Review of Empire of the Sun (1987) by James R — 22 Apr 2009

Christian Bale, as Jim, plays a child living with his British parents in China during the WWII. Bale rendered an amazing and credible performance, appearing almost every scene. While Malkovich is also great in conveying the harsh realities of prolonged prison life.

At the beginning, Jim was trying to safe himself and then he met two american guys called Frank and Baise, this one played by Malkovich. Eventually, all three end up in a camp, next to a Japanese air base.

From there, we can see one of the most memorable scenes in a movie, when Jim and a Japanese lil soldier sing the Japan hymn together. The movie shows mainly Jim's point-of-view about everything that happens with him during the war.

So it tells the story from the perspective of a child. And it is not like other films about war. Very original like Spielberg can be it! And deeply touching too! Empire of the Sun is a movie about heroism in the face of adversity and this story will remain in your memories!