THE LEGEND OF LONGWOOD (Schlingel Film Festival Chemnitz Germany 2014)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Legend of Longwood barely keeps its head above water to stay out of the just average movie range. The story is somewhat interesting, but the acting, portrayal, and execution need improvement. The work that everyone did to produce the movie is visible, but superlative quality is lacking.

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video

Storyline

A girl moves to mythical Ireland.

 Additional Thanks

 Thank You to Director Lisa Mulcahy for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Mary Callery, Paul Donovan, Jason Garrett, John P. Gleeson, Arthur Kubiczek, and David Rogers for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mickey Miller (Lucy Morton), Lisa Miller (Thekla Reuten), Caitlin Lemon (Fiona Glascott), Marc Dumonceau (Sean Mahon), Lance Wicklow (Lorcan Cranitch), Thyrza Dumonceau (Miriam Margolyes), Sean O’Haron (Lorcan Bonner), Ben Saunders (Brendan Conroy), Danny Miller (Aaron Kinsella), Colin Wicklow (Scott Graham), Norbert Tilly (Stephen Cromwell), Hernanda (Kathy Rose O’Brien), Chardonnay Lemon (Anabel Sweeney), Lilly (Kate Gilmore), and Cedric Higgins (Des Keogh).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The film does not work with well-known actors or actresses, although Miriam Margolyes from James and the Giant Peach does act in the movie. It serves more as a lunch watch than a ‘let’s go to the movies’ watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CAFFEINATED (Santa Barbara international Film Festival Santa Barbara California USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì 

Caffeinated—thorough documentation—tells an ample story about how coffee is made, grown, countries known for good coffee, coffee tasters, coffee roasters…a little of everything for persons who love coffee and would like to know more about the process that gets it to the table. Watch for Danny Glover’s thoughts about this drink. Great work for everyone involved in production. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video

Storyline 

Documentary that tells the story of how coffee grows, harvests, and processes. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Hanh Nguyen and Vishal Solanki for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Vinay Gandhi, Hanh Nguyen, Romit Patel, and Vishal Solanki for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Cellr Door Roasters (Jeremy Adams), Barista (Andrew Alcala), Editor-Barista-Magazine (Sarah Allen), Nuova Simonelli (Graziano Boldrini), Green Been Buyers (Aleco Chigounis), Nuova Simonelli (Sandro Feliziani), Blue-Bottle Coffee San Francisco), Counter Culture Coffee (Peter Giuliano), Coffee Lover (Danny Glover), Nuova Simonelli (Maurizio Guili), Barista (Melissa Harris), Philz Coffee (Phil Jaber), Food Specialist (Pradip Kenjige), Coffee Lover (Katie Leclerc), and Nuova Simonelli (Cosimo Libardo). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. Because of the thorough coverage it becomes a great film for coffee lovers.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ONCE I WAS A BEEHIVE (Theatrical Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Once I Was a Beehive—educational for persons who would like a small inside view of Latter Day Saints' life—does not push this religious view, but shows it as it is. It has good acting and portrayal as it shows young women, their interests and viewpoints, as they camp in the woods. It’s worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A young, non-Latter Day Saints' girl visits a camp for Latter Day Saints' girls.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Maclain Nelson for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Maclain Nelson, Clare Niederpruem, and Jake Van Wagoner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lane Speer (Paris Warner), Carrie Carrington (Lisa Clark) Holly Valentine (Halley Smith), Bree Carrington (Clare Niederpruem), Nedra (Barta Heiner), Audrey Speer (Amy Biedel), Robert Speer (Adam Johnson), Tristan Samuelson (Brett Merritt), Charlotte (Allie Jennings), Mindy (Kaley McCormack), Myleka (Ariana Bagley), and Paige (Ash Santos).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. The movie serves everyone’s entertainment needs. Easy to digest and does not preach.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE SECRET OF ROAN INISH (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

