We got our first look at Tommy Lee Jones in Peter Webber’s upcoming historical drama, Emperor, back in May, which was swiftly followed by the first sales posters for the film, ahead of going on the market at Cannes.
With the announcement that the film will make its world premiere at TIFF, we’ve now got our first good look at Jones’ co-stars, Matthew Fox (Lost, Alex Cross) and Eriko Hatsune (Norwegian Wood).
“Nearly seven decades after the end of World War II, it is difficult to fully grasp just how devastating was the effect of Emperor Hirohito’s surrender to Allied forces in August 1945, along with his accompanying surrender of any claim of divinity. The events of that summer, galvanized by the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, signalled much more than mere military defeat for Japan: it called into question the country’s most entrenched beliefs. Emperor vividly recreates this time of overwhelming confusion and rebirth, focusing on the U.S.’s deliberations regarding whether or not to have Hirohito tried and executed as a war criminal. It is a story of love and war, of understanding and reconciliation, at a pivotal moment in global history.
As de facto ruler of Japan in his position as Supreme Commander of the occupying forces, it falls to General MacArthur (Jones) to decide the emperor’s fate. He appoints his protégé General Bonner Fellers (Matthew Fox), a leading expert on Japan, to head the investigation that will determine whether or not Hirohito should stand trial. As these two men, strong personalities both, grapple with their weighty responsibility, Fellers becomes entangled in a love affair with Aya (Eriko Hatsune), a Japanese exchange student he met some years before. When Aya suddenly disappears, Fellers undertakes a search for her through the devastated country — a journey that will reawaken the compassion within him that has been brutalized by war, and help him come to his momentous decision.”
Webber (Girl with a Pearl Earring) is directing from a script by David Klass (Kiss the Girls) and Vera Blasi (Tortilla Soup).
Fox looks to be keeping his career diverse following the end of Lost, with World War Z and Alex Cross also on his upcoming slate, and his first big roles on the big screen following the end of the long-running programme are of course anticipated. The image below has surfaced in scan form previously, but it’s always nice to get a proper look at how it’s meant to be seen.
Emperor will be debuting at TIFF next month, where it will seek to add to its current slate of international distribution. No word yet on when we can expect it to reach theatres, but it definitely looks like one to keep an eye on. For now, enjoy this first official look at Fox and Hatsune, and as usual, you can click to enlarge.
