Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 75 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Outstanding and Genuine Triumph, September 23, 2003
I had no idea how much I would end up enjoying this wonderful and awe-inspiring film. I was worried that it was going to try to be another "Dead Poets Society." To my surprise, it isn't. In fact, I'll even go further and say that I thought this was a lot better. "The Emperor's Club" is a powerful and gripping drama about principle, virtue and ethical compromises. The story revolves around a teacher, William Hundert. He's a passionate man who loves what he does and hopes that he is actually having an impact on his students with his teachings. Things get complicated when he meets a new student, Sedgewick Bell. The kid is a troublemaker who cries out for attention with his actions. However, Hundert is convinced that he can turn him around and help him learn something from his class; not only that, but he hopes that he can learn something about life itself. Hundert believes in him so much that he is even willing to make a great compromise that will have an absolute impact in some way, whether it be positive or negative. The results are surprising and unexpected, but the overall product is an outstanding movie that makes you think twice about your life. This was really a great film that had me surprised all the way. I had no idea how deep and effective it would end up being. When you see "The Emperor's Club," it actually makes you want to look at your life right then and there. You realize that you do want to live a life of honor, virtue and principle. We tend to live in a society that forgets about these important qualities sometimes; this being dubbed, "The Real World." However, this does not mean that we have to forget or overlook these things. It is possible to still have virtue in one's life. Everything about this movie is remarkable. It has some great acting, a terrific script, and a genuine and authentic direction. Kevin Klein is amazing as William Hundert. It's a crime that he did not receive an Academy Award for his performance in this underrated film; or at least he should've been nominated for one. He is able to portray a great and wonderful character; also, he is able to play a character with realistic flaws that reminds us that he is a human-being. This is something we rarely see in films; as we are always given the impression that teachers are invincible and flawless when they are usually portrayed in films. The DVD has some nice extra features to go along with it. The picture and sound quality is great. You can even watch it in DTS if you have the right system for it. The special features included are deleted scenes, commentary from the director, a making-of special and more. A pretty nice package, if you ask me. "The Emperor's Club" is a wonderful experience that should be enjoyed by all. If you have not seen this yet, do yourself a favor; pick this up the next time you're at a video store. Already becoming a favorite of mine in so little time, "The Emperor's Club" is a unique and gripping film about what it takes to live an honorable life. Don't miss out on this great experience.
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48 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Man's True Worth, October 21, 2002
The Emperor's Club is a movie of man's dedication to oneself, to his family and honour of teacher and school. A distinguished, privated boys boarding school revels in discipline and making sure that young boys turn into great men. One of the teachers, Mr. Herdunt was able to mold his young breed by lecturing them on the Ancient Civilization from Caeser to Socratos... Revolving around this one teacher...and four students: the exchange student from India, the boy who is to live up to the expectations of his father (Martin), the good boy and lastly, the intolerant, underdisciplined boy. The latter boy, Belle, needs to be worked with and Herdunt is able to do that for him. Encouraging him and assuring him of his smartness he does work and does do well. Each year at this school, a competition is held to find out who can reign for the year as Mr. Julius Caeser. The competition is based on history of the ancient world. Like in a spelling bee, whomever is left over wins the crown of leaves and earns the title of Mr. Julius Caeser. Three of the four boys mentioned above are in the final competition. 25 years after graduation, where Herdunt proclaims he failed Belle as a teacher, there is a reunion. And a rematch of the Julius Caeser competition, with the same three boys. I admit, this is not a movie I would have gone to if I had only seen a trailer. But, when you have a preview ticket, who would give it up? I assure you, you will not be disappointed. The commrodity of student/teacher and student/student is amazing. It makes you want to wish all schools were like this. A fabulous movie that will live your heart uplifted and a new, wonderful look toward teachers.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What will our legacy be?, March 2, 2006
This is a truly inspiring movie, definitely underrated.
1) The acting is first rate. Kevin Kline was born for this part and shines. He articulates the drive and determination of Hundert perfectly. The young actors are also phenomenal and this is a breakout film for many of them: Emile Hirsch is everywhere now; Paul Dano is rising up as is Jesse Eisenberg (who was just in the Squid and the Whale).
2) James Newton Howard's score to the film is very engaging and definitely makes the pivotal scenes that much more powerful.
3) The theme is centered on character. Shutruk-Nahhunte is not known of today because he gave back nothing. He just did for himself and contributed nothing to society. Sedgewick "is" Nahhunte. Though on the outside, he seems successful, Sedgewick will probably not contribute much to the good of others. The other historical people in Hundert's curriculum are people who gave back or contributed something to their respective societies. They are remembered because they left a good legacy on life. It is hinted that the other students will go on to leave similar legacies, while Sedgewick will not. (Though in the deleted scenes you see how the director was trying to make this more evident; it just didn't flow well.)
4) As a teacher, this is a favorite of mine and perhaps that biases my review. (In a good way, bad way, who knows)? I have shown parts of this film in class with very positive reactions from my students. The film is unique; it shows the main characters young, and then shows how they end up later in life. Kids are always thinking about how they'll end up and I think they appreciate that aspect of the film especially. I also think it also shows kids that they can have fun in life, but should also be thinking of what their contribution to the world will be. We all should.
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