Empire of the Sun Critic Reviews
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Based upon 11 Critic ReviewsHighest Rated
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A visual splendor, a heroic adventurousness and an immense scope that make it unforgettable.Read the full review
With an edgy, intelligent script by playwright Tom Stoppard, Mr. Spielberg has made an extraordinary film out of Mr. Ballard's extraordinary war experience. [09 Dec 1987]Read the full review
Empire of the Sun remains a solidly engaging story of heroism in the face of adversity, as filtered through the eyes of a boy obsessed with planes and flight.Read the full review
It is up to young English thesp Bale to engage the viewer's interest, which he does superbly.Read the full review
Empire of the Sun is an imperfect film, but at its best it's grand and haunting in ways that only a movie can be. [11 Dec 1987]Read the full review
Empire of the Sun adds up to a promising idea, a carefully observed production and some interesting performances.Read the full review
Though Empire of the Sun is a profoundly perplexing, frustrating object, there are things in it to marvel at and enjoy.Read the full review
Although he misses reaching to the heart of Jim's spirit and his relationship to other people, Spielberg has clearly taken an impressive step forward in shaping his new and adult vision for the screen. [11 Dec 1987]Read the full review
A faithful, technically brilliant, but also dramatically malnourished film of J.G. Ballard's popular World War II novel. [08 Dec 1987]Read the full review
For all its good intentions, for the thrillingly staged moments in the film's first quarter-for all the sweeping movement of thousands of people streaming through the streets of Shanghai-and for all its not-inconsiderable craft, the film's grave problem is a lack of central heating: We don't have a single character to warm up to. [09 Dec 1987]Read the full review
