The Emperor's Club

The Emperor's Club, Beacon Communications, 2002

        Accessed September 30 2021

THE EMPEROR'S CLUB

I watched this one of course for this class, but was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was pretty good! This movie was made back in 2002 and follows a prep school teacher by the name of Mr. Hundert as he develops an interesting relationship with a new student named Sedgewick Bell. Sedgewick enters the class doors late, and as soon as he does, havoc is unleashed. His poor behavior becomes reflected on to the other students and Mr. Hundert must do his best to control it. While also holding out hope that Sedgewick can turn around, and apply himself. 

The Emperor's Club at first presents itself as a potential heartwarming redemption story for a young troubled boy, a story we've seen countless times before in other movies. However, a late twist takes it off the rails into new freshly unexpected territory, which was a pleasant surprise. Across the board, sturdy and exceptional cast performances carry this movie. The dynamics that build between characters keep the audience- or at least me- engaged to see what develops. It does a good job at making us believe Sedgewick can change, and that the Professor was right. It was crushing to learn this was just a fantasy belonging to the happy ending alternate reality version of this movie. 

I especially enjoyed the visuals in this one, the fancy school campus had a great opportunity for interesting shots and they delivered. Not only just on eye-pleasing framing and all that jazz, but even subtle visual cues to enhance the story. Such as the "thinking pose" during that scene. 

Overall, very glad I watched this, Love to find movies I've never heard of and give them a shot. Curious to see what this writer or director has done since, time to do some googling. As for the big question, is it worth your precious time? I would say yes if you're open to some depressing representations of a lot of people in the real world.