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Genres
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DirectorJames Fotopoulos
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Release Date2000
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Runtime3 min

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The 2005 historical drama film The Sun, directed by the acclaimed German filmmaker Alexander Sokurov, focuses on the emperor of Japan, Hirohito, during the final days of World War II. The movie follows the inner conflict of the emperor as he reconciles with the impending defeat of Japan, the history of his nation, and his own role as a constitutional monarch. 1i5eg
The Sun captures the time when the occupying American forces are closing on Tokyo, and the emperor's powers are at their lowest. It is a critical moment for the country and the emperor, as the two seem to reach a crossroads. The film deviates from the usual surface portrayal of the emperor, depicting him as a thoughtful, introspective, and even somewhat melancholic individual.
Sokurov leans on the signature long-shot technique, allowing the camera to linger on the faces of the actors, and often keep its focus on the background, reflecting the emptiness, and bleakness of the time. This directorial vision creates a slow, thought-provoking, and atmospheric atmosphere that immerses the audience in the world of the film.
The movie opens with the emperor's morning routine, and we see his intense iration for marine biology; he spends his leisure time studying species of fish. The film takes time to highlight the emperor's personality, as well as his love for the traditions of his nation, which he fears are lost forever. We also see his attachment to the Imperial Palace, which houses a vast collection of treasures that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Japan. The palace is eerily quiet, perhaps an echo of the damage World War II has done to the land and the people.
A large part of the movie explores the relationship between Hirohito and his aides. These aides struggled with the challenge of insulating the emperor from the war's brutality while still seeking to Japan's military agenda. The group comprises loyal and dedicated men, including the Grand Chamberlain, the Minister of the Imperial Household, the Chief of Military Affairs, and the Emperor's physician.
We see the characters in intense dialogues with one another, with each character embodying a different perspective on Japan's war policy. Some of the characters, like the loyalists to the Emperor, acknowledge that the war is futile and that Japan stands little chance of winning. On the other hand, the war cabinet believe that defeat is not an option, and that Imperial Japan should resort to using unconventional weaponry.
The movie also examines the role that Hirohito played in the war. It focuses on the difficult choice he made- to surrender unconditionally- that brought an end to the conflict. Throughout the film, we watch Hirohito as he moves from a ive, insulated ruler to a more active one who bears the burden of responsibility for his people.
The Sun is a hauntingly beautiful film, offering a visual treat in the way it presents Japan's most turbulent and introspective period. Although the movie's pace is slow, Sokurov successfully creates a gentle and restrained tension that develops throughout the film's 110-minute run time.
The performances are essential to the success of the film. The cast, led by Issey Ogata, delivers excellent performances, with Ogata giving a nuanced, mature, yet human portrayal of the emperor. The actor's subdued but effective performance successfully captures the deeper emotions that lie behind the emperor's seemingly unremarkable exterior.
In conclusion, The Sun is an unconventional historical drama about a unique and complex set of circumstances. While it might not be a film for everyone, it is a powerful and thought-provoking experience for those who enjoy slow-paced and introspective views of history. The Sun removes the human facade off the figure of the emperor in the last days of his reign to present us with an emotional work of art that sheds light on the many different perspectives that existed amidst Japan's political and military hierarchy in one of history's darkest hours.