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Empire of the Sun (1987) 7.7
Ratings:
7.7/10 from 59,386 users
Metascore: 60/100
Reviews: 268 user | 52 critic | 17 from Metacritic.com A young English boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation during World War II. Director:Steven Spielberg |
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Title: Empire of the Sun (1987)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Christian Bale | ... | ||
| John Malkovich | ... | ||
| Miranda Richardson | ... |
Mrs. Victor
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| Nigel Havers | ... |
Dr. Rawlins
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| Joe Pantoliano | ... | ||
| Leslie Phillips | ... |
Maxton
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Masatô Ibu | ... |
Sgt. Nagata
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Emily Richard | ... |
Mary Graham, Jim's mother
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Rupert Frazer | ... |
John Graham, Jim's father
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Peter Gale | ... |
Mr. Victor
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Takatarô Kataoka | ... |
Kamikaze Boy Pilot
(as Takatoro Kataoka)
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| Ben Stiller | ... |
Dainty
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David Neidorf | ... |
Tiptree
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| Ralph Seymour | ... |
Cohen
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| Robert Stephens | ... |
Mr. Lockwood
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Based on J. G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, tells the story of a boy, James Graham, whose privileged life is upturned by the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, December 8, 1941. Separated from his parents, he is eventually captured, and taken to Soo Chow confinement camp, next to a captured Chinese airfield. Amidst the sickness and food shortages in the camp, Jim attempts to reconstruct his former life, all the while bringing spirit and dignity to those around him. Written by Jeff Hansen <jmh@umich.edu>
Taglines:
To survive in a world at war, he must find a strength greater than all the events that surround him.Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
25 December 1987 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
El imperio del sol See more »Box Office
Budget:
$38,000,000 (estimated)Gross:
$22,238,696 (USA)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Narrator: [title card] In 1941 China and Japan had been in a state of undeclared war for four years. A Japanese army of occupation was in control of much of the countryside and many towns and cities. In Shanghai thousands of Westerners, protected by the diplomatic security of the International Settlement, continued to live as they had lived since the British came here in the 19th century and built in the image of their own country... built banking houses, hotels, offices, churches and homes ...
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Did You Know?
Goofs
During the very last shot of Jim's suitcase floating in the river, a rope can be seen tied to the top right corner of the case, leading off the right side of the screen, keeping the suitcase from drifting out of the shot. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Narrator: [title card] In 1941 China and Japan had been in a state of undeclared war for four years. A Japanese army of occupation was in control of much of the countryside and many towns and cities. In Shanghai thousands of Westerners, protected by the diplomatic security of the International Settlement, continued to live as they had lived since the British came here in the 19th century and built in the image of their own country... built banking houses, hotels, offices, churches and homes ...
See more »
I had put off watching this until recently, I do not know why, I had not read reviews and for some reason imagined it to be a movie about a young Japanese prince(!!).
I was captivated by the performance of Christian Bale as a privileged young boy named Jim Graham, growing up in Shanghai, very far removed from the poverty and despair all around him. When war breaks out, this changes him forever and hence the story.
After some harrowing experiences he winds up in a prisoner of war camp where he befriends some interesting characters and quickly adapts to a life of conniving and subterfuge to survive.
The transformation of Jim is beautifully captured, Steven Spielberg is a gifted director of child actors and gets a maximum performance always.
I was enthralled from beginning to end, young Jim was forever changed by his experiences and this change is portrayed starkly here when he is finally reunited with his parents.
8 out of 10 for equally impressive performances from John Malkovich and Miranda Richardson, but Christian Bale's performance deserved an Oscar.