While not not an "Oscar film," The Emperor's Club offers a great film experience. Kevin Kline gives a fine performance as a serious teacher of the Classics---the history, philosophy, moral codes, and profound influence of Ancient Greece and Rome on Western civilization. As a teacher, Kline reveals the important social role a teacher plays in helping mould society's youth. In this situation, Kline teaches at an exclusive school for "future leaders" of American industry, law, politics, and other influential professions. Politics, however, makes its way into the classroom, and while Kline wrestles with an ill-conceived decision which haunts him for 25 years, in the scope of things it remains a minor yet profound act that shows even a dignified, serious, dedicated teacher can sway from values he espouses in the classroom and in his personal life. His ethical dilemma is clear, the implications uncertain, and its resolution ultimately fitting. This is not just a movie about values, human nature, demanding fathers, misplaced sympathy, and ethical dilemmas, its also a film about togas, a contest, and a gentleman's revenge. It is not violent, there are no car chases, or significant profanity. It's just a decent film with subtle moralistic overtones that provide a most satisfying cinematic experience. While there have been many comparisons to Dead Poet's Society in other reviews, they are misplaced. This film can stand on its own, and actually make the viewer feel much better after having seen this movie than Dead Poet's Society of more than a decade ago. On its own merits, The Emperor's Club earns a respectable and dignified, 8/10.
Review of The Emperor's Club
