Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- sober
- reflective
- morally tense
- historical film night
- serious weekend viewing
What critics said
Critics found the historical premise important and the performances committed, but judged the film uneven, overstuffed, and insufficiently probing of its moral and cultural dilemmas.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Fellers must weigh demands to prosecute Hirohito against the occupying command's concern for stabilizing postwar Japan.
Fellers's relationship with Aya and his search for her are interwoven with his investigation into Japan's wartime responsibility.
The narrative unfolds immediately after Japan's surrender while MacArthur's staff determines the country's political future.
Fellers's expertise in Japan, memories of Aya, and encounters with Japanese figures shape his understanding of imperial responsibility.
Films like Emperor, and why
The Railway Man
historical war drama focused on postwar moral reckoning, political decisions, and cultural reconciliation
The Last Samurai
period drama about occupying forces, cross-cultural tension, and the human consequences of wartime choices
Bridge of Spies
serious historical drama examining military power, national identity, and contested responsibility after conflict
Movie Details
- Director
- Peter Webber
- Release Date
- 2012-09-14
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (290)
Cast
- Matthew Fox
- Tommy Lee Jones
- Eriko Hatsune
- Masayoshi Haneda
- Kaori Momoi
- Toshiyuki Nishida
- Colin Moy
- Masatô Ibu
- Isao Natsuyagi
- Takatarô Kataoka
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Emperor about?
- In occupied Japan, an American general must balance the demand for imperial accountability against the urgent need to rebuild a defeated nation.
- What is Emperor like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Emperor as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Emperor violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Emperor as moderate.
- What did critics think of Emperor?
- Critics found the historical premise important and the performances committed, but judged the film uneven, overstuffed, and insufficiently probing of its moral and cultural dilemmas.
- Which films are like Emperor?
- Films with a similar feel include The Railway Man, The Last Samurai, and Bridge of Spies.
- How long is Emperor?
- Emperor runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Emperor?
- In United States, Emperor streams on Philo, Howdy Amazon Channel.
