Review of Empire of the Sun (1987) by Grant S — 20 Apr 2011
Good, but not great. Started well, but drifted excessively in the middle third or so. The result is a 160-minute movie, when, with a bit of good editing and discipline, it could have been 2 hours, and much more interesting.
Decent enough plot, but, as mentioned, drawn out too much. Direction from Steven Spielberg is spot-on, as you would imagine. Sumptuous distance- and panning-shots.
A 13-year old Christian Bale, in his second cinema-movie role, puts in a great performance. Solid suppporting cast - John Malkovich, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano, Miranda Richardson. Interesting too in that Ben Stiller, also in his second cinema-movie, has a very minor role.
This review of Empire of the Sun (1987) was written by Grant S on 20 Apr 2011.
Empire of the Sun has generally received very positive reviews.
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