Review of Emperor (2012) by Reini U — 09 Mar 2013

If you are a history buff, ignore the critics. This is an understated and excellent film. It captures 10 critical days at the end of WWII in the Pacific with an attention to detail and a dedication to accuracy that is admirable.

I went with three friends- all historically minded and we agreed that the film advances the understanding we had of the delicate nature of the first days of the U.S. occupation of the Japanese Home Islands.

Matt Fox and Tommy Lee Jones convince us of the underlying narrative theme: What does honor mean? The so called "side story" of the relationship between Fox's character and a Japanese woman is actually at the core of the crucial decision that must be made.