Empire of the Sun

1987 • 152 minit

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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.

Penilaian dan ulasan

From the majestic score by the legend that is John Williams, to the amazing superbly direction of the master Spielberg, to the young but gifted (an early precursor of the great actor he will be) Bale; what else can be said about this poignant film. Sure, it has its flaws, but this Spielberg trying a new direction and voice and succeeding at capturing profound images that will definitely make you cheer! (That scene of Bale shouting and cheering at the mustangs is a priceless moment that is a crescendo payback to what permeated throughout the film). Recommend it!

Very well directed, filmed and acted. But also very slow and boring in many parts. The camera lingered too long in the same place in many occasions. Could have stood to be about 30+ minutes shorter.

This movie is one of the most underated movies of your lifetime. It's beautiful in almost every way possible and gives a glimpse into the good things that can happen when you tell a story correctly.