Movie Discussion Guide DEVELOPED WITH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF JAPAN-­‐AMERICA SOCIETIES A POWERFUL STORY
Starring Matthew Fox and Oscar-­‐winner Tommy Lee Jones, EMPEROR tells the story of General Douglas MacArthur and Brigadier General Bonner Fellers in post-­‐
World War II Japan, and their critical mission to determine the fate of Emperor Hirohito. The film is part historical drama, part detective story and part romance, as the uncompromising General MacArthur oversees an investigation that will help shape the future of Japan, and the pragmatic Fellers confronts his personal past through the lens of a war-­‐torn nation. # AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION History shows that the decision not to indict Emperor Hirohito for war crimes was strategically sound, though politically unpopular, and it presents intriguing comparisons to situations the United States faces today. In bringing the little-­‐told story of Fellers’ investigation of Hirohito to life, EMPEROR humanizes the strategic political decision that led to the reemergence of Japan’s global presence in the 20th Century. So, what can we take from this story of success? Did the US make the right decisions? Did Japan? How did this moment in history set the stage for U.S.-­‐Japan relations today? This guide was created by the National Association of Japan-­‐America Societies in collaboration with ProSocial DISCUSSION SUGGESTIONS This discussion guide is designed to facilitate educational programs after viewing the film EMPEROR with other members of local Japan-­‐America Societies, and their communities. Its purpose is to generate discussion based on the historical, political, social and cultural issues raised in the movie and for conversation participants to reflect on themes and issues relevant to the community’s personal experiences and interests, and the mission of the Japan-­‐America Societies across the country. To organize a conversation with your Society, organization, or social group, we suggest following these steps: 1. Organize a group outing to go see the film on opening weekend. The film will be released around the country on March 8, and therefore opening weekend is March 8, 9 and 10. Check www.emperor-­‐themovie.com or your local listings to see where EMPEROR is playing in your area. The film opens on March 8 in most major cities. Feel free to open up the event to other local organizations with an interest in Japan-­‐U.S. relations, military history or Japanese culture, and friends and family members. Discounts may be available for larger groups. Contact [email protected] for information. 2. After the movie, plan a conversation to discuss the relevant issues in the film. Where will your discussion take place? You can host a post-­‐movie conversation at a local restaurant, coffee shop, members’ home or another venue. This discussion can be as formal or informal as you would like. Alternatively, if your group is large enough and will see the movie during off-­‐hours (such as the late morning), you may be able to arrange a post-­‐screening discussion at the movie theater. If you choose a home or coffee shop, for example, make sure that the space is accessible, quiet and large enough to accommodate the type of group discussion you are hoping to have. Who will participate? Will you invite others besides members of your local Society? Are there local experts on the topic who you would like to invite? Also, how large do you want your group? (Smaller groups often allow for more intensive, participatory dialogue). Who will facilitate the discussion? You may choose your Society president, another member, or local expert (such as a military historian or international relations expert) to facilitate discussion. Also, you may choose to have a small panel sit at the front of the room to lead the conversation, particularly in larger groups. This guide was created by the National Association of Japan-­‐America Societies XXXX in collaboration with ProSocial XXX 3. Spread the word about your event! Communicate with your Society membership via email, phone or word-­‐of-­‐mouth to encourage participation in this important conversation. Also, email us at [email protected] to let us know that your event is happening. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS People who feel safe, encouraged, respected and challenged are likely to share openly and thoughtfully. As a facilitator you can encourage that kind of active participation. You don’t need to be an expert, but knowing the basics can help you keep a discussion on track and gently correct misstatements of fact. Prior to your discussion, take time to do some additional research on General MacArthur and post-­‐WWII Japan, as needed. Additionally, remind participants that everyone sees through the lens of their own experience. Who we are influences how we interpret what we see – everyone in the audience may have a different view about the content and meaning of the film they have just seen, and all of them may be accurate. Inviting speakers to identify the evidence that they’ve based their opinions on can help people to understand one another’s perspectives. Note: There are no “right” or “wrong” answers to questions in this guide. §
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Millions of American service men and women fought for the country in the Pacific during World War II. How was this experience unique from the fighting half a world away in Europe? Thousands more served in post-­‐war Japan under General MacArthur to secure a just peace. Why was this duty so critical to U.S. national security? General MacArthur ultimately decided to keep Emperor Hirohito in power, which was very unpopular back home in the United States. Was it the right decision? How did the post-­‐WWII U.S. military occupation set the stage for the Japan-­‐U.S. relationship today? How do you think the film – and the story it captures – will be seen through a Japanese lens? If you are Japanese, how do you feel about this moment in history, and how the film represents it? This guide was created by the National Association of Japan-­‐America Societies XXXX in collaboration with ProSocial XXX This guide was created by the National Association of Japan-­‐America Societies XXXX in collaboration with ProSocial XXX