The Silk Road poster
FilmDrama

The Silk Road (1988)

Original title: 敦煌

1988-06-25 · 2h 23m · JA
67%
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6 votes
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In 1026, students in western China are shanghaied into the forces of crown prince Li Yuanhao of Xi Xia, who wants to control the length of the Silk Road. One student is Zhao Xingde, who becomes the favorite of his commander, Zhu Wangli. While sacking a fortress, Xingde discovers Tsurpia, princess of the Uighur. He hides her; they fall in love. When he's sent away to study Xixian, he leaves Tsurpia in Zhu's care, but returns to find her engaged to Li. Tragedy follows, and he and Zhu enter a pact to take revenge when Li arrives at Dun-Huang, the region's seat of learning and culture. Against overwhelming odds, they find a surprising way to leave a monument to their life and love.

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Junya SatōDirector, WriterTakeshi YoshidaWriterYasushi InoueWriter

Media

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Toshiyuki NishidaToshiyuki NishidaZhu WangliKoichi SatoKoichi SatoZhao XingdeAnna NakagawaAnna NakagawaTsurpiaTsunehiko WataseTsunehiko WataseLi YuanhaoTakahiro TamuraTakahiro TamuraTsao YanhuiAkira EmotoAkira EmotoDaijirō HaradaDaijirō HaradaWeichi KuangYoshiko MitaYoshiko MitaWoman of XixiaYukio NinagawaYukio NinagawaEisaku ShindoEisaku ShindoMizuho SuzukiMizuho SuzukiKatsuhiko WatabikiKatsuhiko Watabiki

Movie DNA

Genre affinityDramaDialogue densityDramaPacingLongDirector preference345326Actor preference335896 · 345336 · 217621Country preferenceJp

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Frequently asked questions about The Silk Road

What is The Silk Road about?

In 1026, students in western China are shanghaied into the forces of crown prince Li Yuanhao of Xi Xia, who wants to control the length of the Silk Road. One student is Zhao Xingde, who becomes the favorite of his commander, Zhu Wangli. While sacking a fortress, Xingde discovers Tsurpia, princess of the Uighur. He hides her; they fall in love. When he's sent away to study Xixian, he leaves Tsurpia in Zhu's care, but returns to find her engaged to Li. Tragedy follows, and he and Zhu enter a pact to take revenge when Li arrives at Dun-Huang, the region's seat of learning and culture. Against overwhelming odds, they find a surprising way to leave a monument to their life and love.

How long is The Silk Road?

The Silk Road has a runtime of 143 minutes.