The Shocking True Story Behind Netflix's The Empress
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Date: 2023-11-21
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Comments and reviews: 30
SK
Sissi was NOT healthy! Ever! She had terrible eating disorders, bingeing food and starving herself alternatively. She exercised for hours each day, and had strenuous beauty regimes she rigidly adhered to. She had a stairwell built from her bedroom to her kitchen so she could access it secretly and crazy exercise equipment in every royal residence. She suffered from terrible bouts of depression. Her hair was almost to the floor and it took over 4 hours daily for her staff to put it up in elaborate hair styles. And an entire day to have it washed, dried and combed out.
But let's NOT dramatize any of this! She was assassinated, but lived a very sad, lonely life. Even though she was often said to be perhaps the best rider in the world, she was having an affair with her Hungarian equestrian manager. She was the most sought after woman in the world by the paparazzi (yes, they existed back then, to be photographed. But, after a certain age (around 40 I believe, she always wore a veil or used a fan to quickly cover her face, as she refused to be photographed. Ever again! She wanted to be memorialized as the most beautiful and ageless woman in the world. To be remembered as the young beauty she was. But she was barely 100 lbs, and VERY tall! Just like Princess Diana!
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Sissi was NOT healthy! Ever! She had terrible eating disorders, bingeing food and starving herself alternatively. She exercised for hours each day, and had strenuous beauty regimes she rigidly adhered to. She had a stairwell built from her bedroom to her kitchen so she could access it secretly and crazy exercise equipment in every royal residence. She suffered from terrible bouts of depression. Her hair was almost to the floor and it took over 4 hours daily for her staff to put it up in elaborate hair styles. And an entire day to have it washed, dried and combed out.
But let's NOT dramatize any of this! She was assassinated, but lived a very sad, lonely life. Even though she was often said to be perhaps the best rider in the world, she was having an affair with her Hungarian equestrian manager. She was the most sought after woman in the world by the paparazzi (yes, they existed back then, to be photographed. But, after a certain age (around 40 I believe, she always wore a veil or used a fan to quickly cover her face, as she refused to be photographed. Ever again! She wanted to be memorialized as the most beautiful and ageless woman in the world. To be remembered as the young beauty she was. But she was barely 100 lbs, and VERY tall! Just like Princess Diana!
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Citrine
Thank you for the reminder that The Empress exists and I need to watch. I'm a huge fan of the Kunze/Levay musical Elisabeth, and went to Vienna a few years ago to visit the palaces and the Sisi Museum, and the Habsburg crypt. And I found that through the Takarazuka Revue fandom. It's one of Japan's biggest musicals, and the Takarazuka Revue have done it about a dozen times since the late 1990s. Sisi's life is fascinating, and often overly romanticized (as is Rudolf's - there are a few musicals about him/the Mayerling tragedy as well, and I'm excited to see what the new series brings to the table.
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Thank you for the reminder that The Empress exists and I need to watch. I'm a huge fan of the Kunze/Levay musical Elisabeth, and went to Vienna a few years ago to visit the palaces and the Sisi Museum, and the Habsburg crypt. And I found that through the Takarazuka Revue fandom. It's one of Japan's biggest musicals, and the Takarazuka Revue have done it about a dozen times since the late 1990s. Sisi's life is fascinating, and often overly romanticized (as is Rudolf's - there are a few musicals about him/the Mayerling tragedy as well, and I'm excited to see what the new series brings to the table.
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KindredSpirit
After watching the series I did some research on her, and from the way they describe her obsession with her looks and weight, it makes me wonder if she might have had an eating disorder or some kind of dysphoria or something. It didn't sound too me like she had a healthy relationship with her body, at the very least. What I found strange about that though, is everyone who talks about her always talks about how her obsession is a good thing, not how potentially damaging it was! And I can't see how anyone wouldn't at least done some of her behaviour concerning.
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After watching the series I did some research on her, and from the way they describe her obsession with her looks and weight, it makes me wonder if she might have had an eating disorder or some kind of dysphoria or something. It didn't sound too me like she had a healthy relationship with her body, at the very least. What I found strange about that though, is everyone who talks about her always talks about how her obsession is a good thing, not how potentially damaging it was! And I can't see how anyone wouldn't at least done some of her behaviour concerning.
