Emperor (2013) Plot Summary Explained

Fellers was chosen because he was a recognized Japanophile who had lived in Japan before the war and spoke the language. This made him uniquely qualified to navigate the sensitive cultural and political terrain of the occupation. His knowledge of Japanese society and language allowed him to effectively interrogate war criminals and gather intelligence that less culturally aware officers might have missed.

Foreshadowing: The film establishes early on that Fellers' deep understanding of Japan is both his greatest asset and a potential liability, as his known affection for the country could be seen as bias.

• bonner fellers
• general fellers
• japan occupation
• investigation
• qualifications

Fellers was given just ten days to complete his investigation and determine whether Emperor Hirohito should be charged as a war criminal. This compressed timeframe reflected the urgent need to stabilize post-war Japan, as keeping the Emperor in limbo risked provoking a national uprising. The deadline created constant pressure throughout the film, forcing Fellers to work quickly while navigating political resistance and personal conflicts.

Foreshadowing: The urgency of the deadline is established in the opening scenes, setting the pace for the entire investigation.

• ten days
• deadline
• emperor hirohito
• war crimes trial
• occupation

Fellers believes that prosecuting the Emperor would trigger widespread unrest and potentially a violent uprising among the Japanese population. He argues that the Emperor is essential to maintaining social order in defeated Japan, and that holding him accountable would prevent the country from accepting the occupation and moving toward reconstruction. His stance also reflects his broader belief that revenge differs from true justice.

Foreshadowing: Fellers' principled stance against revenge is established early when he confronts General Richter about the matter.

• emperor hirohito
• war crimes
• fellers beliefs
• justice
• uprising prevention

General Richter is driven by a personal desire for vengeance against the Emperor and the Japanese people. He represents the American public's demand for retribution following the war and actively works to undermine Fellers' objective investigation. Richter threatens to expose Fellers' wartime actions of diverting bombs away from Aya Shimada's home, using this information as leverage to push his own agenda of holding the Emperor accountable regardless of the consequences.

Foreshadowing: Richter's antagonistic nature is introduced early when he conveys the American public's hunger for revenge.

• general richter
• revenge
• sabotage
• vengeance
• motivation

Fellers deliberately guided American bombing missions away from Aya Shimada's home because she was his pre-war love interest. This act of personal defiance put him at significant risk, as deliberately altering military operations for personal reasons could be considered treason. This secret becomes a point of vulnerability that General Richter threatens to exploit during the investigation.

Foreshadowing: Fellers' emotional attachment to Japan is partially explained by his romantic connection to Aya.

• aya shimada
• bombing missions
• love
• wwii
• personal motive

Through interrogations of Class-A War Criminals including Prime Minister Hideki Tojo, former Prime Minister Konoe, and Koichi Kido, Fellers investigates whether Emperor Hirohito actively supported or merely acquiesced to the Pearl Harbor attack. The evidence reveals the complex web of political pressure and military decision-making that preceded the attack, showing how the Emperor was positioned within the wartime power structure.

Foreshadowing: The complexity of the Emperor's role is hinted at from the beginning of the investigation.

• pearl harbor
• evidence
• interrogation
• hideki tojo
• war criminals

The film follows Fellers' search for his pre-war love Aya Shimada throughout his investigation. This personal subplot runs parallel to his official mission, adding emotional weight to the story. While the search creates personal conflict and vulnerability for Fellers, it also demonstrates how the war affected individual lives beyond the political and military spheres.

Foreshadowing: Fellers' preoccupation with finding Aya is established early, complicating his ability to focus solely on the investigation.

• aya shimada
• reunion
• search
• love interest
• personal story

Fellers completes his investigation and reaches conclusions about the Emperor's involvement in the decision to attack Pearl Harbor. His findings contribute significantly to the post-war understanding of Japan's wartime leadership and help determine whether the Emperor would face war crimes charges. The resolution reflects the film's central theme of balancing justice with practical considerations of governance and stability.

Foreshadowing: The investigation's conclusions are foreshadowed by the mounting evidence Fellers gathers throughout the film.

• investigation conclusion
• emperor responsibility
• final report
• occupation outcome

The phrase 'Revenge is not Justice' represents Fellers' core philosophical stance throughout the investigation. He uses this principle to resist pressure from both American colleagues seeking vengeance and Japanese officials hoping to avoid accountability. The film explores how post-war justice differs from retribution, arguing that true justice requires objectivity rather than emotional payback. This theme becomes the moral backbone of Fellers' mission.

Foreshadowing: This principle is established as Fellers' defining characteristic from his first confrontation with Richter.

• revenge
• justice
• principle
• moral theme
• accountability

Fellers' position is morally complicated because his personal affection for Japan and his secret wartime actions to protect Aya create apparent conflicts of interest. While he advocates for justice over revenge, his own judgment may be compromised by his emotional connections. General Richter exploits this vulnerability, questioning whether Fellers' desire to protect the Emperor stems from genuine principle or personal bias.

Foreshadowing: The tension between Fellers' personal history and professional duty is established early in the film.

• moral complexity
• conflict of interest
• principles
• bias
• investigation ethics

Takahashi serves as Fellers' interpreter and driver throughout the investigation, providing crucial cultural and linguistic assistance. Initially met with indifference from Fellers, who was preoccupied with his mission and search for Aya, Takahashi proves to be a dedicated and reliable ally. His role facilitates communication with Japanese officials and war criminals, making the investigation possible.

Foreshadowing: Takahashi's loyalty and competence become apparent as the investigation progresses.

• takahashi
• interpreter
• driver
• support
• investigation assistance