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The Emperor in August

2015·Movie
2h 16min

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

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Your score

The Emperor in August fingerprint

No humor.

Energy

Tense

  • Tension8
  • Adrenaline5
  • Fast Pace5

Heart

Melancholic and nostalgic

  • Melancholy7
  • Nostalgia7
  • Pathos6

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Satire & Parody2
  • Dark Humor2

World

History, politics, and war

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability5

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Complexity8
  • Acting7
  • Character Depth7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography6
  • Editing6
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

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.
World War IIJapanese HistoryPolitical IntrigueTensionMelancholyHistorical DramaCharacter-DrivenComplex NarrativeEnd of War

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Emperor in August

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Emperor in August legally?

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Is The Emperor in August worth watching?

74
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 6.6). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Emperor in August rated?

ViolenceSuicide themes

Content advisories: violence and suicide themes.

How long is The Emperor in August?

2 h 16 min

The Emperor in August runs 2 h 16 min.

Is The Emperor in August based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

What language is The Emperor in August in?

Japanese

It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.

What tropes does The Emperor in August use?

As You KnowAudible SharpnessDriven to SuicideSplit ScreenHopeless WarCool Old GuyThe MutinyManly TearsHistorical Domain CharacterCut Phone LinesCherry BlossomsGeneral Ripperand 5 more

TV Tropes lists 17 storytelling tropes for The Emperor in August, including As You Know, Audible Sharpness, Driven to Suicide.