X
- 2002
- PG-13
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 49 m
- 2002
- PG-13
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 49 m
Summary Adapted from Ethan Canin's acclaimed short story "The Palace Thief," this film explores the turbulent relationship between a high school Classics professor (Kline) and one of his students (Hirsch).
Directed By: Michael Hoffman
Written By: Ethan Canin, Neil Tolkin
- 2002
- PG-13
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 49 m
- 2002
- PG-13
- Universal Pictures
- 1 h 49 m
The Emperor's Club
49
6.1
Where to Watch
Summary Adapted from Ethan Canin's acclaimed short story "The Palace Thief," this film explores the turbulent relationship between a high school Classics professor (Kline) and one of his students (Hirsch).
Directed By: Michael Hoffman
Written By: Ethan Canin, Neil Tolkin
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 32 Critic Reviews
49
44% Positive
14 Reviews
14 Reviews
41% Mixed
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
16% Negative
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 32 Critic Reviews
49
44% Positive
14 Reviews
14 Reviews
41% Mixed
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
16% Negative
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
This isn't a stand up and cheer flick; it's a sit down and ponder affair. And thanks to Kline's superbly nuanced performance, that pondering is highly pleasurable.
A substantial examination of character, morality and destiny.
That uncertainty -- in the professor, in the audience -- is what drives Emperor's Club to a surprisingly thought-provoking, even disturbing conclusion.
It's well crafted by director Michael Hoffman, not painful to sit through, and even contains some 21st century plot twists -- But unless you have a predisposition toward this kind of thing, none of that is going to matter much.
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.
Would be a much better film had it not relied so heavily on a bombastic soundtrack (by James Newton Howard) for its emotional impact and spared itself some of the more overdone images of campus life.
It's a simpering, ineffective ersatz-drama, so simple-minded and unrealistic and so full of fussy stupidity, it exiles you.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 7 User Ratings
6.1
57% Positive
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
14% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
29% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 7 User Ratings
6.1
57% Positive
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
14% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
29% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Production Company
Beacon Communications,
Fine Line Features,
Horsepower Films,
LivePlanet,
Longfellow Pictures,
Sidney Kimmel Entertainment
Release Date Nov 22, 2002
Duration 1 h 49 m
Rating PG-13
Genres
Tagline In everyone's life there's that one person who makes all the difference.
Awards
Young Artist Awards
• 2 Nominations
