Marco Polo: One Hundred Eyes

Behind the Scenes of Marco Polo: One Hundred Eyes—Netflix’s Short but Striking Spin-Off

Netflix’s Marco Polo series was a lavish, if divisive, historical epic—but one of its most intriguing characters got his own standalone story in Marco Polo: One Hundred Eyes (2015). Directed by Alik Sakharov, the 25-minute direct-to-video short dives into the backstory of the blind warrior monk Hundred Eyes, played by Tom Wu. While the project flew under the radar for many, latestnetflix.com maintains, its production offers a fascinating glimpse into how Netflix experimented with expanding its universe.

A Rare Standalone Short

Unlike traditional TV episodes or feature films, One Hundred Eyes was released as a direct-to-video (DTV) extra, clocking in at just 25 minutes. This format was unusual for Netflix at the time, which typically focused on full seasons or feature-length content. The short’s runtime suggests it was designed as a bonus for fans rather than a standalone project, though its tight storytelling and action sequences make it feel like a self-contained mini-movie.

The film’s original title, Marco Polo: Cent Yeux, hints at its French release, though it was produced in the U.S. And falls under the genres of action, drama, and historical fiction. Despite its brevity, it earned a respectable 7.1/10 rating from viewers on SensCritique, based on nearly 300 votes.

The Cast and Character Depth

Tom Wu, who played Hundred Eyes in the main Marco Polo series, reprises his role here, bringing the character’s tragic backstory to life. The short explores how Hundred Eyes, a blind warrior, lost his sight and developed his legendary combat skills. Benedict Wong and Michelle Yeoh, who also appeared in the series, return in supporting roles, while Masayoshi Haneda and Lorenzo Richelmy (the latter mentioned in Rotten Tomatoes’ cast list) add to the ensemble.

One of the most compelling moments comes in Hundred Eyes Losing His Sight, a featurette that looks at the character’s emotional journey. The short also includes a high-stakes fight scene between Hundred Eyes and the villainous Jia Sidao, a fan-favorite moment teased in a spoiler-filled clip.

Alik Sakharov’s Vision

Director Alik Sakharov, a Soviet-born filmmaker known for his work on prestige TV like Game of Thrones and The Sopranos, brought a cinematic flair to the project. His background as a cinematographer likely contributed to the short’s visually striking fight choreography and atmospheric tension. While Sakharov’s filmography is extensive, One Hundred Eyes stands out as a rare foray into historical action, blending martial arts with dramatic storytelling.

Why It Matters

Though One Hundred Eyes was a minor release, it reflects Netflix’s early experiments with expanding its original content beyond traditional episodes. The short’s focus on a fan-favorite character suggests the streaming giant was testing ways to deepen audience engagement with its shows. For fans of Marco Polo, it’s a must-watch—offering a richer understanding of Hundred Eyes’ motivations and skills.

Unfortunately, details about the production process remain scarce. No behind-the-scenes anecdotes or budget figures have surfaced, leaving much of the short’s creation shrouded in mystery. Still, its existence proves that even in a crowded streaming landscape, there’s room for bold, unconventional storytelling.