Where to Watch The Sun (2005) in the US

What it's about

As Japan nears defeat at the end of World War II, Emperor Hirohito starts his day in a bunker underneath the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. A servant reads to him a list of activities for the day, including a meeting with his ministers, marine biology research, and writing his son. Hirohito muses about the impact on such schedules when the Americans arrive but is told that as long as there is a solitary Japanese person living, the Americans will not reach The Emperor. Hirohito replies that he at times feels like he himself will be the last Japanese person left alive. The servant reminds him that he is a deity, not a person, but Hirohito points out that he has a body just like any other man. He later reflects on the causes of the war when dictating observations about a hermit crab, and then about the peace to come when composing a letter to his son. Soon enough General Douglas MacArthur's personal car is sent to bring him through the ruins of Tokyo for a meeting with the supreme commander of the victorious occupying forces. Underlying all the conversation that follows is the question of Hirohito's future, either as Emperor or a war criminal. The two very different men strangely bond after sharing dinner and Havana cigars, and Hirohito leaves, renounces his divine nature, and is re-united with his family in the palace to face a new life to help re-build his war-ravaged country as a constitutional monarch.

Cast and crew

Director

Aleksandr Sokurov

Writer

Yuriy Arabov, Jeremy Noble

Starring

Issei Ogata, Robert Dawson, Kaori Momoi

Details

Release date

Nov 18, 2005

Language

Japanese, English

Country

Russia, Italy, Switzerland, France

Box office

$77,303

Awards

6 wins & 10 nominations

Where to Watch The Sun (2005) in the US — common questions

Where to watch The Sun in the United States?

The Sun is available free with a participating library card in the United States. Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy.

Can I stream The Sun or do I have to rent it in the United States?

We have not confirmed a subscription, rental, or purchase option for The Sun in the United States.

Can I watch The Sun for free in the United States?

Watch the movie free with a participating library card on Kanopy.