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Student95
Some say Western culture should be making more room for the new world. But what about America culture making some room within the cultural realm of the West. Western culture namely, is more than only American shows. I truly love the way that an American company such as netflix allows for a diversification in their offer to be, so that those from the West can also exchange with one another. More European languages please! What role can Netflix play in preserving Western treasures such as Frisian, Sonderjysk, Sicilian, Sardu, Catalan and Low German/Netherdutch?
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Some say Western culture should be making more room for the new world. But what about America culture making some room within the cultural realm of the West. Western culture namely, is more than only American shows. I truly love the way that an American company such as netflix allows for a diversification in their offer to be, so that those from the West can also exchange with one another. More European languages please! What role can Netflix play in preserving Western treasures such as Frisian, Sonderjysk, Sicilian, Sardu, Catalan and Low German/Netherdutch?
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Tom
While there may be some needed revision to Sisi's story, if one thinks of what Romy Schneider had to portray, I fear that the constume designer of this series has done insufficient research into the clothes and hair styles of Austrian and European (royal) women of the time. There is abundent evidence out there for anyone who want's to know. It is such a shock to see so much post-WW2 fashion details in this series, which clearly weren't there in Sisi's day. My growing sense of disbelief and disappointment stopped me from watching further than episode 3.
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While there may be some needed revision to Sisi's story, if one thinks of what Romy Schneider had to portray, I fear that the constume designer of this series has done insufficient research into the clothes and hair styles of Austrian and European (royal) women of the time. There is abundent evidence out there for anyone who want's to know. It is such a shock to see so much post-WW2 fashion details in this series, which clearly weren't there in Sisi's day. My growing sense of disbelief and disappointment stopped me from watching further than episode 3.
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VeronicaMarie
One flaw. Sissi and Franz did in fact love each other and they remained faithful throughout their marriage. However, because of his mother and the strictness of court, Sissi disliked marriage. She was noted saying on more than one occasion If only Franz werent the emperor. In fact several historians have said that Sissi and Franz slept in the same bed throughout their marriage, they took trips together, ate together and spent all of their free time in each others company, this was unheard of in royal marriages at the time.
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One flaw. Sissi and Franz did in fact love each other and they remained faithful throughout their marriage. However, because of his mother and the strictness of court, Sissi disliked marriage. She was noted saying on more than one occasion If only Franz werent the emperor. In fact several historians have said that Sissi and Franz slept in the same bed throughout their marriage, they took trips together, ate together and spent all of their free time in each others company, this was unheard of in royal marriages at the time.
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Yolanda
I have watched this series. I dont know a lot about Sissi so Im not able to judge on historical accuracy. From my knowledge of royal history in general, some thinga felt implausible (Sissi going into a really grubby factory. And some felt soapy. I still enjoyed the series. I especially liked the actress playing Sissi. She doesnt look too modern for the role. She also felt real, like she captured Sissis wildness and unconventionality but also her conflict, sadness and vulnarability. Excellent acting, excellent casting.
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I have watched this series. I dont know a lot about Sissi so Im not able to judge on historical accuracy. From my knowledge of royal history in general, some thinga felt implausible (Sissi going into a really grubby factory. And some felt soapy. I still enjoyed the series. I especially liked the actress playing Sissi. She doesnt look too modern for the role. She also felt real, like she captured Sissis wildness and unconventionality but also her conflict, sadness and vulnarability. Excellent acting, excellent casting.
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Cynthia
Her comparison with Diana can be summed up like this;
Both were noble, but free women who were picked up by royal families who wanted to prop up and modernize their image but their modernity and romantic image just highlighted how mind-boggingly ancient and anachronistic those dynasties were.
The Austro-hungarian empire collapsed two years after Francis Joseph's death, 20 years after Sissi's and now that Charles III is getting on the throne, Diana's ghosts still haunts the royal family.
