Inside the Forbidden City
1965, Chinese. Directed by Kao Li.
It seems that Li Zhenfei was once an imperial concubine, who often found herself competing with her rival Madame Liu for the emperor's sole, undivided attention. When Li gives birth to the Emperor's child, the jealous Liu switches the boy with a cat and commands a servant named Kou Zhu to kill the baby. However, Kou Zhu ignores the order and gives the prince-to-be to the emperor's brother, a decision which eventually leads to the boy being adopted by the emperor himself! But as fate would have it, to go along with his new son, the emperor has a new wife as well - Madame Liu! As this strange new family unit is being constructed, poor Li Zhenfei has been confined to the forbidden palace, condemned to never see or speak to her son, the prince. But destiny reunites her with her son, but will this family reunion be a happy one? And will Madame Liu finally be punished for her treachery?
- Runtime
- 1h 43m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Chinese
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Inside the Forbidden City
Inside the Forbidden City isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 16 October 1965.
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Cast & crew
- Kao LiDirector
- Ivy Ling PoKou Zhu
- Ching MiaoJudge Bao Zheng
- Chin FengEmperor
- Kao Pao-ShuEmpress Liu
- Ou-Yang Sha-FeiConcubine Li Zheng Fei
- Li ChingFei's Maid Act As Zhu's Ghost
- Chen Yu-HsinEunuch Kuo Huai
- Ku Wen-ChungEunuch Chen Lin
- Tien FengPrime Minister
- Yang Chi-ChingEmperor's Brother
- Chan Wan-WaEmpress Di
- Chiang Kuang-ChaoFan Zhong Hua
Details
- Released
- 16 October 1965
- Original title
- 宋宮秘史
- Country
- Hong Kong
- Written by
- Kao Li, Chang Cheh
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Inside the Forbidden City: quick answers
Is Inside the Forbidden City worth watching?
Inside the Forbidden City doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Inside the Forbidden City?
Inside the Forbidden City runs 103 minutes (1h 43m).
Does Inside the Forbidden City have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Inside the Forbidden City. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Inside the Forbidden City parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Inside the Forbidden City yet.
Which OTT platform is Inside the Forbidden City on?
Inside the Forbidden City isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 16 October 1965. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Inside the Forbidden City?
If you liked Inside the Forbidden City, try Cadillac Records, Köln 75, All Eyez on Me.
Who directed Inside the Forbidden City?
Inside the Forbidden City (1965) was directed by Kao Li and stars Ivy Ling Po, Ching Miao, Chin Feng.