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Empire of the Sun Poster

Empire of the Sun

PG
Movie
1987
2h 33m
English
Drama, History, War
Jamie Graham, 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, 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 spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.
Rating
WATCHMODE
7.9
IMDB
Empire of the Sun (1987) on IMDb
CRITIC SCORE
70

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Nigel Havers
Dr. Rawlins
Joe Pantoliano
Frank Demarest
Masat Ibu
Sgt. Nagata
Emily Richard
Jim's Mother
Rupert Frazer
Jim's Father
Peter Gale
Mr. Victor
Takatar Kataoka
Kamikaze Boy Pilot
Robert Stephens
Mr. Lockwood
Guts Ishimatsu
Sgt. Uchida
Emma Piper
Amy Matthews
James Walker
Mr. Radik
Jack Dearlove
Singing Prisoner
Anna Turner
Mrs. Gilmour
Ann Castle
Mrs. Phillips
Yvonne Gilan
Mrs. Lockwood
Ralph Michael
Mr. Partridge
Sybil Maas
Mrs. Hug
Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Written By: Tom Stoppard (Screenplay), Menno Meyjes (Screenplay), + 1 more

Featured Comments/Tips

CinemanicBonkers says...
5 years ago
I’m glad Christian Bale grew up to be one of the best actors in the world, he’s done so well with his acting career and fantastic performance in this film. I forgot how beautiful and moving this film is, definitely a well made picture, great work from Spielberg and glad to have watched it and honoured to have it apart of my collection because it truly is a classic.
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  300
nmahoney416 says...
7 years ago
Young Christian Bale is still a pretty great actor and looks exactly the same. The movie starts strong but drags a little after they get to the camp. It seemed a little unfocused about what exactly it wanted to be. Still I enjoyed it.
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  200
siggi963 says...
4 weeks ago
Excellent way to tell the story of what happened in chine at the time through the story of a child that lost his parents. Great performance from the future Batman Christian Bale.
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  000
Spiritualized Kaos says...
10 months ago
A boy has to survive in a Japanese concentration camp.
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  000

Featured User Reviews

ColdStream96
CONTAINS SPOILERS6/10  4 years ago
**THE WACPINE OF ‘EMPIRE OF THE SUN’**

WRITING: 6
ATMOSPHERE: 6
CHARACTERS: 7
PRODUCTION: 8
INTRIGUE: 5
NOVELTY: 7
ENJOYMENT: 5

----

**The Good:**

A 13-year-old (!) Christian Bale in his first starring role, and while I miss his mannerisms and the tough guy attitude of most of More
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  000
Wuchak
4 years ago
_**Even great people have a dud on occasion**_

A British boy (Christian Bale) living with his wealthy parents in Shanghai is separated from them when Japanese forces invade in the early years of WW2. He then has to survive the war in a POW camp. John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers an More
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  000
The Movie Diorama
5 years ago
Empire of the Sun glaringly shines insight into the impoverished wealthy amidst war-torn China. Spielberg is one of a handful of directors that everyone acknowledges. Whether your interest lies with films or elsewhere, he is known to all for his eclectic filmography that tackles nearly every single More
Like  -  Dislike  -  Comment  -  000

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