Empire of the Sun

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Empire of the Sun

PG

1987

2h 32m

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

75%

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67 Reviews

90%

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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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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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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.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

Aug 18, 2022

[Stephen Spielberg's] graduation to grown-up film-making.

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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.

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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.

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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….

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Ben W

@Username618 Apr 18, 2026

Can't remember! spoiler. He does chest compressions on someone who is dead.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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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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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