Review of Empire of the Sun (1987) by Paul L — 08 Jul 2012
Despite the gritty subject matter Spielberg never really dwells on the brutality of war, addressing that in Schindler's List six years later. This is a war film with a Speilberg sheen, a sweeping wartime epic set to a choral score to leave us wide eyed in wonder rather than in shock.
The film is a little too sentimental at times, diluting some otherwise powerful scenes. But a truly remarkable performance by a young Christian Bale saves the film from becoming too schmaltzy, and it's his emotional restraint that is the key to it's timeless success.
This review of Empire of the Sun (1987) was written by Paul L on 08 Jul 2012.
Empire of the Sun has generally received very positive reviews.
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