The Secret of Roan Inish—good movie that examines early Irish cultural folkore before machines and cars—is really put together well. Despite its need for better portrayal, it creates within the audience a desire to see what is going to happen next due to a heavy reliance on intrigue to carry the story. Many spiritual references in the film create a WOW! piece of entertainment. Very fresh concept drives the story as concern for the welfare of its youngest actor builds. At times, the pace of the story slows as the movie nears its end. This movie is a good watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A young girl discovers secrets in her village.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director John Sayles for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Glenn R. Jones, Peter Newman, and John Sloss for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fiona (Jeni Courtney),Priest (Pat Slowey), Jim (DaveDuffy),Oldest Brother (Declan Hannigan), armaid (Mairead NiGhallchoir), ar Patron1 (Eugene McHugh), Bar Patron 2 (Tony Rubini), Hugh (Mick Lally), Tess (Eileen Colgan), Eamon (Richard Sheridan), Schoolmaster (Michael MacCarthaigh), and Sean Michael (Fergal McElherron). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This Irish folklore movie performs as an intellectual watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FINDING NOAH (Amazon Release USA 2015)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Finding Noah—interesting documentary about locating the Ark—contains excellent interviews as well as nicely ordered documentation about this team of explorers and their work to establish the location of Noah’s Ark. The movie is worth a watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Another search for the location of Noah’s Ark.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Brent Baum for directing effort.  Additional characters/cast include: Radio Announcer (Chris Fries) and Narrator (Voice of Gary Sinise).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Interesting to see what people can endure when on a quest.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

ZOO (Chicago International Film Festival Chicago Illinois USA 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Zoo—good older child’s watch—serves a plate of bitter-sweetness with its simple, but very well-scripted storyline. The story not only is interesting, but the acting is quite well-done and serves a nice portion of Toby Jones, well-known for his part in Harry Potter, Chamber of Secrets. This movie may not be amazing or particularly notable, but is a very good, easy-on-the-mind watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of  Google Images

Storyline

During World War II bombings of Ireland, a group of young persons work to save a baby elephant locked inside a zoo.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Colin McIvor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Christopher Figg, Kevin Jackson, Lisa Lambert, and Robert Whitehouse for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Security Guard Charlie (Toby Jones), Denise Austin (Penelope Wilton), Tom Hall (Art Parkinson), Mr. Shawcross (Ian McElhinney), Emily Hall (Amy Huberman), George Hall (Damian O’Hare), Jane Berry (Emily Flain), Jake McClune (Stephen Hagan), Pete (Ian O’Reilly), Mickey (James Stockdale), Pete andMickey’s Mother (Geraldine McAlinden), and Curfew Warden (Lalor Roddy).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Interesting piece of World War II shows how war affects all pieces of life to include animal life within zoo environments.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU (Theatrical Release USA 1977)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

The Island of Dr. Moreau—odd, non-traditional story, with actors that seem to have a difficult time fitting to their characters—works on the edge of weird. While Burt Lancaster is an interesting actor to choose for this film, it is Michael York that comes off as the strongest actor. The movie does not particularly enthrall or entertain. It is average.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A shipwrecked man discovers a mad scientist on his island.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Don Taylor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Samuel Z. Arkoff and Sandy Howard for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: (Richard Basehart), Dr. Paul Moreau (Burt Lancaster), Andrew Braddock (Michael York), Montgomery (Nigel Davenport), Maria (Barbara Carrera), Sayer of the Law (Richard Baseheart), M’Ling (Nick Cravat), Hyena Man (Fumio Demura), Lionman (Gary Baxley), Bearman (David Cass), and Tigerman (John Gillespie).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. More interesting science fiction films can be found than this one such as Planet of the Apes (1968).

Video Critique Available Here:

