Empire of the Sun

Name: Empire of the Sun
Genre: Action, Drama, History, War
Released: December 9, 1987
Duration: 153 min
Rating: 62
Cast: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson

1987

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 22 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 118 Ratings

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7.9

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7.9	Your Score
7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 118 Ratings

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Empire Of The Sun

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Movie Details & Credits

Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: December 9, 1987 | PG

Starring: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson

Summary: Empire of the Sun—based on J. G. Ballard's autobiographical novel—tells the story of a boy, James Graham, whose privileged life is upturned by the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, December 8, 1941. Separated from his parents, he is eventually captured, and taken to Soo Chow confinement camp, next to a captured Chinese airfield. Amidst theEmpire of the Sun—based on J. G. Ballard's autobiographical novel—tells the story of a boy, James Graham, whose privileged life is upturned by the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, December 8, 1941. Separated from his parents, he is eventually captured, and taken to Soo Chow confinement camp, next to a captured Chinese airfield. Amidst the sickness and food shortages in the camp, Jim attempts to reconstruct his former life, all the while bringing spirit and dignity to those around him. [Warner Bros. Pictures]… Expand

Director: Steven Spielberg

Genre(s): Action, Drama, History, War

Rating: PG

Runtime: 153 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Martyn Bamber

While screenwriter Tom Stoppard supplies a literate script, it’s Spielberg’s peerless command of film technique that drives the film, with the director crafting a number of sequences that function as impressive examples of pure visual storytelling. Read full review

Hal Lipper

Spielberg's Empire of the Sun dispels with the sugar coating that turned Alice Walker's searing novel about racial and sexual subjugation into "The Color Purple: The Coffee Table Edition." Yet, Spielberg retains a sense of innocence in this ambitious, visionary tale. [10 Dec 1987, p.6]

Empire Darren Bignell

Spielberg's technical ability is very clear, with much to appreciate on close examination. Read full review

Jay Carr

Empire of the Sun is an imperfect film, but at its best it's grand and haunting in ways that only a movie can be. [11 Dec 1987]

David Sterritt

Spielberg has filmed Empire of the Sun with great care, paying keen attention to every detail of its time and place. If the film ultimately seems flat and superficial, it's because Spielberg just isn't the right filmmaker for this kind of tough historical subject. [9 Dec 1987, p.21]

Dave Kehr

The film is sober, serious-minded and paced like a funeral march. Read full review

Desson Howe

Behind the trademark fancy package is a troubling sensibility, too. Spielberg seems unable to come to terms with anything real. Read full review

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User Reviews

dylan111

Mar 29, 2020

When this film was released in 1987 I couldn’t understand the negative reviews of a movie that was so intensely captivating. Christian Bale gave the best performance of any child actor I’ve ever seen. It was clear he is a great actor, and his career since then has proven that. I predictedWhen this film was released in 1987 I couldn’t understand the negative reviews of a movie that was so intensely captivating. Christian Bale gave the best performance of any child actor I’ve ever seen. It was clear he is a great actor, and his career since then has proven that. I predicted that some day Empire would be re-evaluated and get the respect it truly deserves. That has come to pass.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

naldosborges

Oct 15, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Outro filme que não glorifica a guerra e mostra o caos que provoca. Apenas lembrar que muitas crianças perdidas não tem a mesma sorte do final deste filme.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

EricR

Apr 23, 2008

This movie has haunted me for years as a solemn, heart-rending experience. Jim's reaction to the appearance of the P-51s and his final reunion are unforgettable. I can't think of anything NOT to like about this movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

AidenDaniel

Jun 25, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. dont got much to say but this is one of my child hood films and now knowing its name Uggggh its just a good film i would suggest you watch it Spoiler alert

This film is good… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

KyleG.

Aug 15, 2007

I really enjoyed this movie and i think it's great.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

IznatiCritic

Aug 31, 2010

A beautifully woven tale with historical significance. Steven at his very best in my opinion. War viewed from the sidelines during simpler times but no less brutal.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

Broyax

Nov 23, 2017

Spielberg se lance dans une sorte de grande épopée historique du côté du Soleil Levant, lequel vient vient d’envahir une bonne partie de la Chine… On y suit un gamin anglais pris dans la tourmente des évènements et incarné par… Christian Bale !

On y croise aussi John Malkovich et le moinsSpielberg se lance dans une sorte de grande épopée historique du côté du Soleil Levant, lequel vient vient d’envahir une bonne partie de la Chine… On y suit un gamin anglais pris dans la tourmente des évènements et incarné par… Christian Bale !

On y croise aussi John Malkovich et le moins connu mais très estimable Joe Pantoliano mais qu’importe… car le gros machin de Spielberg dépasse les deux heures et demi et se révèle à la fois aussi crédible et aussi palpitant qu’un épisode entier de Derrick qui viendrait d’épouser Julie Lescaut en apnée et sans pop-corn.

Malgré les moyens déployés et sa mise en scène appliquée (mais très scolaire), le réalisateur américain bien connu qui a débuté dans les années 70 et qui semblait prometteur a régulièrement fait faux bond ! et ça ne s’est par arrangé avec le temps, bien au contraire.

Cet « Empire du Soleil » en est un exemple particulièrement frappant et consternant avec son remplissage à bailler d’ennui, sa naïveté incurable et ses invraisemblances innombrables. Spielberg est sans conteste ce que le cinéma américain fait quasiment de pire et est au 7ème art ce que le MacDo est à la bonne bouffe : son « Empire du soleil » est un gros big mac qui vient de se suicider en sautant de la table, sur lequel on se fait une joie et un devoir de marcher dessus. Avec nos grosses rangeos du surplus américain.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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