Empire of the Sun (1987)

Synopsis of Empire of the Sun

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, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

153 mins

Director(s):

Steven Spielberg

Writer(s):

Tom Stoppard, Menno Meyjes

Producer(s):

Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

PG(Violence, Questionable for Children, Adult Situations, Adult Language)

Categories:

War

• 1987 - American Society of Cinematographers - Best Cinematography
• 1988 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Score
• 1987 - National Board of Review - Outstanding Juvenile Performance
• 1987 - National Board of Review - Best Picture
• 1987 - National Board of Review - Best Director

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