Empire of the Sun

1987 • 152 minutes

About this movie

Based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, Empire of the Sun stars Christian Bale as a spoiled young British boy, living with his wealthy family in pre-World War II Shanghai. During the Japanese invasion, Bale is separated from his parents. With the help of soldier-of-fortune John Malkovich, Bale learns to survive without a retinue of servants at his beck and call. By the time Malkovich and Bale are tossed into a Japanese prison camp, the boy has picked up enough street-smarts and developed enough intestinal fortitude to regard his imprisonment as an exciting adventure. The story ends during the 1945 liberation: on the verge of manhood, the 13-year-old Bale will never again be the pampered, privileged brat whom we met in the early scenes.

Ratings and reviews

Absolutely the best movie ever. Seen so many times...still cries every time. Just love this movie.

the movie is mi the movie It's Amazing is the best work of Steven spielberg and Christian Bale is Golden Pure Amazon the best film ever the bestfield ever

A real feeling period piece. We'll acted, well directed .