Empire Of The Sun Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
An aristocratic British youth is seperated from his family at the start of World War II after the Japanese Army invades British controlled areas of China. Reduced to living on the street and fighting for food, the youth is eventually interned in a Japanese POW camp for British civilians. Here, admiration quickly develops both for captured American pilots and the Japanese themselves. When the war ends, the boy torn from everything he knew attempts to again find his parents.
| Christian Bale | Jim 'Jamie' Graham |
| Joe Pantoliano | Frank Demarest |
| Miranda Richardson | Mrs. Victor |
| Leslie Phillips | Maxton |
| John Malkovich | Basie |
| Nigel Havers | Dr. Rawlins |
| Masatô Ibu | Sgt. Nagata |
| Emily Richard | Mary Graham, Jim's mother |
| Rupert Frazer | John Graham, Jim's father |
| Peter Gale | Mr. Victor |
| Takatoro Kataoka | Kamikaze Boy Pilot |
| Ben Stiller | Dainty |
| David Neidorf | Tiptree |
| Ralph Seymour | Cohen |
| Robert Stephens | Mr. Lockwood |
| Steven Spielberg |
7.50 out of 10 (12089 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Personally, this is the best movie I have ever seen.
posted on 31 Aug 2009Steven Spielberg did a brilliant job with an otherwise less than exciting novel. Critics don't do this movie justice. The directing was superb, and the acting was wonderful especially by the young but talented Christian Bale. Visions of war planes in the sky and of a child reaching out to touch them will remain with me forever. I highly recommend this movie! END
CLASSIC
posted on 31 Aug 2009EMPIRE OF THE SUN is a classic motion picture, directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Tom Stoppard, based on the novel by JG Ballard. This film is filled with stunning imagery and the most eloquent dialogue I've ever heard in a modern motion picture. Christian Bale certainly gives one of the most powerful performances ever delivered by a young actor. This is an epic film about one boy's journey into manhood told against the grand tapestry of WWII. Spielberg was right when he said, "...they don't make movies like this anymore." They sure don't. END
Spielberg's Forgotten Classic
posted on 31 Aug 2009Years before SCHINDLERS LIST, Spielberg made another WWII drama. Set in wartorn China, Spielberg bravely decided to tell the true-life story about a young English schoolboy, separated from his parents, who is forced to live in a Japanese concentration camp. A strong morality tale about class and race and the end of childhood, movie audiences didn't find much to understand EMPIRE OF THE SUN. It was about a part of WWII that few Americans study about, and its hero was English. Based on the autobiography by J.G. Ballard, Spielberg turned EMPIRE OF THE SUN into a sweeping war drama with a stellar cast that included Christian Bale (who has gone on to appear in HENRY V, LITTLE WOMEN, and THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY), Miranda Richardson (TOM & VIV), John Malkovich, and Nigel Havers. It is Bale who is stunning here, dominating the film as a spoiled 12 year old schoolboy who learns about the horrors of war and is transformed into a feral streetkid. What is more stunning is how EMPIRE OF THE SUN marked Spielberg's own artistic growth. There are no cherubic child actors here - Bale's performance is reminiscent in depth and range of Meryl Streep's own concentration camp role in SOPHIE'S CHOICE. Bale won a special award for acting from the National Board of Review. And Spielberg, many years before the computer generated worlds of JURASSIC PARK, filmed this Oscar-nominated epic on location in China. END
AN INCREDIBLE MOVIE
posted on 31 Aug 2009This movie is so well-done that every time I see it I forget it's just a movie. Christian Bale could not have done a better job of portraying this young boy. In fact, I first saw this movie because I love Christian Bale, but after I saw it, it became so much more to me. You get caught up in young Jim's life and you begin to really feel for him. Although this is a drama, you find some comedy in the personality of Jim. I could truly go on and on. Just PLEASE, if you haven't seen it, go rent it. You won't regret it.
