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Empire of the Sun
Empire of the Sun
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Empire of the Sun

Empire of the Sun

1987
Drama, War
2h 33m
A young English boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation during World War II. (imdb)

Empire of the Sun

1987
Drama, War
2h 33m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 62.94% from 3169 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(3198)
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Rated 21 Jan 2018
88
74th
A very good movie that strives for greatness, but never quite gets there.
Rated 20 Jul 2008
90
96th
Sometimes overlooked and often underrated, Empire of the Sun is in my opinion one of the best of Spielberg's creations, reinforced by some great acting by a juvenile Bale. It presents many powerful scenes of emotion and a set of complex characters who are sometimes hard to warm towards, but instead show some more realistic takes on human nature both under pressure and during times of plenty. Subtle, often moving and with precise direction, it's easily a favourite and isn't to be missed.
Rated 26 Dec 2009
6
35th
(2nd viewing) Efficiently told, yet emotionally trite, this is one of the most disappointing war films I've seen (if you watch 'Saving Private Ryan' the same day, you'll understand). The film's tone changes so abruptly from the 1st to 2nd half, it's hard to figure out what Spielberg was aiming for. Bale is very good though his character is annoying. Watching him getting bitchslapped was the highlight of this film. Mushy Spielberg.
Rated 29 Sep 2009
63
22nd
Spielberg does have a terrific eye for grandiose imagery and although the film is a bit repetitive, it never gets dull. But Spielberg's usual oversentimentality puts a damper on everything. And of course, there's nothing that he loves more than putting children in danger. Bale is okay in the lead role. I just couldn't help thinking that Burlyaev was so much better in Ivan's Childhood. In fact, pretty much everything about Ivan's Childhood is better. But you know, it's decent for Spielberg.
Rated 24 May 2009
4
35th
Huge flop for Spielberg. He can't make slow moving movies, no matter how hard he tries. It takes about 30 minutes to get going and once it does, it still sucks, just not as much. I understand why people say Bale is good in this but he just came off as annoying to me. Also, nice Ben Stiller cameo.
Rated 25 Jul 2008
85
70th
Incredible Spielberg war flick! Has many depressing and shocking scenes, especially the end. Christian Bale, even as a child, is an amazing actor here! The story is just incredible, and it really shows all that the little boy has to go through! Highly underrated, and it's one of Spielberg's best works!
Rated 07 Apr 2008
65
22nd
Spielberg cheese. I did enjoy it when I was younger, however.
Rated 23 Feb 2008
74
66th
Empire of the Sun is a terrific and underrated film from Steven Spielberg. This film has many moments that touch the heart, especially towards the end of the film. Christian Bale is fantastic as a 12 year old boy who goes through what children shouldn't have to go through. Empire of the Sun is a very poetic picture, it is very powerful in its presentation, especially in the plane scenes, and the riots in Shanghai. Christian Bale seems to never disappoint.
Rated 15 Sep 2007
50
33rd
My bullshit detector went off too often
Rated 01 Sep 2019
60
63rd
okay movie
Rated 25 Jan 2018
94
98th
Exceptional and visually appealing. Enjoyed it. Easy to watch again.
Rated 14 Jun 2013
45
29th
Bale - very good US Airstrike - very exciting Spielberg - very shit
Rated 18 Dec 2012
90
80th
A visually and emotionally resonant journey and a very odd entry from Spielberg. Might just be his most wonderful meditation on childhood and Christian Bale delivers what might be his best performance to date and it astounds me how everything he does just feels... right. The use of symbolism and imagery is inspiring. A joy, a perplexity and a revelation.
Rated 10 Jan 2010
75
85th
I got a little misty when Batman said he couldn't remember his parents.