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Her comparison with Diana can be summed up like this;
Both were noble, but free women who were picked up by royal families who wanted to prop up and modernize their image but their modernity and romantic image just highlighted how mind-boggingly ancient and anachronistic those dynasties were.
The Austro-hungarian empire collapsed two years after Francis Joseph's death, 20 years after Sissi's and now that Charles III is getting on the throne, Diana's ghosts still haunts the royal family.
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alebhard
Dear Americans, stop spreading these lies about this overrated empress! It was normal in every and each royal house that the children were taken care of by nannies! She was not interested in doing her duties and she was always away! She used the Empires money to build for herself castles on Greek islands! Movies and series have created a legend that is not worthy to remember!
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Dear Americans, stop spreading these lies about this overrated empress! It was normal in every and each royal house that the children were taken care of by nannies! She was not interested in doing her duties and she was always away! She used the Empires money to build for herself castles on Greek islands! Movies and series have created a legend that is not worthy to remember!
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Nelson
It's interesting to have 2 similar series about Elisabeth (The Empress and Sisi. Both highly fictionalised and featuring costumes that are nothing like those of the era. It's like the costume designers of both series decided it was enough to feature massive skirts and forget about all the other aspects of the fashions of the times.
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It's interesting to have 2 similar series about Elisabeth (The Empress and Sisi. Both highly fictionalised and featuring costumes that are nothing like those of the era. It's like the costume designers of both series decided it was enough to feature massive skirts and forget about all the other aspects of the fashions of the times.
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Diamond
I don't think no one should make a movie or series of the empress if u don't know the full story it's me empress sisi that's my past life ur talking about I have proof it's me empress Elizabeth. my horses are still around me I'm ready for the truth to come out this will go world wide I'm here in this lifetime I'll show u
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I don't think no one should make a movie or series of the empress if u don't know the full story it's me empress sisi that's my past life ur talking about I have proof it's me empress Elizabeth. my horses are still around me I'm ready for the truth to come out this will go world wide I'm here in this lifetime I'll show u
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Shyndree
Pfft, you gotta love how the Vienna historians are like: we tried to do her memory justice, and then it also cuts to some ugly memorial in Vienna and it was literally the place she hated the most and tried to escape all her life. Just look at memorials in comparison from Hungary where she is actually shown with care.
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Pfft, you gotta love how the Vienna historians are like: we tried to do her memory justice, and then it also cuts to some ugly memorial in Vienna and it was literally the place she hated the most and tried to escape all her life. Just look at memorials in comparison from Hungary where she is actually shown with care.
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MAU
I was interested in this story because of the connection it has with Mexico. Maximilian became the emperor of the second Mexican empire after emperor Napoleon III invited Maximilian to establish a new french monarchy in Mexico. Unfortunately that didnt last for him and the Mexican republic took back the power of Mexico.
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I was interested in this story because of the connection it has with Mexico. Maximilian became the emperor of the second Mexican empire after emperor Napoleon III invited Maximilian to establish a new french monarchy in Mexico. Unfortunately that didnt last for him and the Mexican republic took back the power of Mexico.
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Catherine
I loved the first season and thought it was a great mix of fact and fiction! Of course the costumes are great fun to see and each actor does an absolutely terrific job in the part they were cast. Each character is so we'll developed and feels so human. I am anxiously waiting for season 2!
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I loved the first season and thought it was a great mix of fact and fiction! Of course the costumes are great fun to see and each actor does an absolutely terrific job in the part they were cast. Each character is so we'll developed and feels so human. I am anxiously waiting for season 2!
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micro1975
She made herself to an icon. But in her eccentic prevarication make his husband filled with bitterness. His Love was not fullfilled. She was cruel to him accordining her ladies in waiting and the first Jetset Princess. She was restless and find her destiny in Geneve.
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She made herself to an icon. But in her eccentic prevarication make his husband filled with bitterness. His Love was not fullfilled. She was cruel to him accordining her ladies in waiting and the first Jetset Princess. She was restless and find her destiny in Geneve.
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Tiffy2508
Netflix butchered this badley. Ok they didn't shoot anything in Austria or Hungary but the could have at least included some Austrians in the cast! Or get some actors that can learn another dialect. It's like the cast of the Crown would speak American english.
