Review of Empire of the Sun (1987) by Tor M — 15 Dec 2017

Jim, a young man growing up in rich environments, gets his whole life turned as the war comes his way. He must survive under the Japanese occupation and things are rough. He's parents are gone and he must hang around some sleasy fellas to survive. Well, he's very smart, so he mostly stands up for himself, but being eleven or so, he is not truly fit for such surroundings.

The movie lost to "The Last Emperor" in all six nomitated categories at the Oscars. Two pretty similiar films actually. Both sat in Asia, with young boys as leads. Both are also very long films. This one felt too long, I fell out of it after a great build up, 1.5 hours in. I failed to focus and I figured that I never bought the story, I guess. Too many happy undertones, even if it's seen from a childs perspective. Some great scenes, like the sneaky mission and the footrint sceene, done in a room covered with powder.

This is Bale's film, he is very impressive. His debut to screen, at age twelve. I've always thought he debuted in "Mio Min Mio", but I stand corrected. They came out the same year, though. Huge film, but not my favorite work from Steven. Far from it.

6 out of 10 golf shoes.