Ended on 12/24/2009
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THE SUN -
(unrated)
2009 - Russia/Italy/Switzerland/France - Japanese/English (with English subtitles) - 115 minutes - Lorber Films
Directed by: Aleksandr Sokurov
Featuring: Issey Ogata, Robert Dawson, Kaori Momoi
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showtimes and tickets
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 The action in THE SUN takes place in occupied Japan from late August 1945 until January 1, 1946. On August 15, Emperor Hirohito made a public appeal to his people to cease military operations, and millions of Japanese were shocked to hear their Emperor's voice for the first time in their lives.
The film portrays the events leading up to two crucial decisions made by Hirohito, both of which are of major historical significance. The first was the WWII declaration of surrender, and the second was the renunciation of his divine status. During this period, the Emperor also forms an unlikely bond with the American General Douglas McArthur who did much to resolve the situation with the minimum of victims.
For these reasons, THE SUN makes history as the first intimate depiction of Emperor Hirohito on film.
"Beautiful and eccentric...one of the best movies of 2009."
Manohla Dargis, NY Times
"Five stars. Masterful."
Keith Uhlich, TimeOut NY
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