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Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano ... see more see more... , Leslie Phillips , Masatô Ibu , Emily Richard , Rupert Frazer , Peter Gale , Takatoro Kataoka , Ben Stiller , David Neidorf , Ralph Seymour , Robert Stephens , Hiro Arai , J.G. Ballard , Ray Charleson , Peter Copley , Marc de Jonge , Eric Flynn , Paula Hamilton , Barrie Houghton (II) , Keiron Jecchinis , Burt Kwouk , Susan Leong , Sybil Maas , Sylvia Marriott , Paul McGann , Ralph Michael , Gary Parker , Emma Piper , Ann Queensbury , James Walker , Yuriko Matsubara , Barbara Bolton , Jo Ann Castle , Za Chuan Ce , Shirley Chantrell , Tom Danaher , Nicholas Dastor , Jack Dearlove , Frank Duncan , Ronald Eng , Yvonne Gilan , Guts Ishimatsu , Kong Guo-Jun , Guo Xue Liang , Francesca Longrigg , John Moore , Edith Platten , Shi Rui Qing , Zhai nai She , Anna Turner , Lu Ye , Ge Yan Zhao , Maggie Cartier , Judy Taylor , Mike Fenton , Jane Feinberg , Harrison Simon , James Greene , Ann Queensberry

Based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, Empire of the Sun stars Christian Bale as a spoiled young British boy, living with his wealthy family in pre-World War II Shanghai. During the Japanese ... read more read more...invasion, Bale is separated from his parents. With the help of soldier-of-fortune John Malkovich, Bale learns to survive without a retinue of servants at his beck and call. By the time Malkovich and Bale are tossed into a Japanese prison camp, the boy has picked up enough street-smarts and developed enough intestinal fortitude to regard his imprisonment as an exciting adventure. The story ends during the 1945 liberation: on the verge of manhood, the 13-year-old Bale will never again be the pampered, privileged brat whom we met in the early scenes. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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88% liked it

57,549 ratings

Critics

82% liked it

39 critics

PG, 2 hr. 33 min.

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Release Date: December 9, 1987

Keywords: war

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DVD Release Date: November 6, 2001

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Stats: 3,982 reviews

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Empire of the Sun Empire of the Sun He was born January 30, 1974 in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK. Christian Bale, 13, in Steven Spielberg's 'Empire of the Sun'. Christian Bale, 13, with John Malkovich in 'Empire of the Sun'. Empire of the sun poster Empire of the sun The young Christian Bale as James Graham Empire of the Sun Christian Bale, 13, in 'Empire of the Sun'. Christian Bale, 13, in 'Empire of the Sun'. Empire of the Sun Empire of the Sun Christian Bale, 13, in 'Empire of the Sun'. Christian Bale, 13, in 'Empire of the Sun'. 'Empire of the Sun' Empire of the Sun Empire of the Sun
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Flixster Reviews (3,982)

