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67% Critic Match
The Emperor in August
6.7 / 10• 2015• 2h 16m•NR• Japanese
HistoryWarDrama
Storyline
In July 1945, during the end of World War II, Japan is forced to accept the Potsdam Declaration. A cabinet meeting has continued through days and nights, but a decision cannot be made. The U.S. drops atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. General Korechika Anami is torn over making the proper decision and the Emperor of Japan worries about his people. Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki leads the cabinet meeting, while Chief Secretary Hisatsune Sakomizu can't do anything, but watch the meeting. At this time, Major Kenji Hatanaka and other young commissioned officers, who are against Japan surrendering, move to occupy the palace and a radio broadcasting station. The radio station is set to broadcast Emperor Hirohito reading out the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War.
Cast & Crew
Koji Yakusho
General Korechika Anami
Lead
Masahiro Motoki
Emperor Showa
Tori Matsuzaka
Major Kenji Hatanaka
Shinichi Tsutsumi
Chief Secretary Hisatsune Sakomizu
Tsutomu Yamazaki
Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki
Kenichi Yajima
Naidaijin Kōichi Kido
Ikuji Nakamura
Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai
Kazuhiro Yamaji
Tōji Yasui
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Masato Harada's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. The Emperor in August is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
