Empire of the Sun

PG

Released Dec 9, 1987

2 hr. 32 min.

Adventure

List

78%

63 Reviews

Tomatometer

90%

50,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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Brett J

This movie transcends time as one of the greats.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/15/24

Full Review

Axel Andres S

Un de las mejores películas bélicas basadas en la Guerra del Pacífico entre el imperio japonés y EE. UU, sobre la invasión de este a la ciudad de Hong Kong, relatando la vida de los prisioneros en los campos de concentración y una excelente actuacion de Christian Bale en los comienzos de su carrera. Destacar el ambiente y escenografía del momento en que ocurrió este conflicto desde los comienzos de la invasión japonesa hasta el final de la segunda guerra mundial.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/15/23

Full Review

matthias s

"Empire of the Sun" is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that tells the story of a young boy's journey through war-torn China. The performances, particularly that of Christian Bale as the young protagonist, are outstanding. The film's depiction of the harsh realities of war is both brutal and realistic, but it also manages to convey the resilience and hope of the human spirit. The film's pacing can be slow at times, and some of the subplots feel a bit underdeveloped. "Empire of the Sun" is a well-made and impactful film that is definitely worth watching.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/09/23

Full Review

Benjamin H

While it is a bit sprawling and doesn't nail the emotional center that it's story provides, Empire of the Sun is a dazzling looking coming-of-age epic that has sentimental, tonal on-point writing and a marvellous performance from Christian Bale ultimalely making this an underrated picture in Spielberg's highly polished filmography.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/05/23

Full Review

dave O

Brilliant movie. Truly a gripping story with good acting.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/23

Full Review

Kathryn V

I've been wanting to watch this movie for awhile because its a Spielberg movie and Christian Bale as a child was in it. Beautiful movie and C. Bale, gifted, haven't seen him in a movie yet that didn't hold my interest.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/30/23

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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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

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

Aug 18, 2022

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

Erick Estrada

Cinegarage

Steven Spielberg recognizes the human story and tragedy behind Ballard's novel. [Full review in Spanish]

Apr 11, 2023

Full Review

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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
Executive Producer: Robert Shapiro
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
Sound Mix: Surround

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