The Silk Road (敦煌) 36 years old

The Silk Road

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.

Credits

The Silk Road Cast

Name Character
Koichi Sato He was 1, now 38 years old as Zhao Xingde
Anna Nakagawa She was 22, now 59 years old as Tsurpia
Toshiyuki Nishida He was 40, now 77 years old as Zhu Wangli
Tsunehiko Watase He was 43, 72 years old when he died as Li Yuanhao

The Silk Road Crew

Name Department
Jun'ya Satô as Director. He was 55 (86) years old when He died Directing
The Silk Road poster
The Silk Road (36 years)

  • Release day: Saturday, June 25, 1988
  • Runtime: 143 minutes