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The Emperor's Club
User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20

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  1. AmberP.
    Dec 2, 2002
    10
    What a joy to behold! Kevin Kline is brilliant as we watch his life unfold. He is an assistant headmaster at an all boys school. The passion he invokes in teaching his students is quite evident. He then has a chance to see his mark on the world when he attends a class reunion twenty-five years later. Just a wonderful feel good movie.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. RobertH.
    Dec 2, 2002
    10
    Eureka! Finally a movie that delivers entertainment. Kevin Kline is wonderful. The Emperor's Club is a marvelous surprise as was My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Just go see and enjoy.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  3. LuigiA.
    Mar 10, 2003
    10
    Sorry Charlie you just don't get it. This is one of the most uplifting and wonderful movies I have ever seen. Don't miss it.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  4. [Anonymous]
    Sep 12, 2005
    8
    It's not as bad a critics claim it is. Kline is good, and the situation with that one cheater kid is interesting. Also shows how strict private schools get...sheesh (but they all got rich! or stayed that way). Guess that kid never changed.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. LassisterP.
    Nov 26, 2002
    10
    An absolute masterpiece about what is important in life. Kevin Kline steals the show as the teacher who instills in his students that good morals and learning about history is how we make our mark on this earth.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. JanetS.
    Dec 6, 2002
    10
    Bravo! Finally a movie that entertains and where you can leave the theater feeling good!
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  7. StacyH.
    Dec 8, 2002
    10
    Excellent film! The acting was outstandingly real! Anyone who could watch this movie and say it's "simple minded" isn't paying attention to the many nuances of the story! A must see!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. JasonZ.
    May 27, 2003
    3
    This is, indeed, a morality tale about virtue, character, and the importance of mentorship in the lives of young people. The idea is solid, but the result is tragically bad. Kevin Kline gives the worst performance of his acting career. Simply put, he mails this one in for the paycheck. His character is wooden and awkward. The acting around him is dreadful. Did anyone making this movie watch either "Dead Poet's Society" or "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys" before casting the young men as the "moldable students"? This is a bad movie. You might appreciate the message, but the movie is an absolute cinematic mess. Dialogue is hollow. Editing is choppy. Narration is weak. And the writing! God good. It's always a good rule to stay away from a movie that has 5+ writers ... a sure sign that form and function are a recipe for disaster. I'm positive that Kline wants to forget he ever showed up on this set. … Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  9. Raskass
    Sep 22, 2003
    10
    I love this movie...an inspiring one...!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. FinnyG.
    Feb 3, 2004
    10
    I love it!
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  11. LucyL.
    Dec 9, 2002
    10
    Add me to the list of people that simply loved Kevin Kline in this role. An all around great movie. The moral is that if you give life all you have, you can actually make a difference in this world. Just tremendously entertaining and thought provoking.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. CharlesH.
    Feb 28, 2003
    1
    I really have to wonder about all these people who praised this movie. Are they shills or something? The movie was garbage.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  13. NolanB.
    May 27, 2003
    9
    A very pleasent suprise.... Kevin Kline was outstanding in it.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  14. FantasyL.
    Nov 25, 2002
    10
    I just came back from watching The Emperor's Club. Kevin Kline captivates the screen with his heart rendering brilliant performance as a history teacher who actually cares at an elite all boys prep school. The movie then fasts forward twenty-five years into the future presenting him with a unique opportunity to see what has become of his former pupils. It is a must see movie for all parents and teenagers as it will bridge the gap. Absolutely brilliant. It is a must see movie.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. JaredH.
    Nov 28, 2002
    10
    Wonderful movie that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend it to everyone. Kevin Kline's performance is outstanding.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  16. Roscoe
    Nov 17, 2007
    9
    The critics that damn this film are out of touch with the real meaning of this film and are likely to be devoid of any ethics, sensitivity and purpose in life. It shows why they are critics, rather people who perform a role that adds any real value to society. They are sad cases and I feel sorry for them. I love this movie.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
49 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 32
  3. Negative: 5 out of 32
  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Dana Stevens
    50
    Carefully sets itself up as an obvious, transparent morality play, and then just as deliberately refuses the easy payoff. This is both impressive and a little disingenuous: the film is in effect congratulating itself for refusing to offer a neat and tidy view of life without offering much else.
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  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Carrie Rickey
    50
    Don't blame Kline. This most thoughtful of actors is trapped behind the lectern of a film that spouts contradictory lessons it can't reconcile.
    Read full review
  3. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kim Morgan
    50
    But with a potentially fascinating study of ethics, of how cheating rich boys become cheating rich men while humble souls do more good in the world, The Emperor's Club doesn't take the audience anywhere smart.
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