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Empire of the Sun

Play trailer Poster for Empire of the Sun PG 1987 2h 32m Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
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77% Tomatometer 65 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 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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Empire of the Sun

Empire of the Sun

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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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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher The Times (UK) 08/18/2022
[Stephen Spielberg's] graduation to grown-up film-making. Go to Full Review
Gilbert Adair Sight & Sound 01/28/2020
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. Go to Full Review
David Denby New York Magazine/Vulture 12/31/2019
Empire of the Sun is a great, overwrought movie that leaves one wordless and worn out. Go to Full Review
Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Dec 2
5/5
…Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun is arguably his best adult film, a searing drama, as the horrors of war take their toll on a young boy, Jim, played in a career-igniting performance by Christian Bale…. Go to Full Review
Jana Monji Age of the Geek 05/03/2024
2/5
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. Go to Full Review
Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand 09/09/2023
... 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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Gregory S Dec 9 Probably the greatest movie that I have seen that is massively underrated. How Bale or Malkovich did not get an oscar nod is criminal. Not to mention Spielberg not getting a nod for Director or Picture. This is just an incredible movie, that does not get enough love. See more Zach B @ZachBasham67 Dec 7 Steven Spielberg is my favorite director of all time! This is one of his best. It can get really emotional and it can be funny. Also, I forgot Christian Bale was the star See more Tyler G @tylergross121 Sep 16 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. See more Julie K Aug 30 Wonderful movie, touching, engaging, meaningful. I loved it. See more thiago s @Thiagostone Apr 6 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. See more Matt W 12/20/2024 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. See more Read all reviews
Empire of the Sun

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Movie Info

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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