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Emperor

2012 · Movie · PG-13 · 105 min · ★ 6.2 · 40% critics

DramaHistoryWar

In the chaos after WWII, an American general is tasked with deciding whether the Japanese emperor should face execution as a war criminal. As the investigation unfolds, he also searches for a connection from his past, adding personal stakes to a politically charged moral choice.

Also known as L'empereur

Where to watch

Watch free on Amazon Prime Video, Kanopy, Amazon Freevee +7 more — also streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Lionsgate+ +1 more.

2 hours to watch.

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Details
Years
2012
Release date
2012-09-14
Language
English
Rated
PG-13
Runtime
105 min
Max quality
HD
Critic score
40/100
TMDB rating
6.2/10 (283 votes)
About

You’ll likely like Emperor if you enjoy post-war history with moral tension and emotionally driven drama; Not for you if you want fast action or a story focused only on courtroom-style answers, since the film also leans into the romance subplot alongside films like The Iron Lady.

Pros: thoughtful justice debate; compelling history; strong performances | Cons: distracting sidetracks; some romance detracts; occasionally confusing pacing

Themes

  • atomic bomb
  • emperor
  • based on true story
  • japanese surrender
  • us military
  • 1940s
  • general douglas macarthur
  • hirohito

Cast & crew

Directed by Peter Webber