Rated 16 Aug 2009
57
37th
It's got some very emotional scenes towards the end, but the rest of the movie takes too much time regurgitating the same ideas (struggle and sacrifice in times of war) over and over. There's a reason this Spielberg film is often overlooked: it's just not as good as his other efforts. Bale did a pretty fantastic job, but he's sometimes annoying and I wished death upon his character.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
85
91st
Often overlooked when Spielberg is discussed, but no doubt about it, this is one of his very best. A wonderful cast, and a young Bale starting to show his potential are merged with a powerful storyline, a brilliant screenplay and some of Spielberg's most subtle and delicate direction. Excellent.
Rated 27 Feb 2007
82
88th
Apparently Christian Bale was an awesome actor even as a kid. Considering how good this movie is, and the fact that it's a Spielberg movie, it's shocking how few people have seen it.
Rated 03 Feb 2007
65
30th
This is Spielberg at his most humdrum and tedious. There's nothing distinctly bad about Empire of the Sun, except for a few truly horrendous lines ("P-51! Cadillac of the sky!") and some trademark overwrought John Williams music, but there's nothing particularly interesting or captivating about it either.
Rated 02 Nov 2024
75
27th
A pretty decent film worth seeing for a young bale
Rated 07 May 2024
60
69th
Very impressive performance by a very young Christian Bale, that carried the whole movie.
Rated 09 Sep 2022
76
53rd
A lavish, well-oiled, and thoroughly worked-on film, with tons of detail passing by at every second -- that's certainly something to be appreciated now when filmmakers nowadays (particularly Spielberg) would CGI it the fuck up. The acting from this fairly interesting cast is terrific, Bale giving an appropriately confident young boy performance. What's holding it back is actually its sentimental side, with a lack of familial yearning coming from this boy away from parents.
Rated 08 Jan 2022
82
89th
Good movie. Very last scene was meh. Yup, that's my review.
Rated 26 Nov 2021
50
44th
A child of British imperialism finds himself increasingly sympathetic to Japanese and American imperialism instead. It's an inherently interesting idea, there are some very impressive sequences, and filming in Shanghai is a plus, but the script has some very clunky parts, the atomic theme is bungled and of course the director, try as he might, absolutely cannot help himself when it comes to dialling up the schmaltz. In better hands it could have been a very good movie. Bale acquits himself well.
Rated 24 Aug 2021
100
90th
This is one of the most poignant, multi-layered, beautiful films, ever.
Rated 29 Apr 2021
60
35th
This movie feels like it's just all over the place. It's laced with drama and then the cheerful scenes, and it does really drag on. Acting is great, though, and the scene with the Mustangs attacking the air base is the best part of the movie. Still, kind of overly dramatic. Can't really see the appeal in this even if it's not a bad movie.
Rated 27 Apr 2020
89
75th
I really think this is one of Spielberg's best films. It's largely devoid of the grandeur and spectacle of some of his bigger blockbusters and proves that the director is capable of handling a more complex and emotional storyline. The film manages to create a poignant human portrait amid a world torn apart by war and presents some interesting themes on what it means to lose one's innocence during wartime.
Rated 15 Apr 2020
94
82nd
Hey kid, you want a Hershey's bar?
Rated 11 Mar 2020
74
88th
Seen: 2.
Rated 13 Oct 2019
32
6th
This movie ruined Christian Bale for me. It's the kind of movie where you wonder what in the hell they were thinking creating it. If it's not Spielberg's worst, it's close.
Rated 02 Apr 2019
85
86th
Special ex-pat childhood resonance
Rated 21 Mar 2019
85
59th
Viewed March 20, 2019.
Rated 18 Feb 2019
68
52nd
This was so much for a young boy to go through. No wonder Patrick Bateman, Trevor Reznik and Bruce Wayne are all so fucked up!
Rated 26 Dec 2018
64
61st
Slow and a little long. A good movie that comes in second place to The Impossible, Flowers of War, Power of One, Life is Beautiful and Rescue Dawn
Rated 09 Aug 2018
80
68th
Historically inaccurate (seriously) but a decent watch.
Rated 03 Jul 2018
74
43rd
Probably better than I am giving it today.
Rated 28 Mar 2018
71
45th
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.
