Empire of the Sun
starring: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano
directed by: Steven Spielberg
directed by: Steven Spielberg
List Price: $14.98
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Product Description:
A YOUNG BOY'S EXPERIENCES AFTER THE ARMY OF IMPERIAL JAPAN INVADES CHINA FOLLOWING THE DECEMBER 1941 PEARL HARBOR ATTACK SHAPE STEVEN SPIELBERG'S SPECTACULAR, INSPIRING AND ACCLAIMED TALE ABOUT GROWING UP IN A TIME OF WAR.
Amazon.com essential video:
Roundly dismissed as one of Steven Spielberg's least successful efforts, this very underrated film poignantly follows the WorldWar II adventures of young Jim (a brilliant Christian Bale), caught in the throes of the fall of China. What if you once had everything and lost it all in an afternoon? What if you were only 12? Bale's transformation, from pampered British ruling-class child to an imprisoned, desperate, nearly feral boy, is nothing short of stunning. Also stunning are exceptional sets, cinematography, and music (the last courtesy of John Williams) that enhance author J.G.Ballard's and screenwriter Tom Stoppard's depiction of another, less familiar casualty of war.
In a time when competitors were releasing "comedic," derivative coming-of-age films, Empire of the Sun stands out as an epic in the classic David Lean sense--despite confusion or perceived competition with the equally excellent The Last Emperor (also released in 1987, and also a coming-of-age in a similar setting). It is also a remarkable testament to, yes, the human spirit. And despite its disappointing box-office returns,Empire of the Sun helped to further establish Spielberg as more than a commercial director and set the standard, tone, and look for future efforts Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. --N.F. Mendoza
A YOUNG BOY'S EXPERIENCES AFTER THE ARMY OF IMPERIAL JAPAN INVADES CHINA FOLLOWING THE DECEMBER 1941 PEARL HARBOR ATTACK SHAPE STEVEN SPIELBERG'S SPECTACULAR, INSPIRING AND ACCLAIMED TALE ABOUT GROWING UP IN A TIME OF WAR.
Amazon.com essential video:
Roundly dismissed as one of Steven Spielberg's least successful efforts, this very underrated film poignantly follows the WorldWar II adventures of young Jim (a brilliant Christian Bale), caught in the throes of the fall of China. What if you once had everything and lost it all in an afternoon? What if you were only 12? Bale's transformation, from pampered British ruling-class child to an imprisoned, desperate, nearly feral boy, is nothing short of stunning. Also stunning are exceptional sets, cinematography, and music (the last courtesy of John Williams) that enhance author J.G.Ballard's and screenwriter Tom Stoppard's depiction of another, less familiar casualty of war.
In a time when competitors were releasing "comedic," derivative coming-of-age films, Empire of the Sun stands out as an epic in the classic David Lean sense--despite confusion or perceived competition with the equally excellent The Last Emperor (also released in 1987, and also a coming-of-age in a similar setting). It is also a remarkable testament to, yes, the human spirit. And despite its disappointing box-office returns,Empire of the Sun helped to further establish Spielberg as more than a commercial director and set the standard, tone, and look for future efforts Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. --N.F. Mendoza
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- Empire of the Sun Supreme
Amaazon.com is so easy to work with. They had the product a day before what they hyad promised it for. The movie i had only seen in bits and pieces on TV, never got to see all the way through. I am so pleased with this purchase, as it gives you a picture of excellent acting by Christian Bale and john Malkovitz and tells you of what WW II was like in Nationalist China and of survival. A most excellent film of this era long forgotten in history books.
Rating: 
- THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST!
Christian Bale makes his stunning movie debut in this Spielberg directed film as Jamie, a 12 year old British boy, who grows up in luxury and opulence as the son of a wealthy textile factory owner in China during WWII. Having attended the best private schools, having every conceivable luxury available to a young boy growing up in that era, not least of which is being able to give the servants orders in direct contradiction to the instructions given by his mother, his life is abruptly changed when ... Read More
Rating: - Excellent
I enjoyed every aspect of this film. Story,talent and production were spot on. I had wanted to see this film in theater and could not at the time. Rented it and was so impressed that I purchased it to share with family and friends. Great addition to any film library.
Rating: - Excellent!
I love all of Spielberg's work and still consider Jaws and the original Indiana Jones his best works and have watched each over 25 times.
However, I recently watched the film, "Australia" that covers the Japanese invading Austrialia during WWII (another classic movie from another director) and was blown away by how little I knew about the Japanese conquests during that time period. My father was stationed in New Guinea during WWII giving me a personal interest.I recently did a google ... Read More
Rating: - great condition, thanks!
Movie was in great shape. It is a classic. Great history intertwined with the story.
- Empire of the Sun SupremeAmaazon.com is so easy to work with. They had the product a day before what they hyad promised it for. The movie i had only seen in bits and pieces on TV, never got to see all the way through. I am so pleased with this purchase, as it gives you a picture of excellent acting by Christian Bale and john Malkovitz and tells you of what WW II was like in Nationalist China and of survival. A most excellent film of this era long forgotten in history books.
- THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST!Christian Bale makes his stunning movie debut in this Spielberg directed film as Jamie, a 12 year old British boy, who grows up in luxury and opulence as the son of a wealthy textile factory owner in China during WWII. Having attended the best private schools, having every conceivable luxury available to a young boy growing up in that era, not least of which is being able to give the servants orders in direct contradiction to the instructions given by his mother, his life is abruptly changed when ... Read More
- ExcellentI enjoyed every aspect of this film. Story,talent and production were spot on. I had wanted to see this film in theater and could not at the time. Rented it and was so impressed that I purchased it to share with family and friends. Great addition to any film library.
- Excellent!I love all of Spielberg's work and still consider Jaws and the original Indiana Jones his best works and have watched each over 25 times.
However, I recently watched the film, "Australia" that covers the Japanese invading Austrialia during WWII (another classic movie from another director) and was blown away by how little I knew about the Japanese conquests during that time period. My father was stationed in New Guinea during WWII giving me a personal interest.I recently did a google ... Read More
- great condition, thanks!Movie was in great shape. It is a classic. Great history intertwined with the story.