 Ben Meyers

HOME OF THE BRAVE (Theatrical Release USA 2006)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Home of the Brave—average movie—did not succeed because the audience cannot feel what the soldiers went through partly because the visual of a war-torn and not well soldier is not coupled with emotional feel so that you can relate to their situation. Despite the large presence of Samuel Jackson, it is not enough to pull the movie into that higher audience connection. The story needs to be told, but it is not told well enough.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Soldiers come home from Iraq and try to re-adjust to a normal life.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Irwin Winkler for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Boaz Davidson, Michael P. Flannigan, Danny Dimbort, Michael P. Flannigan, Trevor Short, and John Thompson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Will Marsh (Samuel L. Jackson), Vanessa Price (Jessica Biel), Tommy Yates (Brian Presley), Jamal Aiken (50 Cent), Sarah Schivino (Christina Ricci), Jordan Owens (Chad Michael Murray), Penelope Marsh (Victoria Rowell), Cary (Jeffrey Nordling), Hank Yates (Vyto Ruginis), Billy Marsh (Sam Jones III), Ray (James MacDonald), V.A. Hospital Doctor (Sandra Nelson), Private Shar (Jack Serino), Spc. Pendilla (Brendan Wayne), and Amad Kamal (Mohamed Zinathlah).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. The movie needs heart to help its audience connect to its characters. Try Saving Private Ryan or Black Hawk Down for better everything.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FOREVER STRONG (Video Release USA 2009)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Forever Strong—tells an outstanding Rugby story—has an well-put-together story, looks great onscreen with some good camera work, great portrayal of storyline, and good actors. Very entertaining piece of work. It fills an evening well. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline 

A young Rugby player gets placed in a juvenile detention center. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ryan Little for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Brad Pelo for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Coach Larry Gelwix (Gary Cole), Marcus Tate (Sean Astin), Coach Richard Penning (Neal McDonough), Rick Penning (Sean Faris), Natalie Penning (Julie Warner), liot Schwartz), Kurt (Michael J. Pagan), Quentin (Nathan West), Griggs (Max Kasch), Emily (Arielle Kebbel), Tumo (Kepa Kruse), Peeta (Junio Salt), Sanchez (Jeremy Earl), and Coach Cal (Larry Bagby). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This rugby film spares nothing about how a tough game plays. It also includes information about the USA’s Rugby team.

Video Critique Available Here: 

Ben Meyers

THE LEGEND OF BRUCE LEE (Video Release USA 2010)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.4|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Legend of Bruce Lee—well-made movie that uses a great lookalike for Bruce Lee—turns into a WOW! film that shows not only the high points of his life, but also the low points and is kind enough to include bits and pieces of his life with his wife, Linda. Good, informative entertainment.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Documents Bruce Lee’s life and times.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Li Wen Qi for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Shannon Lee for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Bruce Lee (Danny Kwok-Kwan Chan), Linda Lee (Michelle Lang), Ali (Michael Jai White), Thai Boxer (Mark Dacascos), Ed Parker (Gary Daniels), and Hoffman (Yannick Van Dam).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One of the better films about Kung Fu icons. The film is Chinese with good English subtitling. For Bruce Lee fans, it absolutely works despite its 3-hour length. The time allows for comprehensive coverage and the viewer feels fully satiated after watching it.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD (Theatrical Release USA 2011)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead—informative documentary film—tells about eating only juiced fruits and vegetables for 60 days, the results on health/weight loss, and strength. WOW! movie for anyone who needs to lose weight and regain health. The documentary truly serves as a gift for anyone who needs serious lifestyle change. Good work for Joe Cross and the crew for absolutely achieving his goal to helping others help themselves into good health. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Documentary film about Joe Cross, a man who is 100 pounds overweight, on prescribed medications, and  heading for death, who starts a 3,000 mile road trip with a juicer and fruits and veggies to juice.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Joe Cross and Kurt Engfehr for directing efforts. Than you to Executive Producers Joe Cross, Shane Hodson, and Robert Mac for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Doctor (Amy Baderg), Joe’s Father (Mery Cross), Joe’s Mother (Virginia Cross), Nutritionist (Joel Fuhman), The Markey Health Food Store (Tammy Hamlin), Senior Clinical Nutritionist, Brigham & Women’s Hospital  (Stacy Kennedy), Self (Siong Norte), Owner of Terry’s Gun and Pawn (Terry Pennington), Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of NSW, Medical Director, Good Health Solutions (Ronald Penny), Hotel Staff (Mandy Reinking), Phil’s Son (Austin Staples), Phil’s Brother (Barry Staples), Self (Phil Staples), and Phil’s Father (William Staples).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This film, very educational, tells how to make significant life changes for a longer and better life.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR (Theatrical Release USA 1968)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Thomas Crown Affair—intriguing heist movie—moves quickly through the heist and then focuses on how insurance investigators work to solve the crime with the introduction of one special female investigator. Steve McQueen serves as an excellent choice for the lead man. This is one of Norman Jewison’s (Fiddler on the Roof) first directing efforts and shows early on his talent as a director. The movie is worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

