Empire of the Sun Synopsis & Summary

Synopsis

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. - Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Movie Info

Starring:
Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano
Theatrical Release Date:
12/09/1987
DVD Release Date:
11/06/2001
Rating:
PG
Run Time:
160 min.
Distributor(s):
Warner Bros.
Production Co.:
Amblin Entertainment, Robert Shapiro Productions
Director(s):
Steven Spielberg
Genre(s):
Drama, War
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
Setting:
war
Country of Origin:
USA (12-09-1987)
Time Period:
World War II
Language:
English
Status:
DVD

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