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Plot

Based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, Empire of the Sun stars Christian Bale as a spoiled young British boy, living with his wealthy family in pre-World War II Shanghai. During the Japanese invasion, Bale is separated from his parents. With the help of soldier-of-fortune John Malkovich, Bale learns to survive without a retinue of servants at his beck and call. By the time Malkovich and Bale are tossed into a Japanese prison camp, the boy has picked up enough street-smarts and developed enough intestinal fortitude to regard his imprisonment as an exciting adventure. The story ends during the 1945 liberation: on the verge of manhood, the 13-year-old Bale will never again be the pampered, privileged brat whom we met in the early scenes.
MPAA Rating:
PG
Genre(s):
Drama,War
Run Time:
160min.
Theatrical Release Date:
12/09/1987
DVD Release Date:
11/06/2001
Distributor(s):
Warner Bros.
Director(s):
Steven Spielberg
Starring:
Christian Bale , John Malkovich , Miranda Richardson , Nigel Havers , Joe Pantoliano
Themes:
Life Under Occupation,Political Unrest,Innocence Lost
Tone:
Stirring,Compassionate,Passionate,Atmospheric,Moody,Poignant,Sweeping
Keywords:
POW/MIA,child-abuse,childhood-adventures,coming-of-age,death,prison,riches-to-rags,survivor,teenagers,war
Country of Origin:
USA (12-09-1987)
Language:
English