Drama,History
United States of America
Emperor is a historical drama film that tells the story of Shields Green, a slave who escaped from a plantation in South Carolina and traveled north to freedom. Along the way, he had chance encounters with prominent abolitionists Frederick Douglass and John Brown.
The film is set in the 1850s and follows Green's journey from a plantation in South Carolina to freedom in Canada. After escaping from slavery, Green makes his way north with the help of a network of abolitionists and sympathetic individuals who provide him with safe houses and assistance.
On his journey, Green encounters Frederick Douglass, who is already a well-known abolitionist and author. Douglass takes Green under his wing and teaches him about the abolitionist movement and the fight for freedom.
Later, Green joins forces with John Brown, a radical abolitionist who is planning a raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia, to seize weapons and start a slave rebellion. Green becomes one of Brown's trusted lieutenants and participates in the raid.
The film explores Green's personal journey as he grapples with questions of identity, freedom, and justice. It also touches on the larger themes of the abolitionist movement and the fight against slavery in America.
Emperor stars Dayo Okeniyi as Shields Green, with supporting roles from James Cromwell as John Brown and Kat Graham as a fictional character named Delores, a free woman of color who helps Green on his journey.
The film was directed by Mark Amin and produced by Amin and Reginald Hudlin. It premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was released in theaters in March 2020.
