The Emperor’s Club
Foreword:
By introducing the core values of Ancient Greece and Rome, the movie raises
questions for discussion on the importance of civic responsibility and the true
meaning of education. Through the lives of Mr Hundert and his students, the
movie reminds us that it is not just a single incident that determines our destiny.
In most cases, it is rather a series of happenings over time that molds the
character of an individual.
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1. Memorable Quotations from the movie:
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My name is William Hundert. Welcome to western civilization.
It’s our academy’s motto…The end depends upon the beginning.
You’re not going to mold my boy. Your job is to teach my son.
Look more to the future less to the past…
I live in the real world where people do what they need to do to
get what they want. And if it’s lying and it’s cheating. then so be it.
So I’m gonna go out there and I am going to win that election and
you’ll see me everywhere.
2. Personal Responses to the movie:
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Do you like this movie? Explain why/ why not?
What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of this movie in
terms of its
a) camera work?
b) music/ sound track?
c) excellent acting?
d) touching scenes?
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Film directors often make use of visual clues to tell us more about
the setting of a movie. Please describe what kind of a school St
Benedict’s is from what you can see on the screen. Is it a public
school for ordinary citizens? Do you think that it has a good
reputation? Do you think most of the students have a sheltered
upbringing?
Would you like to be one of the students of St Benedict’s Academy
for boys? Why/ why not?
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3. Personal Responses to the characterization of the movie
William Hundert
 In this movie, Kevin Kline plays the role of a rigid prep school
teacher Mr Hundert who never hesitates to uphold his duty to
impart not just knowledge but also moral values in his students. As a
serious scholar, he is as solid as stone, even when he is constantly
challenged by rebellious Sedgewick Bell.
Although Mr Hundert always lives by his principle, he breaks the
Moral Code by raising the mark of Bell to give him a chance of
entering the Julius Caesar Competition despite the fact that such
an attempt will eventually exclude Martin from being one of the
finalists. Naturally, Martin is very disappointed after learning
about the result.
a) What do you think of Mr Hundert as a teacher? Is he a caring
person? Do you still trust his integrity at the end of the movie?
b) If you were Mr Hundert, would you do the same thing just
because you wish to save ‘the lost sheep’?
c) Would you like to be taught by Mr Hundert? Why/why not?
Other characters
We all live in a materialistic society that glorifies material
comfort, achievement, fame and fortune. Does the movie remind
you of people or incidents around you?
 The Principal, teachers and students of St Benedict’s
Preparatory School.
 The Board of Directors of St Benedict’s Preparatory
School.
 The relationship between Sedgewick Bell and his father.
 Martin Blythe, Louis Masoudi and Deepak Mehta,
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students of Mr Hundert.
Martin Blythe and his father, the once upon a time Mr
Julius Caesar.
Robert, son of Sedgewick Bell.
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4. A Time of Change
We all grow as people from the experiences that we have encountered in
our lives. The main characters in this movie learn valuable lessons that can
change their lives, beliefs and actions. Think of a character I nthe movie
and the experiences they have encountered. Explain the lessons they have
learnt that change them as a person.
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Character:
Events or experiences this character had:
Lesson (s) this character learned:
 Ways this character changed:
What did you learn from this movie? Did it change you as a person?
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