  • SirPant
    January 7, 2013
    SirPant
    I admired Steven Spielberg's change in direction, albeit temporary but I don't think he quite achieved the desired finish i think the story deserved. If it weren't for the brilliant performance from the young Christian Bale this would be a long forgotten film, maybe unfairly so b... read moreut being merely good isn't good enough for such a great story. David Lean originally wanted to direct, now that I would have liked to have seen! .G. Ballard had a cameo, so I guess he approved of the whole thing.
  • FilmFanatik
    March 27, 2012
    FilmFanatik
    Empire of the Sun is anything if not an admirable effort. It's Spielberg's first serious take on war and what it can do to those it affects, so not really anything historic or even remotely about the war itself. The war is the background to the story, but the story is a bit uneve... read moren. I felt like the film was much longer than it needed to be to tell the story it was trying to tell... if its goal isn't what I think it is. My personal take on the ending of this film, one that I don't see many sharing, is that at the end, Christian Bale's character is so traumitized by the experience of being through a war on his own that he can't even recognize his own parents when they eventually find him again. He's not the same person, and he'll be changed forever. That's my take. Most people's take is that he's a boy who's learned to grow up the hard way. If the former is the case then the length is fine. If it's the latter, then it could have been shorter. Dragging it out with useless side characters and circumstances wouldn't do it justice if that is the case. Either way, as I said, it's an admirable effort, but one that doesn't seem to be achieving a clear goal in the storytelling.
  • fb1710827246
    March 26, 2012
    fb1710827246
    Bravely sentimental movie. This is classic Spielberg. It drabs at the middle part of the film, but I enjoy and appreciate its wonderful value. A film that portrays the beauty of innocence.
  • garyX
    January 23, 2012
    garyX
    Based upon the autobiographical novel by J. G. Ballard chronicling his experiences as a boy during the Japanese invasion of colonial China, Empire Of The Sun is one of Steven Spielberg's first attempts at a "grown up" film. The film centres on Christian Bale whose remarkable perf... read moreormance at the tender age of 13 was the first glimpse of the talent he is capable of and was a revelation at the time. It's very much his show all the way as the fine supporting cast never really get to shine during a deeply personal journey, but this coming of age story set to the backdrop of a country in turmoil and the destruction of an empire is both intelligent and moving. My only real criticism would be that Spielberg had not the directorial maturity he displayed for Schindler's List, meaning that at key moments to the story he couldn't help himself prompting the audience with a visual flourish or rousing musical interlude to underline how we were supposed to be feeling; as if he didn't trust us to empathise for ourselves. This is a minor criticism however, as the finished product is a visually pleasing, finely played and engaging war story that's made all the more affecting by the fact that it is a true story.
  • emilkakko
    January 9, 2012
    emilkakko
    There is just something in this film that makes it completely indifferent and emotionally dead. What is clearly meant to be hugely dramatic story never quite touches the heart and therefore leaves a bland aftertaste in mouth.
    I just could not care less about the faith of this sp... read moreoiled little boy. If he is meant to go through a somekind of a transformation from this rich kid to a poor and caring boy, it just does not come alive while watching the film.
    Steven Spielberg, who is by no means one of the masters of cinema, has always divided his work into two kind of films. There is Spielberg the entertainer who give us often innovative and genuinely thrilling films that mixes entertainment and art perfectly together. And there is the more serious Spielberg who tries to make complete opposites of his more entertaining films. Sadly too often his more serious efforts fall short and feel awfully forced.
    Films like Empire of the Sun, Schindler's List or Saving Private Ryan are all these kind of films which try so very hard but falls on their faces while trying. Spielberg is still at his best when he mix his more serious touches into his entertaining side. Films like War of the Worlds, Minority Report and Artificial Intelligence are proof of his mastery in cinema and also stands as his best work to date. Empire of the Sun instead has it's place as a one of his weakest efforts to date.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    November 6, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Empire of the Sun is a Great War drama film that introduced us to Christian Bale. Bale plays a rich kid who is spoiled due to the fact that his parents are wealthy. The story is set in Shanghai shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. As soon as the Japanese march in ... read moreShanghai, Jim Graham (Bale) is separated from his parents and he must start using his street smarts in order to survive Empire of the Sun examines how Bale's character develops in order to survive the war, and through this we get a look at the chaos of war. Steven Spielberg's directing is solid and the story is interesting, engaging and very well constructed. Empire of the sun is a great film. The film has a great cast that deliver stunning performances. Christian Bale is absolutely terrific in the role he plays, and Empire of the Sun is one of Spielberg's finest films. Empire of the Sun is based J.G Ballard's book of the same name. This is a great film with a phenomenal cast. I very much enjoyed the plot. Empire of the Sun is a story about survival, and Spielberg captures that perfectly. Empire of the Sun shows exactly how a spoiled rich kid can go from having it all, and losing it all, and mature enough to survive through war. This is a great film that is a must see if you enjoy a solid war drama. Christian Bale shines in his first role, and he makes this a memorable film to see. Empire of the Sun is a great film with a great plot and is supported by a great cast.
  • smith44
    April 4, 2010
    smith44
    The book was better, However Speilberg did a good job.
  • fb619846742
    February 4, 2010
    fb619846742
    A riveting, extremely emotional look on a young boy separated from his parents, and how he finds the will to survive amongst Hellish circumstances. Although definitely flawed in some aspects, Christian Bale really makes you believe in his character from start to finish. This migh... read moret actually be one of Bale's best performances, which is surprising considering how many great ones he's put out. The ending should hit you like a train, it's a very emotional and passionate movie, and although some probably will find it to cliche or Hollywood, it ends on an overall ideal and incredibly satisfying note.
  • ironclad1609
    January 16, 2010
    ironclad1609
    Not exactly your typical Spielberg film, although it is showing quite a few of his trademarks, this story tells the pacific events of World War 2 from the perspective of a little British boy. Stunning to see what a man and actor has become of Christian Bale, who gave his debut he... read morere. While he does a great job, he tends to overact at times. That's no problem though, the direction, beautiful cinematography, enthralling story-telling and gorgeous John Williams soundtrack more than make up for it. A highly underrated war drama, that won't leave a viewer untouched.
  • ythelastman89
    November 16, 2009
    ythelastman89
    I think it's scary how amazing Christian Bale was in this. The story is just such an emotional drain, you can't help but fall in love with Jim and his search for his family. He goes through just about everything and never seems to lose hope. The look and feel of the movie is so r... read moreealistic, you feel like you're actually there. The locations and sheer scale of the movie make you question how they got some of the shots they did. I think this is Spielberg's best WWII story because he allowed himself to look at the story without making it good vs. evil.

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Critic Reviews

Richard Corliss
May 17, 2009
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

Spielberg has dreamed of flying before, and this time he earns his wings. Full Review

Variety Staff
June 2, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

No special use is made of the talents of Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano and the others, so it is up to young English thesp Bale to engage the viewer's interest, which he does superbly. Full Review

January 26, 2006
Time Out

Spielberg includes a strand of populist heroism, yet even this fails to dent the awful message. And the budget makes itself seen, as does Bale's superlative Jim. Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

There are many glorious moments here. Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

Spielberg seems unable to come to terms with anything real. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

The movie is always interesting from a narrative point of view. Spielberg is a good storyteller with a good tale to tell. But it never really adds up to anything. Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

Spielberg is a virtuoso performer, and virtuosity can't be dismissed. But what Empire of the Sun proves is that it can have its limitations. Full Review

Tim Brayton
April 7, 2013
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy

The best mix in his directorial career between typical Spielbergian flourishes of audience-friendly spectacle and seriousness of intent. Full Review

Keith Uhlich
April 5, 2012
Keith Uhlich, Reverse Shot

Arguably Spielberg's strangest object. Full Review

Scott G. Mignola
January 2, 2011
Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media

Beautiful, but lacking WWII saga about a boy. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Jim Graham: He was my friend!
    • Basie: He's a jap!
    • Jim's Father: We're luckier than most and he's luckier than some.
    • Jim Graham: P-52, Cadillac of the sky.
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Empire of the Sun Trivia

  • What was one of Christian Bale's First Films?  Answer »
  • In wich movie a young english kid shouted "Cadillac of the Sky"?  Answer »
  • In which Spielberg film did Welsh actor, Christian Bale, make his debut?  Answer »
  • In which movie does Christian Bale portray the character of an 11-year-old English boy growing up in a Japanese Internment Camp during World War II?  Answer »
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