Steven Spielberg is one of the most admired and productive directors in film history. He’s worked on almost 150 movies, and Empire of the Sun is a standout example of his incredible talent. While the film wasn’t a huge commercial success, critics widely praised it and it remains a highlight of Spielberg’s career.
Beyond being a war movie, Empire of the Sun helped launch the careers of Ben Stiller and Christian Bale. Before 1987, both actors were relatively unknown, but Steven Spielberg’s film—a critically acclaimed epic lasting over two and a half hours—introduced them to a wider audience and hinted at the talent they would later showcase.
Empire of the Sun Is a Steven Spielberg Triumph
Empire of the Sun stands apart from typical World War II movies. Unlike most films of the genre, it doesn’t center on a soldier. Instead, Spielberg tells the story of Jamie “Jim” Graham (Christian Bale), a privileged young boy growing up in Shanghai. The film depicts his comfortable life, which is inevitably disrupted by the war.
When the Japanese army began to take over, Jim’s family tried to escape, but they got split up in the confusion. Jim’s parents made it to safety, but he was left alone and frightened, struggling to survive in occupied China. Sadly, his luck didn’t last, and he was eventually captured and sent to an internment camp in Sūzhōu.
His time there was understandably traumatic, though his young age offered a small comfort. Fellow prisoners looked after him, and he even made friends with both Japanese soldiers and the camp’s workers. By 1945, he had managed to create a relatively comfortable life for himself, but this peace didn’t last long.
Things got crazy when a P-51 Mustang showed up and we all had to bail! It started this incredibly tough march to a new camp. We finally made it to Nántōng, and just as we did, we saw something happening in the distance – it was pretty intense. Then, the news hit that the war was over, and everyone scattered, trying to find someone to help them get home. Even after all that, I, Jim, still had a few hurdles to jump before I could finally see my parents again.
Christian Bale and Ben Stiller Shine in Empire of the Sun
It’s no surprise viewers feel sympathy for Jim’s situation. No matter what people think about children, watching his struggles creates a growing sense of worry. Jim’s youth is central to the film’s emotional impact, and the filmmakers needed a truly talented young actor. After a long search, they found one. This wasn’t Christian Bale’s first role, however.
Christian Bale first gained significant recognition for his role as Jum Jum in the 1987 Swedish fantasy film, Mio in the Land of Faraway. However, Mio didn’t achieve widespread popularity, so many viewers first noticed Bale in Empire of the Sun. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film is exceptionally well-made, providing a fantastic showcase for Bale’s impressive acting. The film’s quality isn’t hampered by any poor effects or editing, allowing his talent to truly shine. Ben Stiller also appears in the film, though in a smaller part.
Similar to Bale with Empire of the Sun, this is Stiller’s second acting role, following a small part in Hot Pursuit. In the war film, he plays Dandy, a minor character with only a few lines as an inmate in Sūzhōu. Though he delivers his lines well, his screen time is limited. Stiller makes the most of his small role, but it doesn’t have the same significant impact as Bale’s central performance.
Empire of the Sun’s Critical Success Still Stands to This Day
Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun was widely praised. Major publications announced its release with enthusiasm, and critics, even the most demanding ones, generally applauded it. While some reviews weren’t perfect – one noted a lack of drama but praised the film’s emotional promise – the movie’s overall impact was significant and its appeal undeniable.
While reviews were positive, Empire of the Sun didn’t become an immediate hit. It initially struggled to earn back its $25 million production cost, falling $3 million short of breaking even in the United States. However, the film found success internationally, with audiences outside the US contributing over $44 million to its total box office revenue. Empire of the Sun wasn’t a massive blockbuster, but it remains one of…
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2026-02-18 06:09