The WWII pic EMPEROR is set to premiere at TIFF and today we have a new clp from the film, which features Tommy Lee Jones as General Douglas McArthur and Matthew Fox as General Bonner Fellers, who is tasked with investigating whether or not the Japanese Emperor should be punished for war crimes. It’s a compelling angle for a WWII film as it focuses on the aftermath of the war, rather than the war itself. The clip is interesting enough and shows some promise. Jones is consistently good, so there’s no surprise there.
However, Matthew Fox is carrying the lead, which presents an opportunity for him to break out of his TV role in Lost and make the big leap to features. With roles in this and the upcoming ALEX CROSS, he’s certainly making headway.
Take a look:
Here’s the synopsis:
A gripping tale of love and honor forged between fierce enemies of war, EMPEROR unfolds the story, inspired by true events, of the bold and secret moves that won the peace in the shadows of post-war Japan. Matthew Fox joins Academy Award® winner Tommy Lee Jones and newcomer Eriko Hatsune to bring to life the American occupation of Japan in the perilous and unpredictable days just after Emperor Hirohito’s World War II surrender. As General Douglas MacArthur (Jones) suddenly finds himself the de facto ruler of a foreign nation, he assigns an expert in Japanese culture – General Bonner Fellers (Fox), to covertly investigate the looming question hanging over the country: should the Japanese Emperor, worshiped by his people but accused of war crimes, be punished or saved? Caught between the high-wire political intrigue of his urgent mission and his own impassioned search for the mysterious school teacher (Hatsune) who first drew him to Japan, Fellers can be certain only that the tricky subterfuge about to play out will forever change the history of two nations and his heart.
Directed by Peter Webber (HANNIBAL RISING), the film stars Tommy Lee Jones, Matthew Fox, Eriko Hatsune, and Toshiyuki Nishida. EMPEROR is set to debut at TIFF. Expect a release date to be announced shortly.