The Emperor's Club

Starring: Kevin Kline, Emile Hirsch, Embeth Davidtz, Rob Morrow, Patrick Dempsey, Paul Dano, Jesse Eisenberg
Directed by: Michael Hoffman
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An idealistic teacher (Kevin Kline) becomes determined to redeem a student (Emile Hirsh) who is wasting the talent he has.

Review:

Tim: If not for the surprising moment just prior to the film's conclusion, I would not have rated this nearly as high. However, there is something to be said for the film's pessimistic outcome (oh, don't worry, there is enough hopeful optimism for the film to also be quite inspirational). This is exactly the type of feel-good academic movie in the vein of Dead Poets Society that you would expect. However, it is the unexpected moments that make this film worthwhile.

For most of the movie, it follows the typical great teacher dramas that we've all seen before. However, there is a reason this has become formulaic- because it works. The movie will certainly entertain you, helped immensely by some great performances. Kevin Kline gives a wonderful performance, full of hope and optimism and life. He is the kind of teacher we all wish we had (and on rare occasions, we did have). Kline really captures this role and owns it, succeeding at various points as the story moves through his life. Emile Hirsch also gives a great performance. He was required to do so much in this role- to subtly change the nature of his character- and he does so brilliantly.

Up until the film's penultimate scene, it followed the basic script. Just when I thought I had predicted the film's outcome, it swept the rug underneath me, and I understood the film's ultimate message about redemption and life. This is what takes the movie from decent to being very good. This is not a pie-in-the-sky life lesson, but a realistic one that we can all take something away from.

The Emperor's Club is an enjoyable, heartfelt movie. It will entertain, and will provide some fodder for reflection on your own life. That is not a bad combination at all.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Dead Poet's Society, Half Nelson