Excellent Film, Unique and Original Setting for a Story
posted on 31 Aug 2009Long movie but very good. Probably requires an audience that has an appreciation of WWII history and the events surrounding Japan's invasion of China. The film is long, but the story requires it because it follows the difficult adventure of a young boy lost by his parents during the Japanese Army's capture of Shanghai early in World War II. The story spans from the boy's comfortable lifestyle living as a foreignor in China to the end of the war. It shows the harsh transition into captivity after occupation by the Japanese and how the young boy manages to adapt to his new surroundings without the care of his parents. Numerous events occur, both with his fellow prisoners and the Japanese. My favorite and significant scene is the attack by U.S. Air Force fighter planes on the Japanese airfield adjacent to the boy's prison camp. It is startling, exciting and hypnotic as the boy sees visions of hope during this battle. The movie becomes pretty emotional and the ending is touching. Well done.
An Unheralded Masterpiece
posted on 31 Aug 2009This epic film is the first of Spielberg's World War II trilogy that includes "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan." It was made at a time when Spielberg was financially successfully but artistic merit eluded him. That this remarkable piece of filmmaking has been overlooked is no reflection on him; it is the failure of the tastes of critics and the public alike. Spielberg tells a beautiful story of the horrors of war, how families are uprooted and separated, and how the human spirit overcomes adversity. Christian Bale is superb in the film. I cannot comprehend why his career did not soar after the film's release. It was good to see him in the role of Jesus in the recently televised movie on Mary. John Malkovich is his usual fantastic self as a fellow POW who becomes Bale's Long John Silver, a sly comparison to the classic "Treasure Island." The film is beautifully photographed and has a subtle and moving score from Spielberg stalwart John Williams. It is a must for fans of the director and those who appreciate masterful storytelling.
Absolutely one of Spielberg's best efforts.
posted on 31 Aug 2009Empire of the Sun, is one of the best movies I've ever seen. It is definitely one of the best films Steven Spielberg ever directed. This the film that should have given him his first oscar for directing. The story itself was touching and almost brought a tear to my eye. This movie's story was touching and gave you some insight to the human soul.
One Of Spielbergs Best . Powerful, A Must See
posted on 31 Aug 2009Steven Spielberg's Empire Of The Sun marked a much more serious side to the great director. Truly A Underrated classic,that has been on my best 10 best films list.The story follows the life of A young lad by the name of Jamie who is seperated from his parents during WW2.A spoiled BRAT who finds him self surrounded by the harsh realaties of life and how to survive on his own.Breath taking scenes and superb acting,makes this film an instant classic.One scene that I alwaws find my self rewinding,is A scene where young Jim is visually taken away,by the sight of a Japenese fighter jet.There's sparks in the back ground and one of John Williams'best peace's of music,just leaves you in awe. So go rent it, aiight.
Brilliant
posted on 31 Aug 2009This is my absolute favorite move of all time! I saw it in the theaters when it came out (i was only 3 though) and the second time i saw it was when i was 14, and wow, what a masterpiece. This hasta be one of Spielbergs best films. The music is unbelievable too! I've been humming the song Jim sings ever since last night. I cry whenever I see this (if ratings were tissues, this would be a 10 all the way!). This is the best movie ever made! You will not be disappointed by this at all. If you love Spielberg, you will so love Empire of the Sun. I hope I get it for Christmas!
This movie is a great one.
posted on 31 Aug 2009This movie was beautiful. I saw it with my brother a couple of years ago and I thought it was the best movie I had laid my eyes upon. Though I am only 13, this movie changed my life. I now understand about WWII in that perspective. That is my favorite movie and i urge you to watch it.
