In July 1945, during the end of World War II, Japan is forced to accept the Potsdam Declaration. A cabinet meeting has continued through days and nights, but a decision cannot be made. The U.S. drops atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. General Korechika Anami is torn over making the proper decision and the Emperor of Japan worries about his people. Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki leads the cabinet meeting, while Chief Secretary Hisatsune Sakomizu can't do anything, but watch the meeting. At this time, Major Kenji Hatanaka and other young commissioned officers, who are against Japan surrendering, move to occupy the palace and a radio broadcasting station. The radio station is set to broadcast Emperor Hirohito reading out the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War.
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🔍 Search on JustWatch →The film doesn't rush. It trusts the viewer — gives time to inhabit the characters, understand what's really happening. Direction here serves the actors rather than overwhelming them.
This film doesn't entertain — it speaks. If you're ready for that, it'll leave a mark. If not — it'll seem slow.
A good choice for those who value subtle direction and honest performance.
Director: Masato Harada
— MovieFinder Editorial
Best Watched
Viewing atmosphere: Unhurried, on a weekday evening. Put down the phone, let the film work.
Koji Yakusho
General Korechika Anami
Masahiro Motoki
Emperor Showa
Tori Matsuzaka
Major Kenji Hatanaka
Shinichi Tsutsumi
Chief Secretary Hisatsune Sakomizu
Tsutomu Yamazaki
Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki
Kenichi Yajima
Naidaijin Kōichi Kido
Ikuji Nakamura
Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai
Kazuhiro Yamaji
Tōji Yasui
Akaji Maro
Admiral Hisanori Fujita
Yuki Ikenobō
Empress Kōjun
Audience Score
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