Empire of the SunSynopsis and Overview

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  • Empire of the Sun
  • Opened December 9, 1987 | Runtime:2 hr 32 min
  • PG
  • Information for parents: Common Sense Media says Iffy for 13+. Read More
  • Jamie Graham (Christian Bale), a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor named Basie (John Malkovich), who looks out for him while Read More
  • Cast: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano
  • Director: Steven Spielberg
  • Genres: War Drama, POW Drama, Drama, War, Childhood Drama

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Empire of the Sun Critic Reviews

So-so Avg. Critic Score 60 out of 100 Metascore ® based on all critic ratings.

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 80
    Wall Street Journal | Julie Salamon

    With an edgy, intelligent script by playwright Tom Stoppard, Mr. Spielberg has...

  • 80
    The New York Times | Janet Maslin

    A visual splendor, a heroic adventurousness and an immense scope that make it...

  • 70
    Variety |

    It is up to young English thesp Bale to engage the viewer's interest, which he...

  • 63
    Boston Globe | Jay Carr

    Empire of the Sun is an imperfect film, but at its best it's grand and haunting...

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Empire of the Sun Movie Ratings + Reviews

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Critics say

So-so See all critic reviews

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