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Netflix butchered this badley. Ok they didn't shoot anything in Austria or Hungary but the could have at least included some Austrians in the cast! Or get some actors that can learn another dialect. It's like the cast of the Crown would speak American english.
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Laraine
Enjoyed watching but I do hate misleading history and very erratic costuming and hairstyling all the way from perfect to the ridiculous. Why not be consistent! Sisi's real story is dramatic enough not to need made up history.
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Enjoyed watching but I do hate misleading history and very erratic costuming and hairstyling all the way from perfect to the ridiculous. Why not be consistent! Sisi's real story is dramatic enough not to need made up history.
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Laura
She was very vain. She would drink the juice of raw meat as her only nourishment. She refused to pose for photographs after she turned 30. Her sister Helene actually made a happy marriage to the Prince of Thurn and Taxis
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She was very vain. She would drink the juice of raw meat as her only nourishment. She refused to pose for photographs after she turned 30. Her sister Helene actually made a happy marriage to the Prince of Thurn and Taxis
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Ira
Empress Sisi was the Princess Diana of the 19th century. Both were great beauties, had unhappy marriages, loved by the common people but shunned by the upper class, and had tragic endings.
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Empress Sisi was the Princess Diana of the 19th century. Both were great beauties, had unhappy marriages, loved by the common people but shunned by the upper class, and had tragic endings.
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LadyStarkgaryen
Im glad they casted someone who looks to young to be married, mother and empress.
Usually they cast someone who looks way too old, Sisi having been 16 at her marriage.
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Im glad they casted someone who looks to young to be married, mother and empress.
Usually they cast someone who looks way too old, Sisi having been 16 at her marriage.
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Mad
Isn't it ironic that for centuries women were blamed for bearing daughters instead of sons while the entire time it was the man's DNA that caused this? Sigh. Poor women.
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Isn't it ironic that for centuries women were blamed for bearing daughters instead of sons while the entire time it was the man's DNA that caused this? Sigh. Poor women.
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koloagirl
Good production value - but absolutely ridiculously inaccurate with costuming, makeup and hair - also you wont get a lot of real history from the storyline
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Good production value - but absolutely ridiculously inaccurate with costuming, makeup and hair - also you wont get a lot of real history from the storyline
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ALOK
Hey what did they check. on sisi on bed under her fork. in episode 2 are they test virginity or fertility test. what they are doing to her?
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Hey what did they check. on sisi on bed under her fork. in episode 2 are they test virginity or fertility test. what they are doing to her?
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Irene
Emperor Francis' brother, Maximilian, is portrayed as a Bohemian, which is not true. He was a great scholar of botany, and very serious
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Emperor Francis' brother, Maximilian, is portrayed as a Bohemian, which is not true. He was a great scholar of botany, and very serious
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Kimia
i watched the first two episodes and I didn't like it, the chemistry between characters was not there and the show was way to slow.
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i watched the first two episodes and I didn't like it, the chemistry between characters was not there and the show was way to slow.
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Diamond
Help me remember how it was like lugi is here in this life time let me tell u my story u will know it's me empress Elizabeth
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Help me remember how it was like lugi is here in this life time let me tell u my story u will know it's me empress Elizabeth
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Anelise
Clothes (mostly women apparel) + hairstyles from the 21st century. Why bother make a show portraying the 19th century then?
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Clothes (mostly women apparel) + hairstyles from the 21st century. Why bother make a show portraying the 19th century then?
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Sarah
Is it any surprise she didn't have affection for the husband who let his mother steal her children away from her?
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Is it any surprise she didn't have affection for the husband who let his mother steal her children away from her?
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ishia55
I will watch the show, but the actress as Sisi is a litlle too fat for the role. The Empress was really thin.
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I will watch the show, but the actress as Sisi is a litlle too fat for the role. The Empress was really thin.
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Air
Excessive exercise, her mother-in-law and smoking could also be the reason for her poor health not her fasting
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Excessive exercise, her mother-in-law and smoking could also be the reason for her poor health not her fasting
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