Rated 06 Jan 2018
83
90th
Among the closest Hollywood comes to Russian cinema.
Rated 11 Jul 2016
60
64th
a good film with a great performance from the young Bale. Obviously has very little similarity with the true tale it is adopted from - let's put in a load of Americans to make the $'s, let's make the Japanese a sometimes sympathetic bunch really, let's separate him from his parents , let's pretend you could see the Nagasaki bomb from the Chinese countryside etc etc. I suppose I could enjoy life more if I wasn't such a terrible pedant ;-)
Rated 27 Dec 2015
2
17th
I found the story very strange at times and therefore very long and boring in most parts. But job well done (!) by Christian Bale - he's the reason I was able to finish it. *Okay
Rated 27 Feb 2015
79
82nd
Depicts the inconceivability of war shockingly vivid, possibly better than any other movie. By far, one of Christian Bale's best performances and an outstanding work of Spielberg.
Rated 01 Dec 2014
2
31st
Meh... This is definitely not my cup of tea. I don't understand what Spielberg is trying to depict here. It suddenly changes tone many times, and most of the time it feels long and boring. Only bright spot is the cinematography and Bale who did an impressive job, although his character is annoying. - Okay
Rated 27 Aug 2014
60
36th
Drags.
Rated 17 Aug 2014
69
43rd
A lush and often mesmerizing photographic achievement, only to be brought down by a cheesy and confused narrative.
Rated 01 Jul 2014
60
28th
There are some great scenes and moments and the world Spielberg creates here is well realised and grim however the annoying or badly done moments, the overwrought score and one horribly, deliriously sentimental scene near the end really throw it off course.
Rated 02 May 2014
90
98th
Easily Spielberg's most underrated film and one of the best films of the 80s. A coming of age film that showcases Christian Bale's incredible talents at a very young age. Might even be better than Schindler's List because it achieves poetic beauty without all the heavy handedness...
Rated 27 Apr 2014
71
84th
Spielberg at his most subtle which makes for an odd duck of a film. Some pacing issues cause some drag, but the cast and cinematography are wonderful.
Rated 30 Mar 2014
82
69th
nice
Rated 14 Feb 2014
86
71st
A powerful film with some stand-out acting performances, especially from a young Christian Bale. Some very memorable scenes in this one also.
Rated 02 Jan 2014
50
14th
The low score is due to the direction and not a reflection on the excellent performances by Bale and Malkovich. I'm not a fan of Spielberg's propensity for making sprawling epics that inevitably lose their way, get bogged down in minute details and ramble and ramble and ramble. This film shows all of his usual traits and by the POW camp scenes, you're really clock watching. Some beautifully composed shots in places, but not enough to keep interest or reward repeated viewings.
Rated 03 Oct 2013
80
79th
One of Spielberg's least Spielberg-y films. And, coincidentally, one of his best.
Rated 11 Aug 2013
68
32nd
Christian Bale and John Malkovich pretty much carry this movie and both are great in their respective roles. Unfortunately the rest of the movie doesn't really hold up. It's overly long and gets quite boring at times, the script itself is problematic because even though both main actors are good, you get incredibly annoyed with both characters towards the end of the movie. Had it been cut down with about half an hour it probably would have been a lot better.
Rated 21 Apr 2013
80
58th
a dramatic and visually engaging journey of a boy in search for his parent during the pacific war. Steven Spielberg's "Empire of The Sun" was many times overlooked by many critics despite his ambition and daring toward this movie. nevertheless, this is the first movie where young christian Bale showed his talent and resilience as an actor in which became the essence of the movie. it was an emotional journey worth to be watch.
Rated 08 Jan 2013
83
75th
82.500
Rated 30 Dec 2012
2
39th
Impressively realised period piece, tarnished by an insufferable leading character and quite a few instances of supreme schmaltz.
