Emperor, 2012.
Directed by Peter Webber.
Starring Matthew Fox, Tommy Lee Jones, Eriko Hatsune, Toshiyuki Nishida, Masayoshi Haneda and Kaori Momoi.
In many ways the love story between General Bonner Bonner and Aya Shimanda as well as the trial setting echoes Snow Falling on Cedars (1999), with the former being a lot more linear in its narrative structure. At first the romance shown in flashbacks seems to bog down movie but the main plotline eventually does intersect upon Fellers meeting the uncle of his true love who happens to be a general in the Japanese army. Much effort is taken to provide the Japanese perspective and the American patriotism that normally overpowers the historical retelling is held back by British helmer Peter Webber.
No fault can be made of the authentic production design and the overall acting is believable. Tommy Lee Jones capitalizes on his brief appearances by entering into his scenes with a swagger that is both endearing and boorish. Matthew Fox is able to convey a man who carries an emotional heavy burden. Eriko Hatsune though saddled with being the love interest is able to make the best of her restrictive role. The trouble lies with the routine nature of the plotline which makes the sincere tale an ordinary one.
Trevor Hogg
Originally published September 15, 2012. Updated April 14, 2018.
