Empire of the Sun

1987

2h 33m

IMDb RATING

7.5/10

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Drama

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War

Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor, who looks out for him while they are in the camp together. Even though he is separated from his parents and in a hostile environment, Jamie maintains his dignity and youthful spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.

Directors

Steven Spielberg

Writers

J.G. Ballard(novel by)

Menno Meyjes(screenplay by)

Tom Stoppard(screenplay by)

Stars

Christian Bale

John Malkovich

Miranda Richardson

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Videos2

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Watch Property of the Japanese Emperor

Photos88

Top cast

Jim

Basie

Mrs. Victor

Dr. Rawlins

Frank Demarest

Maxton

Sgt. Nagata

Jim's Mother

Jim's Father

Mr. Victor

Kamikaze Boy Pilot

Dainty

Tiptree

Cohen

Mr. Lockwood

Yang

Sgt. Uchida

Amy Matthews

Directors

Steven Spielberg

Writers

J.G. Ballard(novel by)

Menno Meyjes(screenplay by)

Tom Stoppard(screenplay by)

All cast & crew

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Review

Featured review

4/10

_**Even great people have a dud on occasion**_ A British boy (Christian Bale) living with his wealthy parents in Shanghai is separated from them when Japanese forces invade in the early years of WW2. He then has to survive the war in a POW camp. John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers and Joe Pantoliano play fellow prisoners. Based on J.G. Ballard’s semi-autobiographical novel, “Empire of the Sun” (1987) was Steven Spielberg’s first venture into ‘meaningful’ filmmaking. It’s not without historical interest. For instance, the beginning situation in China is compelling, highlighted by a potent ‘slap’ scene that wakes the pompous kid up to reality. From there, though, the movie becomes a tedious prison camp flick with too many ambiguities and drawn-out scenes. Bale does an admirable job in a challenging role, especially considering his age, but IMHO he overdoes it and so the boy comes off hyperactive and annoying. Check out the low-key indie “I Am David” (2003) for a more effective take on similar material. The film runs 2 hours, 33 minutes and was shot in China, England and Spain (you can fairly easily figure out which parts were shot where). GRADE: C/C-

Wuchak15 Aug, 2020