Movie Review

THE EMPEROR'S CLUB

At St. Benedict's prep school, the boys are disciplined, mannered, and ready to learn. But when a bad apple enters the classroom of the well-respected Mr. Hundert, chaos ensues. Sedgewick Bell is a kid with a chip on his shoulder and a powerful senator for a father. He is a shock to the system of Mr. Hundert, whose firm moral standards and unshakeable integrity are genuinely challenged by Sedgewick's eye-rolling, rule-breaking, uncaring insubordination. Determined to change Sedgewick, "mold him," and bring out the strong and true character that he believes to be at the core of every student, Mr. Hundert makes Sedgewick his priority. However, their bond will remain a thorn in Mr. Hundert's side for years thereafter, even beyond his retirement. Based on a short story by Ethan Canin, and directed by Michael Hoffman, The Emperor's Club uses crisp photography and convincing performances to communicate this wholesome tale of honor, morality, and trying to do what's right at all costs. It's a good movie and a beautiful story.

Cast

Kevin Kline as William Hundert
Emile Hirsch as Sedgewick Bell
Embeth Davidtz as Elizabeth
Rob Morrow as James Ellerby
Edward Herrmann as Headmaster Woodbridge
Caitlin O'Heaney as Mrs. Woodbridge
Harris Yulin as Senator Bell
Paul Dano as Martin Blythe
Joel Gretsch as Sedgewick Bell (adult)
Steven Culp as Martin Blythe (adult)
Rishi Mehta as Deepak Mehta (child)
Rahul Khanna as Deepak Mehta (adult)
Jesse Eisenberg as Louis Masoudi
Patrick Dempsey as Louis Masoudi (adult)
Gabriel Millman as Robert Brewster
Chris Morales as Eugene Field
Luca Bigini as Copeland Gray
Michael Coppola as Russell Hall
Sean Fredricks as Mr. Harris
Katherine O'Sullivan as The Nun