Empire of the Sun
starring: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano
directed by: Steven Spielberg
directed by: Steven Spielberg
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Product Description:
A young boys experiences after the army of imperial japan invades china following the december 1941 pearl harbor attack shape steven spielbergs spectacular inspiring and acclaimed tale about growing up in a time of war.Studio: Warner Home VideoRelease Date: 09/26/2006Starring: Christian Bale Miranda RichardsonRun time: 153 minutesRating: PgDirector: Steven Spielberg
Amazon.com essential video:
Roundly dismissed as one of Steven Spielberg's least successful efforts, this very underrated film poignantly follows the WorldWar II adventures of young Jim (a brilliant Christian Bale), caught in the throes of the fall of China. What if you once had everything and lost it all in an afternoon? What if you were only 12? Bale's transformation, from pampered British ruling-class child to an imprisoned, desperate, nearly feral boy, is nothing short of stunning. Also stunning are exceptional sets, cinematography, and music (the last courtesy of John Williams) that enhance author J.G.Ballard's and screenwriter Tom Stoppard's depiction of another, less familiar casualty of war.
In a time when competitors were releasing "comedic," derivative coming-of-age films, Empire of the Sun stands out as an epic in the classic David Lean sense--despite confusion or perceived competition with the equally excellent The Last Emperor (also released in 1987, and also a coming-of-age in a similar setting). It is also a remarkable testament to, yes, the human spirit. And despite its disappointing box-office returns,Empire of the Sun helped to further establish Spielberg as more than a commercial director and set the standard, tone, and look for future efforts Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. --N.F. Mendoza
A young boys experiences after the army of imperial japan invades china following the december 1941 pearl harbor attack shape steven spielbergs spectacular inspiring and acclaimed tale about growing up in a time of war.Studio: Warner Home VideoRelease Date: 09/26/2006Starring: Christian Bale Miranda RichardsonRun time: 153 minutesRating: PgDirector: Steven Spielberg
Amazon.com essential video:
Roundly dismissed as one of Steven Spielberg's least successful efforts, this very underrated film poignantly follows the WorldWar II adventures of young Jim (a brilliant Christian Bale), caught in the throes of the fall of China. What if you once had everything and lost it all in an afternoon? What if you were only 12? Bale's transformation, from pampered British ruling-class child to an imprisoned, desperate, nearly feral boy, is nothing short of stunning. Also stunning are exceptional sets, cinematography, and music (the last courtesy of John Williams) that enhance author J.G.Ballard's and screenwriter Tom Stoppard's depiction of another, less familiar casualty of war.
In a time when competitors were releasing "comedic," derivative coming-of-age films, Empire of the Sun stands out as an epic in the classic David Lean sense--despite confusion or perceived competition with the equally excellent The Last Emperor (also released in 1987, and also a coming-of-age in a similar setting). It is also a remarkable testament to, yes, the human spirit. And despite its disappointing box-office returns,Empire of the Sun helped to further establish Spielberg as more than a commercial director and set the standard, tone, and look for future efforts Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. --N.F. Mendoza
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- Fantastic Movie
This is one of the best movies i ever seen. The history is terrific. the best is that it isn't a kind of Hollywood's movie. The actors are great and is very emotive.
In fact this is by far the best Steven Spielberg movie.
I do not recommend it for people who loves movies in Hollywood's styles. This is not for you.
Great Movie!!!! Fantastic!!!
Rating:
- The many highlights outweigh the films few problems...
For some reason there is a huge circle of film snobs (cinaphiles, movie buffs) who absolutely hate this film.I can understand to an extent, but not seeing the films central glistening facet is to ignore what is right in front of your eyes.Yes, even the vilest of movie critics; even someone who detests everything that is so Hollywood about Steven Spielberg will tell you that Christian Bale delivers quite possibly the finest child acting performance of all time.
That said; I don't ... Read More
Rating: - Remember, We're British
Empire of the Sun
Based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical book of the same name, "Empire of the Sun" follows the life of a young British schoolboy caught in the Japanese invasion of Shanghai. The British tried to recreate England in their enclave, complete with Church of England services and elaborate costume parties. As the Japanese advance the British evacuate, mostly by sea to Hong Kong and Singapore.The boy, James Graham,(Christian Bale in a remarkable film debut) is separated ... Read More
Rating: - HARD TO FIND STUFF
I've been looking for this movie and its beautiful music for a long time and finally found it. I guess I just didn'tlook in the right places. I am now much wiser.
Rating: - An Interesting and Inspiring Bit of History
I first saw "Empire of the Sun" in the Lakes District in England with an Australian stranger named Alf. (I'm not making this up.) Though a literature major in college, this film made me realize how few in-depth, behind-the-scenes, real history lessons I learned in my regular high school and college classes. The film started me on a journey to learn more. I now teach Social Studies and English to high-schoolers and try to always make sure my students understand that history is people and people are ... Read More
- Fantastic MovieThis is one of the best movies i ever seen. The history is terrific. the best is that it isn't a kind of Hollywood's movie. The actors are great and is very emotive.
In fact this is by far the best Steven Spielberg movie.
I do not recommend it for people who loves movies in Hollywood's styles. This is not for you.
Great Movie!!!! Fantastic!!!
Rating:
- The many highlights outweigh the films few problems...For some reason there is a huge circle of film snobs (cinaphiles, movie buffs) who absolutely hate this film.I can understand to an extent, but not seeing the films central glistening facet is to ignore what is right in front of your eyes.Yes, even the vilest of movie critics; even someone who detests everything that is so Hollywood about Steven Spielberg will tell you that Christian Bale delivers quite possibly the finest child acting performance of all time.
That said; I don't ... Read More
Rating:
- Remember, We're British Empire of the Sun
Based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical book of the same name, "Empire of the Sun" follows the life of a young British schoolboy caught in the Japanese invasion of Shanghai. The British tried to recreate England in their enclave, complete with Church of England services and elaborate costume parties. As the Japanese advance the British evacuate, mostly by sea to Hong Kong and Singapore.The boy, James Graham,(Christian Bale in a remarkable film debut) is separated ... Read More
Rating:
- HARD TO FIND STUFFI've been looking for this movie and its beautiful music for a long time and finally found it. I guess I just didn'tlook in the right places. I am now much wiser.
Rating:
- An Interesting and Inspiring Bit of HistoryI first saw "Empire of the Sun" in the Lakes District in England with an Australian stranger named Alf. (I'm not making this up.) Though a literature major in college, this film made me realize how few in-depth, behind-the-scenes, real history lessons I learned in my regular high school and college classes. The film started me on a journey to learn more. I now teach Social Studies and English to high-schoolers and try to always make sure my students understand that history is people and people are ... Read More
