Emperor 2012
"After the war was won, the battle for peace began."
In the twilight days of World War II, as Japan's surrender reshapes the world stage, a pivotal moral dilemma unfolds in Peter Webber's historical drama *Emperor* (2012).
Director: Peter Webber
Cast
Matthew Fox
General Bonner Fellers
Tommy Lee Jones
General Douglas MacArthur
Eriko Hatsune
Aya Shimada
Masayoshi Haneda
Takahashi
Kaori Momoi
Mitsuko Kajima
Toshiyuki Nishida
General Kajima
Colin Moy
General Richter
Masatô Ibu
Koichi Kido
Isao Natsuyagi
Teizaburo Sekiya
Takatarô Kataoka
Emperor Hirohito
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emperor (2012) about?
*Emperor* (2012) follows Brigadier General Fellers as he grapples with a life-altering decision: should Emperor Hirohito be held accountable for wartime atrocities? While navigating the labyrinth of post-war politics, Fellers becomes haunted by memories of Aya, an exchange student he met years earlier in America, whose presence complicates his mission and tests his convictions.
Who directed Emperor?
Peter Webber directed *Emperor*, bringing his signature talent for blending historical drama with emotional depth to this 2012 film.
Who stars in Emperor?
The film stars Matthew Fox as Brigadier General Fellers, Tommy Lee Jones as General Bonner Fellers, Eriko Hatsune as Aya, and features Masayoshi Haneda, Kaori Momoi, and Toshiyuki Nishida in key supporting roles.
Is Emperor (2012) worth watching?
For fans of historical dramas steeped in moral complexity, *Emperor* (2012) offers a compelling watch. With its strong performances, particularly from Tommy Lee Jones and Matthew Fox, and a narrative that blends personal and political stakes, the film delivers both emotional resonance and historical insight—though it may not satisfy those seeking high-octane action.
How long is Emperor?
The runtime of *Emperor* is 105 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Emperor (2012) — A Forgotten Love and the Fate of a Nation at War
In the twilight days of World War II, as Japan's surrender reshapes the world stage, a pivotal moral dilemma unfolds in Peter Webber's historical drama *Emperor* (2012). Brigadier General Fellers, played with quiet intensity by Tommy Lee Jones, is charged with the daunting task of determining whether Emperor Hirohito should face trial as a war criminal—a decision that could redefine the future of a nation shattered by conflict. Torn between duty and personal longing, Fellers embarks on a deeply personal quest to reconnect with Aya, an exchange student he once knew in the U.S., adding a layer of emotional complexity to his high-stakes mission.
Against the backdrop of political intrigue and the fragile transition from war to peace, *Emperor* weaves a story of loyalty, redemption, and the weight of history. Webber crafts a visually rich and thought-provoking narrative that explores the moral ambiguities of wartime decisions and the human stories behind monumental historical events. With a stellar cast led by Matthew Fox as Fellers and Eriko Hatsune as Aya, this drama delivers a poignant meditation on the cost of war and the enduring search for meaning in its aftermath.