Rated 24 Nov 2012
58
28th
Typical Speilberg Smaltz-fest, where half way through he turns the "emotion amp" up to 11, and in the process, ruined the film. Despite its lengthy running time, things were barely explained (trip outside the fence??) and there was VERY little sense of time passing (apart from haircut). We were suddenly shown Bale being able to talk Japanese, running around like some east-end spiv, and being the soul/saviour of the camp, and nearly starving to death yet beating up a squaddie. Smaltz 10:Reality 0
Rated 28 Aug 2012
82
58th
Beautiful. Powerful. If only it were more memorable.
Rated 13 Aug 2012
36
16th
Spielberg showing his lack of any substantial talent than for the sentimental crowd pleaser which doesn't do shit for me.
Rated 15 May 2012
100
97th
In my Top Ten of all time! AMAZING MOVIE and incredible performance by young Christian Bale!
Rated 31 Jan 2012
84
75th
A great war epic told from the perspective of a kid. Interesting concept, and it really works here. Bale is really good as the kid, Jim Graham. It seems like the type of roll that would warrant an Oscar nomination, but I guess not. Even better is John Malkovich as one of his acquaintances. There are tons of great scenes, although it does get a bit repetitive in the middle in the POW camp. There is a lot of Spielberg sentimentality and nostalgia, and it works because of the way the story is told.
Rated 26 Jan 2012
75
73rd
Long, good movie. I don't like long movies. I liked this one.
Rated 08 Nov 2011
75
75th
All the more proof that Bale can do anything at any age.
Rated 19 Sep 2011
85
71st
There's just too much to say about this film, both positive and negative in this little space, but I will comment on the fact that Empire of the Sun is Spielberg's most visually striking film, and the disappointment I felt when I found out Bale wasn't really singing that beautiful Japanese song.
Rated 14 Aug 2011
85
34th
Christian Bale's first performance in a feature film, stands out as one of his best and clearly a presage to his future career.
Rated 30 Jul 2011
5
18th
Watchable with some poignant moments, Christian Bale was excellent but his character like most of the other characters in the film not likeable ( and you need some empathatic characters in a family film) Overall slightly ponderous and lacked sparkle.
Rated 26 Jun 2011
79
76th
Probably the best pure Spielberg film out there, even with a somewhat botched ending, in my opinion.
Rated 11 Jun 2011
60
68th
3/5
Rated 10 Feb 2011
50
58th
I have a secret crush on Bale
Rated 29 Dec 2010
83
74th
83.000
Rated 27 Dec 2010
78
63rd
Fun movie about Japanese occupation of China during WWII. Christian Bale is an awesome child actor. The scene were the P51-D Mustang flys in slow motion literally gives me chills, and the end scene were the Atom bomb lights the sky is breathtaking.
Rated 20 Oct 2010
40
97th
"Empire of the Sun is not as graphic as the hellish worlds of Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan, but Spielberg doesn't sugarcoat the horrors of war." - Martyn Bamber
Rated 10 Oct 2010
3
32nd
Spielberg's vision fits into a child's perspective enormously well. The failure to make it accessible to anyone of an older mindset is felt at almost every step of the way.
Rated 27 Sep 2010
87
96th
This is Spielberg doing what he does best. Fantastical films about escapism. In all its subjectivity and unrealism this is much more honest than pretentious "historical" pictures like Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List or Amistad.
Rated 19 Sep 2010
80
88th
Loved the movie! Funny to see Bale at such a young age although I'm not a big fan of child actors (with a few exceptions). A long sit, but worth it!
Rated 18 Sep 2010
80
86th
80's Spielberg. What else.
Rated 03 Sep 2010
90
97th
90
Rated 31 Aug 2010
40
71st
Spielberg's seemingly inexhaustible enthusiasm for the Tab-A-into-Slot-B construction aspects of moviemaking -- like that of a kindergartner with his first Erector Set -- stands him in good stead during the early stretches of the movie: the old-fashioned bits of scene-setting to evoke the privileged life of a British eleven-year-old in pre-World War II Shanghai. The careful preparation pays off handsomely once the Japanese have invaded
Rated 30 Aug 2010
66
28th
I appreciate movies with strange characters, but this kid (Bale) is just too weird and unbelievable. Great visuals, poor ending.
