Empire of the Sun
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TOMATOMETER
To survive in a world at war, he must find a strength greater than all the events that surround him.
Steven Spielberg’s film Empire of the Sun is an inspiring action-packed epic of a small boy in a great war. That boy is Jim Graham, a young Briton whose unconquerable spirit soars high and free above the harsh confines of a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Through his eyes we see the fascination and horror of war. And we see a child’s hold onto childhood weaken as his struggle to survive grows fiercer.
Based on J.G. Ballard’s memorable bestseller, this first major Hollywood studio production ever to shoot in the People’s Republic of China earned 1987 National Board of Review awards for Best Picture and Director, as well as a special citation for Outstanding Juvenile Performance for Christian Bale as Jim.
Special Features include Behind-the-Scenes Documentary “The China Odyssey: Empire of the Sun, A Film by Steven Spielberg” and more.
Movie Reviews from Rotten Tomatoes
TOMATOMETER
Reviews Counted: 38
TOP CRITICS'S REVIEWS
Fresh: Spielberg has dreamed of flying before, and this time he earns his wings.
-Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine, May 17, 2009Fresh: Christian Bale, then 13, is a revelation as Jim, an obnoxious British colonial child being brought up in luxury in China.
-, Film4, May 17, 2009Fresh: No special use is made of the talents of Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano and the others, so it is up to young English thesp Bale to engage the viewer's interest, which he does superbly.
-Variety Staff, Variety, June 02, 2008Fresh: Spielberg includes a strand of populist heroism, yet even this fails to dent the awful message. And the budget makes itself seen, as does Bale's superlative Jim.
-, Time Out, January 26, 2006
Absolutely outstanding 
January 06, 2013
I never tire of watching this film. The special effects, the music, the cinematography, the acting. The poignant coming of age of an innocent and spoiled little boy, who becomes a wise and clever survivor. The scenery. All of it. All of it. I just bought a new copy so I won't have to keep renting it. Christian Bale's acting at age 11 will simply blow you away. And John Malkovitch's acting. is perfection. Watch it twice. It - and the music - is haunting.
Reviewer: Darugh Review refers to DVD version
Great Acting 
January 21, 2012
Christian Bale was amazing in this, especially considering his age.
Reviewer: Brenda Review refers to DVD version
May 22, 2010
Reviewer: doug Review refers to DVD version
Steven Spielberg
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