Home
search
more | tips
IMDb > Empire of the Sun (1987)
Empire of the Sun
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Empire of the Sun (1987) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 28 | slideshow) Videos
Empire of the Sun (1987) -- A young English boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation during World War II.

Overview

User Rating:
7.7/10   30,043 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 4% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Steven Spielberg
Writers:
J.G. Ballard (novel)
Tom Stoppard (writer)
more
Contact:
View company contact information for Empire of the Sun on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
9 December 1987 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama | War more
Tagline:
To survive in a world at war, he must find a strength greater than all the events that surround him.
Plot:
A young English boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation during World War II. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 11 wins & 7 nominations more
User Comments:
truly inspirational more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Christian Bale ... Jim 'Jamie' Graham

John Malkovich ... Basie

Miranda Richardson ... Mrs. Victor
Nigel Havers ... Dr. Rawlins

Joe Pantoliano ... Frank Demarest
Leslie Phillips ... Maxton
Masatô Ibu ... Sgt. Nagata
Emily Richard ... Mary Graham, Jim's mother
Rupert Frazer ... John Graham, Jim's father
Peter Gale ... Mr. Victor
Takatoro Kataoka ... Kamikaze Boy Pilot

Ben Stiller ... Dainty
David Neidorf ... Tiptree
Ralph Seymour ... Cohen
Robert Stephens ... Mr. Lockwood
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
153 min
Country:
USA
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) | Dolby (35 mm prints)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Final film of Ralph Michael. more
Goofs:
Continuity: When the truck leaves the hangar for the Suchow Internment camp, it does not have a frame for the rear covering. When they arrive at Suchow, the frame is clearly present. 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...
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Into the Breach: 'Saving Private Ryan' (1998) (V) more
Soundtrack:
SWING IS IN THE AIR more

FAQ

What is the name of the lullaby sung by Jim throughout the movie?
Is this based entirely on JG Ballard's experiences during the war?
What's with the stadium filled with treasures?
more
85 out of 106 people found the following comment useful:-
truly inspirational, 4 December 1998
Author: carebear-7 from Keene,NH

When I saw this movie for the first time I was a fifteen year old kid more interested in the fact that Christian Bale was in it than what it was about. I had no idea what it was about or how it would effect me. From the opening frames of the film to the last scene of young Jim's eyes slowly closing, it is a masterpiece in film making. This film should be regarded as one of the most visually stunning films of all time. Spielberg, in his infinite wisdom, has created a film of such beauty and sadness, that I can't compare it to anything else I have ever seen. Bale's performance brought me to tears. I had never seen anyone his age or older give such a performance. He has remained, not just a pretty face, but a true jewel in the craft of performing. Entranced by each moment and each actor in the film, I was inspired to continue my own performing in hopes to move someone the way the actors in this film moved me. I also began to study more on the period and read the novel itself. Speilberg was so true to the novel that you can even pick up the most minute details in the film. I recommend this film to anyone who hasn't seen it. It is my favorite film of all time and will continue to be an inspiration to me as a performer and as a person.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Empire of the Sun (1987)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Did .... go BLIND? (Spoiler!!!) gib_mir_dein_wort
Implied rape of Jim's mother godfatherofsoul
Did he sing that Japanese song? lisajhende
A few questions -- (possible spoilers) korn_mythe
Just curious wekim
Are there any pheasants? nospam-328
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
The Bridge on the River Kwai Burma Convoy Pearl Harbor Batoru rowaiaru Au revoir les enfants
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.