Rated 29 May 2010
51
30th
About 10 accumulative minutes of very moving material. The rest tries hard, but is largely Spielberg's awe un-inspiring silence.
Rated 12 May 2010
95
90th
I love this movie, more from the perspective of, what would I do, if I were in his situation. Beautiful movie
Rated 18 Dec 2009
7
64th
Bale is fantastic.
Rated 23 Nov 2009
72
23rd
Empire of the Sun feels like a series of classic Spielberg tropes haphazardly cobbled together. The film suffers as a result, lacking cohesion in terms of plot, characterization, tone, and even general meaning. There are some undeniably great images in this movie, they just don't necessarily justify the movie as a whole.
Rated 02 Nov 2009
97
93rd
Wow. Just re-watched this one as an adult. Masterful piece of work, and it's easy to see that Christian Bale was a gifted actor even as a child. Spielberg at his finest. Malkovich is memorable.
Rated 17 Oct 2009
45
41st
Ehm... Well what to say.. I really did NOT enjoy this movie at all. The kid was SO annoying. The dialogue didn't make sense. In my opinion, Spielberg failed here
Rated 28 May 2009
90
70th
A great, underrated war movie. Christian Bale is fantastic.
Rated 15 May 2009
20
9th
Sorry to say i hated this movie, could have been affected by that fact i studied it in English. The boy just plain annoys me.
Rated 09 Apr 2009
75
82nd
Intelligent and thought-provoking movie about the loss of childhood innocence through the horrors of war. Bale, as the boy, gives an extraordinarily believable performance.
Rated 25 Mar 2009
89
79th
Spielberg channels Lean in this excellent adventure drama about a boy learning to survive in Japan occupied China. Stirring and poetic, the film is lead by a tour de force by young Christian Bale. Score is perfect.
Rated 18 Jan 2009
85
96th
Just another in the very long line of Steven Spielberg masterpieces. Bale's talented star clearly shined bright even at the beginning of his teenage years.
Rated 29 Dec 2008
65
51st
Who knew this brat would grow up to be the dark knight???
Rated 20 Dec 2008
95
98th
It's simply amazing. My personal favourite from Spielberg's works.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
52
4th
963
Rated 20 Oct 2008
81
88th
CHRISTIAN BALE EVEN WAS A GREAT ACTOR AT THE AGE OF 12. GREAT HEARTFELT MOVIE.
Rated 16 Sep 2008
71
50th
At this point in his career, Spielberg was simply trying too hard. This was his follow up to The Color Purple with the Indiana Jones installments that bookended these two films representing the popcorn ghetto he was trying to escape from. In just a few short years, his expertise overtook his worried reticence and he began addressing the cruel brutality of human brutality with honorable forcefulness. Here he's still finding his way. It's a capable film, but one that's noticeably compromised.
Rated 14 Sep 2008
65
21st
Just not my cup of tea. But I admit that Christian Bale's acting is really good.
Rated 06 Sep 2008
99
97th
Stunning, breathtaking classic. Woefully underrated.
Rated 19 Aug 2008
95
91st
Brilliant.
Rated 22 Jun 2008
90
94th
Might be Spielberg's best film. Christian Bale's debut is the best job of child acting I've ever seen. On par with epics like Doctor Zhivago and The Last Emperor.
Rated 21 May 2008
89
75th
At times a little slow, but you can't take your eyes off it. Some of it is very powerful, thanks mostly to Spielberg (of course) and Christian Bale. This is perhaps the only film I've seen of his where he's really impressed me.
Rated 18 May 2008
85
72nd
Great -- Christian Bale was phenomenal.
Rated 26 Feb 2008
80
82nd
A WWII movie you can watch with the kids. This is one of Speilberg's best, and Christian Bale shows early on just how devoted he is as an actor.

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