A heist man finds himself involved with a female insurance investigator who is investigating the case. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Norman Jewison for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Walter Mirisch for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Thomas Crown (Steve McQueen), Vicki Anderson (Faye Dunaway), Eddy Malone (Paula Burke), Erwin (Jack Weston), Sandy (Biff McGuire), Gwen (Astrid Heeren), Jamie (Gordon Pinsent), Carl (Yaphet Kotto), Arnie (Sidney Armus), Booth Guard (Richard Bull), and Honey (Peg Shirley). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. It’s worth a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

BANKING ON BITCOIN (Theatrical Release Worldwide 2017)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Banking on Bitcoin—good documentary detailing how Bitcoin started—works at the superficial level, but does provide a general overview. The interviews perform at a consistent level and the archival footage documents itself well. Good work for Director Christopher Cannucciari.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Documentary that gives information about Bitcoin.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Christopher Cannucciari for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Matthew O’Neill and Jon Alpert for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Wences Casares, Nathanial Popper, and Nick Spanos.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Allows a quick, thin look at Bitcoin.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

OCTOPUS (DVD Release USA 2000)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì 

Octopus starts with a promise of being a good thriller about an octopus due to the poster and title that support that supposition. Then, the movie begins as a spy movie. This creates confusion. When one settles in to watch a spy movie, the octopus is introduced. This seems more like a sidetrack from what the film was setting up to be despite the initial prep for the octopus to appear. It takes too long to get to the octopus and derails its audience. 

Storyline 

An unidentified creature attacks a submarine.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Eyres for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Danny Dimbort, Avi Lerner, and Trevor Short for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Roy Turner (Jay Harrington), Casper (Ravil Isyanov), Captain Jack Shaw (David Beecroft), Dr. Lisa Finch (Carolyn Lowery), Brickman (Ricco Ross), Henry Campbell (Jeff Nuttall), Salvanto (George Stanchey), Taylor (Martin McDougall), Captain Varitek (Vasil Banov), Helmsman (Nokilai Urumov), Dmitry (Krasi Vankov), Sonar Tech (Michael Elenov), Sara (Velislaya Stoyanova), and Maggie (Kristina Krasteva).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is what it is.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE (Theatrical Release USA 1968)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì 

The Charge of the Light Brigade—Encore! movie—has that terrific Old World flavor with the classic British-style of presentation that features striking actors such as Trevor Howard, Harry Andrews, and David Hemming. Ruthless and uncompromising it tells a difficult story with uncompromising quality that makes it well worth its watch.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A British brigade charges a Russian artillery.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Richardson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Neal Hartley for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Lord Cardigan (Trevor Howard), Clarissa Morris (Vanessa Redgrave), Lord Raglan (John Glelgud), Lord Lucan (Harry Andrews), Mrs. Duberly (Jill Bennett), Captain Lewis Nolan (David Hemmings), Lieutenant Maxse (Ben Aris), Trooper Metcalfe (Micky Baker), Paymaster Captain Duberly (Peter Bowles) General Scarlett (Leo Britt), Morris (Mark Burns), Trooper Mitchell (John Carney), Lady Scarlett (Helen Cherry) Trooper (Christopher Chittell), and Lieutenant Colonel Douglas (Ambrose Coghill).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Every small scene integrates to make this an epic magnitude classic movie. Thank you to all who were involved in its creation and distribution.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers 

THE RETURN OF A MAN CALLED HORSE (Theatrical Release USA 1976)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

The Return of a Man Called Horse—sequel to A Man Called Horse—deserves its watch. It’s one of those sequel films that can stand in value to its prequel and manages to reprise the actor, Richard Harris, in the main role. The supporting cast has quality and works well to support this story.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Horse travels to save his adopted tribe.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Irvin Kershner for directing the film. Thank you to Executive Producers Richard Harris and Sandy Harris for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: John Morgan (Richard Harris), Elk Woman (Gale Sondergaard), Zenas (Geoffrey Lewis), Tom Gryce (William Lucking), Runniing Bull (Jorge Luke), Blacksmith (Jorge Russek), Chemin De Fer (Claudio Brook), Raven (Enrique Lucero), Lame Wolf (Regino Herrera), Standing Bear (Pedro Damián), Thin Dog (Humberto López), Red Cloud (Alberto Mariscal), Brown Dove (Eugenia Dolores), Gray Thorn (Patricia Reyes Spindola), and Moon Star (Ana De Sade).

