowered by what I now see as ignorant critics.

    Usually, I think critics get it right. If some show has a low score on metacritic it is usually not worth watching. I had been waiting for the release of Marco Polo with anticipation, but as the early reviews began coming in I started to    I registered to write this review for Marco Polo after having my expectations for Marco Polo unfairly lowered by what I now see as ignorant critics.

    Usually, I think critics get it right. If some show has a low score on metacritic it is usually not worth watching. I had been waiting for the release of Marco Polo with anticipation, but as the early reviews began coming in I started to think the show was almost unwatchable and easily forgettable.

    I now know that this was a totally wrong mindset. The critics have got it wrong on this one and why they derided this show as a bunch of crying hyneas is a good question. I see no justification for the low ratings it has had.

    A lot of the early critique seems centered on the acting and dialogue. I agree that the dialogue for the early episodes may have been a bit off but I am now on the 9th episode and I think the dialogue is now extremely good and on a par with Game of Thrones. The acting fo the main character has also been criticised as boring and without passion. I actually think the producers made the right choice in making Marco Polo be subdued as a character. The central role of Marco Polo is not to be the centre of attention but more an observer of the Khan's court. The really colourful characters are the Chinese and Mongols and I think this is why some Western critics have lambasted the show so much. A lot of Western critics are simply full of ethnocentrism so when they see a show like Marco Polo they invariably compare it to Game of Thrones whose Pseudo-European Medieval universe is known to most TV and Film viewers. They totally fail to appreciate how Marco Polo is set in a culture that is far removed from what Game of Thrones would have us believe the Medieval world of Power politics looked like. This is Asia which is a continent with as many varied cultures as Europe. Marco Polo shows that really well by having the court of the Khan stocked with foreigners who at one point or another seem to have been enslaved by the Mongols - this makes their loyalty interesting to question. The differences between Mongol culture and Chinese is also well depicted - Chinese culture being more adept at diplomacy and cunning and the Mongols being influenced by Chinese culture while still relying on brute force as the foundation of their power.

    There are so many good reasons to love this show and I very much hope fans will support it and prove the critics wrong. If this show is a one season wonder then it is a travesty when other crappy shows like Walking Dead get rave reviews and run season after season. With Marco Polo Netflix has once gain raised the bar and made a show that normal TV channels should produce but don't produce because they are old-fashioned and ethnocentric.    … Expand
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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..
  26. 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.
  27. YayaChronic
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    I made an account just to review this because of the critics rating, this show was amazing. First two or three episodes maybe start off slow but that made it that much better, Marco is played wonderfully, the king, the chancellor everyone just perfect. it makes sens that it took 90 million to produce this amazing show
  28. Madelyn2Pedler
    Dec 20, 2014
    10
    Loved it! Past tense because I watched all episodes. I'm sad that there will not be more of them. It is better than most of the garbage on T.V.
    The characters are rich with depth and complexity of emotions and traits. Diversity of culture with Middle Eastern, Chinese, Mongolian, and Europians paired with setting, costumes, and music make this series RICH and enjoyable to watch.
  29. Jambrose
    Dec 20, 2014
    10
    I thouroughly enjoyed this show. It definitley has it's low moments, but they pay-off is worth it 100%. I enjoyed it so much I'm currently watching it again with my room-mates. Don't buy intop the critic reviews, do your self a favor and watch the first three episodes before you make your decision
  30. isale8792
    Dec 20, 2014
    10
    like really? I just made an account to tell how awesome is this serie! I am already dying to see what happens for season 2. PS: I want to congratulate the staff because the scenary, clothes even the actors look awesome -they really got it right while casting-
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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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