August without Emperor (1978) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language

1978 · 140 mins · Japanese

Directed by

Satsuo Yamamoto

Starring

Tsutomu Yamazaki, Hideji Ôtaki, Shin Saburi, Shin'ichirô Mikami, Eitarô Ozawa, Mizuho Suzuki

Using the Chilean coup as a model, a group of young officers plot a V‑J Day seizure of Japan’s government, aiming to repeal the post‑war constitution, revive the traditional spirit and rebuild a standing army. As the conspiracy is uncovered, their units are destroyed one by one, leaving a single squadron that hijacks a night train bound for Tokyo.