Emperor

An intriguing historical episode receives somewhat tepid treatment in Peter Webber's handsomely mounted but structurally misshapen docu-drama about the American decision regarding Emperor Hirohito's fate in the aftermath of Japan's surrender in 1945. The question was whether the ruler would be treated as a war criminal or used as a stabilizing force in the country's reconstruction—and the answer had to come quickly from General Douglas MacArthur, the U.S. commander who was given wide latitude in presiding over the defeated nation. As long as Emperor sticks to the diplomatic issues, the film remains a solid—if also rather stolid—effort that is helped immeasurably by Tommy Lee Jones's colorful turn as the abrasive, manipulative, but also magnetic MacArthur. Unfortunately, the bulk of the screen time is given to Matthew Fox as General Bonner Fellers, whom MacArthur tasked with investigating Hirohito's role in the war effort. Fellers had enjoyed a pre-war romance with a Japanese girl, so there are innumerable flashbacks to their doomed relationship, all of which play like mawkish melodrama. Emperor serves up a decent history lesson with a sound message about the benefits that can accrue from treating a defeated enemy with respect rather than contempt, but it's dragged down by the sappy subplot. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Peter Webber and producer Yoko Narahashi, a “Revenge or Justice” making-of featurette (15 min.), deleted scenes (7 min.), historical and behind-the-scenes photo galleries, and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an uneven film.] (F. Swietek)