The Emperor in August (2015): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2015, The Emperor in August is a drama, war and history film directed by Masato Harada, running about 136 minutes.

What it’s about. In July 1945, during the end of World War II, Japan is forced to accept the Potsdam Declaration. A cabinet meeting has continued through days and nights, but a decision cannot be made. The U.S. drops atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. General Korechika Anami is torn over making the proper decision and the Emperor of Japan worries about his people. Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki leads the cabinet meeting, while Chief Secretary Hisatsune Sakomizu can't do anything, but watch the meeting. At this time, Major Kenji Hatanaka and other young commissioned officers, who are against Japan surrendering, move to occupy the palace and a radio broadcasting station. The radio station is set to broadcast Emperor Hirohito reading out the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War.

Who’s in it. The Emperor in August stars Koji Yakusho as General Korechika Anami, Masahiro Motoki as Emperor Showa, Tori Matsuzaka as Major Kenji Hatanaka and Shinichi Tsutsumi as Chief Secretary Hisatsune Sakomizu, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.8/10, The Emperor in August has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Emperor in August page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Emperor in August tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.