Review of The Emperor in August (2015) by Stuart M — 20 Jan 2019

An excellent modern rendition of the story told in Japan's Longest Day. Unlike that film, this movie has a greater scale to it. We are treated mainly to wide shots showing everything in frame rather than closeups. And the advent of digital effects allow for some pretty impressive depictions of the ruins of Tokyo. The film also expands a bit in time, starting with events from that spring, including the formation of Suzuki's cabinet, the firebombing of Tokyo, and the reaction to the Potsdam Declaration and both atomic bombs.

I love the look of this film. It clearly had a great budget and access to many areas of historical value. The cinematography is pretty great as well, with short shots and varied camera angles keeping a feel of motion.

The performances are mostly very good. Suzuki is rather delightfully deaf and weak, but determined, while the man playing Anami is very dignified and warm. Tojo is pretty much perfect. I'd expect a bit more rigid aggression from Anami and some of the army brass. They seem a bit too modern and nonmilitaristic in this depiction. Maybe Anami really was warm and open with his kids and generous to his maid. I don't know. But I do know he doesn't seem enough of a hardliner here. The real Anami was much more indecisive and not so optimistic about what the future would bring. The titular emperor is a bit off too. Hirohito was a reserved, awkward person, but here he's handsome and erudite. But I think the biggest issue with the performances here is that everyone's too calm. This was a moment of extreme passion and intensity, yet we're treated to it like a formal discussion. The only exception are the coup leaders who are suitably intense if not really explained very well.

At its best this film is like being a fly on the wall to world-changing events. On the whole this is a gorgeous, fascinating look at one moment in time where everything changed.