Tommy Lee Jones as a gruff, no-nonsense General Douglas MacArthur grumping his way through an investigation into Emperor Hirohito’s actions during World War II? Surely a match made in heaven! But the big question will be the quality of the film that surrounds him, and the trailer for Emperor above gives a few hints how it's going to go.
Inspired by real events, Emperor finds MacArthur dragooning General Bonner Fellers (Matthew Fox) into the investigation. The big question: is Hirohito guilty of war crimes? And if brought to justice, will that ignite a powder keg of hostility from the surrendering Japanese people?
There are lots of little speechy moments here in Peter Webber’s film, which does make us worry that it’ll be one of those overly worthy, noble historical wannabe award-winners. But with Jones on full grumpy mode, it should at least be worth checking out. Just why anyone would want to fly to an island with Matthew Fox is beyond us; have they not seen Lost?
There’s no word on when we might see the finished product, but for now, we can settle for one of the previously released clips from the film, available below.