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 Critics

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 92 Ratings

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7.8

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7.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 92 Ratings

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Empire Of The Sun

Movie Details & Credits

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

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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Awards & Rankings

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Slant Magazine - 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

Tampa Bay Times - 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

Boston Globe - 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]

Christian Science Monitor - 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]

Chicago Tribune - Dave Kehr

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

Washington Post - 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

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

DvijenP.

Jun 10, 2008

I don't know what the stupid critics were talking about, that movie was awesome, another one of Speilburg's great works.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

KarenS.

Jun 27, 2008

This movie is one of my all-time favorites. It is, indeed, "haunting: as the above person mentioned. Christian Bale's performance is amazing, especially given that he was just a child at the time. There is such depth to his character-what he says and doesn't say throughout the This movie is one of my all-time favorites. It is, indeed, "haunting: as the above person mentioned. Christian Bale's performance is amazing, especially given that he was just a child at the time. There is such depth to his character-what he says and doesn't say throughout the movie. I highly recommend this film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

MarinaM

Nov 15, 2009

Gorgeous and touching. Definitely one of my all time favorite movies.

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

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Broyax

Nov 23, 2017

Spielberg se lance dans une sorte de grande épopée historique du côté du Soleil Levant qui 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 maisSpielberg se lance dans une sorte de grande épopée historique du côté du Soleil Levant qui 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 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 et ses invraisemblances innombrables. Spielberg est sans conteste ce que le cinéma américain fait 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

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