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Empire of the Sun

Play trailer Poster for Empire of the Sun PG 1987 2h 32m Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
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75% Tomatometer 67 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Jamie Graham (Christian Bale), 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 named Basie (John Malkovich), 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 spirits, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.
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Empire of the Sun

Empire of the Sun

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Critics Consensus

One of Steven Spielberg's most ambitious efforts of the 1980s, Empire of the Sun remains an underrated gem in the director's distinguished filmography.

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Critics Reviews

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Victoria Mather Daily Telegraph (UK) Jan 7, 2026
I admire [Steven Spielberg] for sticking to the brattishness of Jim, which is implicit in the book, but what the director failed to work out was a way of making us care about what happens to him. Go to Full Review Kevin Maher The Times (UK) Aug 18, 2022
[Stephen Spielberg's] graduation to grown-up film-making. Go to Full Review Gilbert Adair Sight & Sound Jan 28, 2020
What is most remarkable about Empire of the Sun then, is the almost seamless fashion in which a faithful adaptation... has nevertheless contrived to become a proto-Spielbergian affirmation of faith and optimism in the universe. Go to Full Review Philip French Observer (UK) Jan 7, 2026
Even though you might be impressed by the portentous mood, you'll wonder how a film that comes to look like a sanitised fusion of The Go-Between and Tenko can have been derived from a novel that has been favorably compared to A High Wind in Jamaica. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Dec 2, 2025
5/5
…Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun is arguably his best adult film, a searing drama, as the horrors of war take their toll on a young boy, Jim, played in a career-igniting performance by Christian Bale…. Go to Full Review Jana Monji Age of the Geek May 3, 2024
2/5
A boy born in privilege (Christian Bale) scrambles to survive two years in a Japanese concentration camp. The film takes place in China during World War II, but there are no prominent Chinese characters. This is an intriguing example of Asian erasure. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Christopher P @RT07578275 Aug 19, 2026 A highly underrated and mostly forgotten gem. Under appreciated when first released, it failed to pick up any Oscars. I am sure if released today, it would secure Best Picture, Best Cinematography and potentially Best Score. Watching it in 2026 brings me back to when I first saw it as a child in the early 90s. Many of the scenes made a long lasting impression and remained with me until now. Everyone should watch this movie at least once. See more Adam K @SunsetLonerCinema May 31, 2026 A stunning, majestic, and adventurous coming of age story that let audiences know Christian Bale was going to be somebody in front of the camera. See more Ben W @Username618 Apr 18, 2026 Can't remember! spoiler. He does chest compressions on someone who is dead. See more Gregory S @Gregory566 Dec 9, 2025 Probably the greatest movie that I have seen that is massively underrated. How Bale or Malkovich did not get an oscar nod is criminal. Not to mention Spielberg not getting a nod for Director or Picture. This is just an incredible movie, that does not get enough love. See more Zach B @ZachB54 Dec 7, 2025 Steven Spielberg is my favorite director of all time! This is one of his best. It can get really emotional and it can be funny. Also, I forgot Christian Bale was the star See more Tyler G @tylergross121 Sep 16, 2025 I really enjoyed it, even if the middle section of the movie at the camp drags on a bit. The action is marvelous and it will make you feel feels. Not in Spielberg's top tier, but it is as great movie. See more Read all reviews
Empire of the Sun

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Cast & Crew

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Steven Spielberg

Director

Christian Bale

Jim "Jamie" Graham

John Malkovich

Basie

Miranda Richardson

Mrs. Victor

Nigel Havers

Dr. Rawlins

Joe Pantoliano

Frank Demarest

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Empire of the Sun

Empire of the Sun (1987) Empire of the Sun (1987) Empire of the Sun (1987) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Jamie Graham (Christian Bale), 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 named Basie (John Malkovich), 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 spirits, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.
Director
Steven Spielberg
Producer
Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Steven Spielberg
Screenwriter
Tom Stoppard
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Rating
PG
Genre
Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 9, 1987, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 25, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$22.0M
Runtime
2h 32m
Sound Mix
Surround
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