Spielberg has dreamed of flying before, and this time he earns his wings.
Empire of the Sun
To survive in a world at war, he must find a strength greater than all the events that surround him.
1987 · 2h 33m · PG
Drama, History, War
Directed by
Steven Spielberg
Overview
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.
Director and cast
- Steven Spielberg Director
- Christian Bale as Jim 'Jamie' Graham
- John Malkovich as Basie
- Miranda Richardson as Mrs. Victor
- Nigel Havers as Dr. Rawlins
- Ben Stiller as Dainty
- Joe Pantoliano as Frank Demarest
- Leslie Phillips as Maxton
- Masatô Ibu as Sgt. Nagata
- Emily Richard as Mary Graham, Jim's mother
- Rupert Frazer as John Graham, Jim's father
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
No special use is made of the talents of Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano and the others, so it is up to young English thesp Bale to engage the viewer's interest, which he does superbly.
There are many glorious moments here.
Spielberg seems unable to come to terms with anything real.
The movie is always interesting from a narrative point of view. Spielberg is a good storyteller with a good tale to tell. But it never really adds up to anything.
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