 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

 Yes. This movie, well made, completely deserves its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

 

Ben Meyers

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? (Theatrical Release USA 2018)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?—WOW! documentary—serves the life story of Fred Rogers, the creator/spokesperson of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood well. It shows how this television program grew a generation of better persons and kinder persons. Great work for all involved.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A documentary about the life of Fred Rogers, a morning children’s show host.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Morgan Neville for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Leslie Berriman, John Boccardo, David Boles, Dan Cogan, David J. Cornfield, Linda Cornfield, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Derek Esplin, Nion McEvoy, Rick Rosenthal, Regina K. Scully, Nancy Stephens, David Stone, Andrea van Beuren, and Jenifer Westphal for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Fred Rogers, Joanne Rogers, John Rogers, Jim Rogers, Bill Isler, Hedda Sharapan, Junlei Li, Max King, Margaret Whitmer, Tom Junod, Betty Seamans,Joe Negri, David Newell, Elaine Crozier, and George Wirth.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. A treasure to see a person dedicated to changing the world by working through television to reach children’s minds and help them process how to become better persons as they grow to adulthood.

Video Critique Available Here

 Ben Meyers

ALLAN QUATERMAIN AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold—good concept with potential—works as a run-of-the-mill adventure story supported by highly exaggerated acting. Easily forgettable and not very interesting at best.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Quatermain looks for his brother.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Gary Nelson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Avi Lerner for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Allan Quatermain (Richard Chamberlain), Jesse Huston (Sharon Stone), Umslopogaas (James Earl Jones), Agon (Henry Silva), Swarma (Robert Donner), Nasta (Larbi Doghmi), Nyleptha (Aileen Marson), Sorais (Cassandra Peterson), Robeson Quatermain (Martin Rabbett), Dumont (Rory Kilalea), Dutchman (Alex Heyns), Nurse (Tembsie Times), Bartender (Philip Boucher), Trader (Stuart Goakes), and Esbowe Warrior Chief (Fidelis Cheza

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

No. Watch the Indiana Jones series instead.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

 

EMPEROR (Theatrical Release USA 2013)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.7|5.0 Starsììì

Emperor—Tommy Lee Jones and Matthew Fox film—gives good insight into the severity of military punishment toward the leader of the nation that loses in a war. This is a great war story that examines a small vignette of Japanese history as the Emperor of Japan is tried by American military court. The script does not do proper justice to this historical event. The irony of juxtaposing a high military American leader’s romance with a Japanese girl while being involved with the Emperor’s sentence to death seems oddly positioned and complicated without explanation. The story as put together from script to screen needs a rewrite.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A General looks for a sweetheart in Japan and simultaneously becomes involved in the determination of whether the Japanese Emperor of Japan needs to be hung for war crimes.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Peter Webber for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gary Foster, Russ Krasnoff, Yôko Narahashi, and Eugene Nomura for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: General Bonner Fellers (Matthew Fox), General Douglas MacArthur (Tommy Lee Jones), Aya Shimada (Eriko Hatsune), General Kajima (Toshiyuki Nishida), Takahashi (Masayoshi Haneda), Mitsuko Kajima (Kaori Momoi), General Richter (Colin Moy), Prince Konoe (Masatoshi Nakamura), Koichi Kido (Masatô Ibu), Teizaburo Sekiya (Isao Natsuyagi), Emperor Hirohito (Takataro Kataoka), Lieutenant Colonel Rogers (Aaron Jackson), Lieutenant Red (Nic Sampson), Hideki Tojo (Shôhei Hino), and CIC Commander (Will Wallace). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It is a good movie watch for the history of what happened to the Japanese after Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers