Metacritic Movie Ratings
Emperor Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 75

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-Times

  As is the case with most of the elements in Emperor, the cliches are relatively few and spaced apart, and the tearjerking and profound moments are authentic and well-earned.

  Read full review

• 67

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman

  Emperor explores the delicate postwar dance of revenge, justice, and realpolitik, yet its focus on the issue of Hirohito's guilt or innocence (did he order the attack on Pearl Harbor? Or did he, in fact, oppose the Japanese military machine?)

  Read full review

• 63

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  Some of the film's most illuminating scenes involve Aya's uncle, General Kajima (Toshiyuki Nishida), who schools Fellers on the sense of duty that is ingrained in Japanese culture.

  Read full review

• 50

  out of 100

  Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips

  This one's likely to vex both history buffs and those who require some drama with their drama.

  Read full review

• 30

  out of 100

  Village VoiceNick Schager

  Given its true-life basis, the story is already devoid of suspense regarding Hirohito’s ultimate fate, and Fellers’s inquiry is made more sluggish by dramatically inert conversations with Japanese officials.

  Read full review

See all Emperor movie reviews at Metacritic.com