Empire of the Sun

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Empire of the Sun

PG

1987

2h 32m

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

64 Reviews

90%

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50,000+ Ratings

Jamie Graham (Christian Bale), 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 named Basie (John Malkovich), 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 spirits, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.

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Critics Consensus

One of Steven Spielberg's most ambitious efforts of the 1980s, Empire of the Sun remains an underrated gem in the director's distinguished filmography.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

[Stephen Spielberg's] graduation to grown-up film-making.

Aug 18, 2022

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Gilbert Adair

Sight & Sound

What is most remarkable about Empire of the Sun then, is the almost seamless fashion in which a faithful adaptation... has nevertheless contrived to become a proto-Spielbergian affirmation of faith and optimism in the universe.

Jan 28, 2020

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David Denby

New York Magazine/Vulture

Empire of the Sun is a great, overwrought movie that leaves one wordless and worn out.

Dec 31, 2019

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Jana Monji

Age of the Geek

A boy born in privilege (Christian Bale) scrambles to survive two years in a Japanese concentration camp. The film takes place in China during World War II, but there are no prominent Chinese characters. This is an intriguing example of Asian erasure.

Rated: 2/5

May 3, 2024

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

... a perfect marriage of the director’s affinity for a child’s wonder and innocence, his grown-up understanding of the horrors of war, and his impeccable technique.

Sep 9, 2023

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Michael Clark

Epoch Times

In the context of Spielberg’s overall output from a quality perspective, “Empire” lands just below the halfway point. Had it been made by a first-time director, it would’ve been considered impressive; instead, it serves as a perfunctory transition piece.

Rated: 2.5/5

Aug 29, 2023

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Tyler G

I really enjoyed it, even if the middle section of the movie at the camp drags on a bit. The action is marvelous and it will make you feel feels. Not in Spielberg's top tier, but it is as great movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/16/25

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Julie K

Wonderful movie, touching, engaging, meaningful. I loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/30/25

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thiago s

Filme mais ou menos, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são mais ou menos, a história é mais ou menos, o elenco é mais ou menos, e alguns ajudam a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para ser bom.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/06/25

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Matt W

This is one of my favorite films of all time. I've been watching it since it came out and it's just as good each time I see it. Absolute stellar cast and should have won a lot of awards. This is actually my favorite Speilberg WWII movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/24

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judy b

Great movie! Am watching it again for the third time. Saw it in the theater when it first came out. Christian Bale’s first movie. Had no idea he would go on to be such a great actor.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

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geert v

Visually impressive, but rather shallow movie with a bad script and uninteresting characters, except for Bale who is acting great in his first major role. Spielberg represents the life in a Japanese prisoncamp very unrealistically. The first half of the film is the best.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/24/24

Full Review

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Steven Spielberg

Director

Christian Bale

Jim "Jamie" Graham

John Malkovich

Basie

Miranda Richardson

Mrs. Victor

Nigel Havers

Dr. Rawlins

Joe Pantoliano

Frank Demarest

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Synopsis

Jamie Graham (Christian Bale), 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 named Basie (John Malkovich), 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 spirits, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.

Director: Steven Spielberg
Producer: Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Steven Spielberg
Screenwriter: Tom Stoppard
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 9, 1987, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 25, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $22.0M
Runtime: 2h 32m
Sound Mix: Surround

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