An all-star cast gathers, from Oscar winners to musicians

The Butler, a human drama that spins the turbulent life and family story of a Black man born into slavery on a cotton plantation who became the President's butler. The film, which President Obama himself commented, "tears welled up in my eyes," will now be released in Japan.

The film was helmed by Lee Daniels, director of the Academy Award-winning Precious. Set in Florida in the late 1960s, it depicts a young man's summer adventure.The PaperboyDirector Lee, who has masterfully captured the zeitgeist in films like The Paperboy, has now completed an epic story centered on one Black man.

The cast is equally star-studded. The protagonist, Cecil, the butler, is played by Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker, who delivers an emotionally rich performance of a life full of ups and downs. Cecil's wife, Gloria, is portrayed by Oprah Winfrey, a leading American talk show host. In addition, the film features actors such as John Cusack, Jane Fonda, and Robin Williams, as well as musicians Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz, bringing together an all-star ensemble.

Cecil witnesses history unfold, only to be swept up by it

The young Cecil Gaines worked as a sharecropper with his parents on a cotton plantation. However, after a traumatic event, he is hired as a "house nigger" within the household. Through his efforts, the young man, who started as an apprentice, became a hotel bellhop, and his work was recognized, eventually leading him to serve as a butler at the White House.

The turbulent era of American history, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and the Vietnam War. Before he knew it, Cecil found himself at the forefront, witnessing moments when history was made. Meanwhile, within his own family, his eldest son, ashamed of his father's work, joins the anti-government movement to fight for the country. In contrast to his brother, his second son chooses to fight for his country and volunteers for Vietnam. As a presidential butler, and as a husband and father, Cecil finds himself and his family swept along by history.

Amidst these tumultuous times, what did he witness at the center of the world, the White House? A story of untold truths now begins.

Opening Saturday, February 15th
Director | Lee Daniels
Starring | Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Elijah Kelley, Robin Williams
Distribution | Asmik Ace
2013 / USA / 132 min
http://butler-tears.asmik-ace.co.jp/


Ⓒ2013, Butler Films, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
http://butler-tears.asmik-ace.co.jp/