One of the very best films I have ever seen!
posted on 31 Aug 2009Mr. Malton's review borders criminal intent! This film is anything but distant and the music and direction are perfectly suited to the story, as well as the intent to draw the viewer into a world very likely never before experienced or even imagined by most! I found every minute, every inch of film worthy of a Best Picture Academy Award. Even smaller, supporting actor and actress performances were keenly on time and seemingly heartfelt. Year after year, since it's release, it tops my list of all-time favorites. If you don't at least rent it once, you're cheating yourself out of a high emotional experience!
beautiful film
posted on 31 Aug 2009I absolutely love this film. It is one of Spielberg's finest. Christian Bale's performance is one of the best I have seen. Empire of the Sun gives a view of WWII that is rarely seen- the prison camps in China. John Williams did a wonderful job with the score, and the performance of the song "Suo Gan" in the film is simply beautiful. Even the artwork from the video's cover is gorgeous. I can honestly say I quote lines from this movie at least every other day. I own a copy of the film, a copy of the novel, and two copies of the soundtrack. I highly recommend all of them.
Very emmotional and well thoughtout movie.
posted on 31 Aug 2009A young child lost in Japan from his family durring WWII. This boy is forced to grow up quickly as he is faced with death, fear, and hatred all in such a short time. I saw this movie when I was 10 and it touched me then. I bought this movie and still I am choked up at several points in the movie.
The mind of a child shaped by circumstances
posted on 31 Aug 2009This movie is Speilberg's best movie to date. An insightful look at human nature, it shows how a child can cling so desperately to a person that he will do anything. It makes you look deep inside to see what your motivation may be for the things that you do. Wonderfully casted and acted, one becomes emotionally involved, stays to the end, and still wants more.
Spielberg's Masterpiece
posted on 31 Aug 2009If The Doors was Oliver Stone's baby, then Empire of the Sun is Spielberg's. This is his signature piece, if not his masterpiece: from the airplanes to the rolling dolly shots to the film stock quality, Empire of the Sun reflects all that is great about Spielberg's craftsmanship as a film maker without the bombast and over-sentimentality. The scale of the film is enormous, the production values incomparable. You can feel that no effort was spared to recreate the world recorded in J.G. Ballard's novel--from the crowds of Shanghai to the concentration camps, the Kafkaesque compound of confiscated goods in a vast open field in China, parachutes containing rations dropping from the sky: every scene is perfectly realized. Even Kubrick could not have done better. The atomic bomb blast sequence is hauntingly realistic and ominous. This is also one of Spielberg's most subtle films in terms of characterization--Christian Bale is superb as is John Malkevich--both convey how individuals cope with the horrors of war with acceptance and pragmatism. I have to say that this film is superior to both Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List as an organic work of art, as well an archetypal story for all nations. I am not a big fan of Spielberg, but Empire of the Sun gets my vote as his masterpiece.
A Brilliant Masterpiece
posted on 31 Aug 2009I just recently viewed this film and was blown away with awe. The acting by young Christian Bale was breathtaking, and is one of the best performances by a young actor I have seen in years. The scenary and music fit so well into the film. This film will always be my favorite.
UNBELIEVEABLE
posted on 31 Aug 2009EMPIRE OF THE SUN is one of the most unbelieveable films I have seen--and probably will ever see--in my life. Steven Spielberg couldn't do any better than this brilliant movie. Christian Bale gives the best acting done by a child ever displayed. Anyone who likes movies would love this. Highly reccommended.
An amazing underrated film
posted on 31 Aug 2009Being a Christian Bale fan, I had to watch it and I was realy surprised. He was only 13 but he did an outstanding job. The story was action-packed enough to keep my attention, but it was long enough to have some calmness about it. Definitely one of my favorite movies. A must-see.
When Spielberg does serious WW2 films, he's a master!
posted on 31 Aug 2009I've read the book and seen the movie. I read the book after seeing the film and I was quite pleased with how faithful the movie was. I saw it with a friend who had studied Chinese history and was pretty skeptical about the movie before we saw it. he came out of the theather gushing praise and I was too. The transformation of the boy (Jim) into a man who is completely reduced to the bare ammorality of survival is stunning. Jim's gradual slide into madness is amazing to see. I really liked how his fascination with airplanes was portrayed in the movie and the aerial scenes had my hair standing up. As someone mentioned before, here is the seed of Schindler's List and even Saving Private Ryan. See this movie!