Fresh
Spielberg has dreamed of flying before, and this time he earns his wings.
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
Empire of the Sun
To survive in a world at war, he must find a strength greater than all the events that surround him.
1987 · 2h 33m · PG
Drama, History, War
Directed by
Steven Spielberg
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Empire of the Sun
Overview
Jamie Graham, 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, who looks out for him while they are in the camp together. Even though he is separated from his parents and in a hostile environment, Jamie maintains his dignity and youthful spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
75%
Tomatometer
Fresh
No special use is made of the talents of Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano and the others, so it is up to young English thesp Bale to engage the viewer's interest, which he does superbly.
Variety Staff, Variety
Fresh
There are many glorious moments here.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
Rotten
Spielberg seems unable to come to terms with anything real.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Rotten
The movie is always interesting from a narrative point of view. Spielberg is a good storyteller with a good tale to tell. But it never really adds up to anything.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
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