The film Emperor (2012) is about a US Army brigadier general named Bonner Fellers (Matthew Fox) who is tasked with investigating whether Japanese Emperor Hirohito should be tried as a war criminal in the aftermath of World War II. Fellers is given 10 days to decide Hirohito's fate, and he must weigh the evidence against the potential consequences of prosecuting the Emperor, which could destabilize Japan and lead to widespread unrest.
Fellers is caught between two worlds:
- Officially, he is responsible for rounding up Japanese war criminals, a process that includes investigating Emperor Hirohito's potential involvement in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Public opinion in the US is clear: the Emperor should be held accountable.
- On a personal level, Fellers is driven by a pre-war romance. Years ago, he fell in love with Aya, a Japanese exchange student. Finding her amidst the devastation of post-war Japan becomes a personal quest.
Emperor unfolds amidst this personal and political tension:
- As Fellers delves into the investigation, he uncovers a more nuanced picture of the Emperor's role. This challenges the initial demands for vengeance.
- MacArthur, with his own strategic vision for rebuilding Japan, has a different approach to the Emperor's fate. This clashes with the public outcry for punishment.
- Fellers' search for Aya adds a layer of humanity to the film. It reminds the audience of the human cost of war and the connections that transcend national conflict.
Through Fellers' investigation and his pursuit of Aya, the film explores themes of justice, forgiveness, and the challenges of reconciliation in the wake of immense destruction. It's a historical drama with a fictionalized human story woven in, offering a broader perspective on a pivotal moment in history.
Tommy Lee Jones plays General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in Japan. MacArthur is a complex and controversial figure, and Jones gives a nuanced performance that captures both his strengths and weaknesses.
Emperor is a well-made and thought-provoking film that explores a complex and important historical event. It is a must-see for fans of historical dramas and war films.
Here are some of the key themes of the film:
- The nature of justice and the challenges of holding war criminals accountable.
- The role of the individual in the face of historical forces.
- The importance of understanding different cultures and perspectives.
- The complex relationship between Japan and the United States.
Trailer
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Cast
- Matthew Fox as Bonner Fellers
- Tommy Lee Jones as General Douglas MacArthur
- Eriko Hatsune as Aya Shimada
- Masayoshi Haneda as Takahashi
- Colin Moy as General Major General Richter
- Masatoshi Nakamura as Prince Konoe, former Prime Minister
- Isao Natsuyagi as Teizaburō Sekiya, member of the Privy Council
- Masatō Ibu as Kōichi Kido, Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal
- Takatarō Kataoka as Emperor Hirohito
- Shōhei Hino as General Hideki Tojo, former Prime Minister
- Toshiyuki Nishida as General Kajima
Director: Peter Webber
Writers: Vera Blasi David Klass
Box Office Gross: $14,858,240
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
Release Date: March 8, 2013