Empire Of The Sun [1987]

In 1987, when Steven Spielberg released Empire of the Sun, he was fighting a reputation as a lightweight filmmaker, something not even his previous effort, The Color Purple, had dispelled. This label would dog him until 1993, when Schindler's List defined him as a director with equal command of serious and popular material. Because most of Spielberg's best substantive movies came after 1993, Empire of the Sun is often overlooked. Although it isn't entirely successful - there are times when Spielberg's vision exceeds his grasp - the picture is a good predictor of things to come as well as a successful examination of a setting that rarely gets treatment in Western films.

It's Shanghai in December 1941, and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is about to change everything for the British citizens living there. The city has been under Japanese occupation for some time, but the invading army has allowed the British and American quarters to continue operating autonomously. However, on December 8, the Japanese move in, confiscating property and consigning British and American citizens to concentration camps. Jim Graham (Christian Bale), a teenager living with his British parents, Mary (Emily Richard) and John (Rupert Frazer), becomes separated from them during the chaos that erupts after Pearl Harbor. He spends time in hiding before joining with American soldiers of fortune Baise (John Malkovich) and Frank (Joe Pantoliano). Eventually, all three end up in the Soo Chow camp, next to a Japanese air base. From there, Jim, who has had a lifelong affair with flying machines, can watch the Zeroes take off and land. As the experience in the camp toughens him, Jim becomes an important cog in the day-to-day activities of the prisoners, although he dreams of a time when he can escape and locate his parents.

United States, 1987
U.S. Release Date: 12/9/87
Running Length: 2:33
MPAA Classification: PG (Violence, profanity)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Cast: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano, Leslie Phillips, Masatô Ibu, Emily Richard, Rupert Frazer, Peter Gale
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenplay: Tom Stoppard, based on the novel by J.G. Ballard
Cinematography: Allen Daviau
Music: John Williams
U.S. Distributor: Warner Brothers
Link: Imdb