Few directors are as respected or prolific as Steven Spielberg. The esteemed creative mastermind has lent his talents to almost 150 films, and it’s only a matter of time before he exceeds that figure. His artistry fears no genre or style; his war films are as acclaimed as his family flicks. Empire of the Sun is just one of the director’s many gems. The iconic war film may not have been a financial success, but it’s one of Spielberg’s many critical triumphs.
Its heart-wrenching details and epic narrative easily captivates audiences. Its rich visuals and careful planning only enhance its inherent immersion. Empire of the Sun is more than a war film masterpiece. Empire of the Sun is also an early vehicle for two now-iconic stars. Back in 1987, few had heard of Ben Stiller. Even fewer knew of the young and upcoming Christian Bale. Spielberg’s 154-minute triumph changed that, giving the world some of its earliest glimpses of future brilliance.
Empire of the Sun is One Steven Spielberg’s Cinematic Triumph
Warner Bros. Didn't Want Spielberg as Director
- Spielberg was attracted to the project by his love for old World War II films.
- The film is based on an eponymous semi-autobiographical novel by J. G. Ballard.
- Warner Bros. originally wanted Harold Becker and David Lean to direct the film.
Plot-wise, Empire of the Sun is different from the standard World War II film. Really, it bears few resemblances to most war films. The protagonist is not a well-armed soldier. Instead, Spielberg’s film focuses on Jamie “Jim” Graham (Christian Bale), the pampered son of a wealthy British couple. His journey begins as a carefree youth living in the exclusive Shanghai International Settlement. But, as audiences know, the idyllic upbringing must rapidly end.
His family’s attempt to flee the incoming Japanese occupation is only a partial success. Jim’s parents escape, but he is separated from them in the chaos. Alone and afraid, the young boy begins a desperate and impossible fight to survive occupied China. Eventually, Jim’s luck runs out. He is captured by Japanese soldiers and sent to a Sūzhōu internment camp. The understandably harrowing experience is only somewhat softened by his youth. Other inmates care for him and befriend both Japanese soldiers and camp staff. By 1945, he’d secured a reasonably comfortable lifestyle, but the illusion was once again shattered.
A P-51 Mustang attack prompts a mass evacuation. The inmates are sent on a grueling march to their new location. After surviving the ordeal, the group arrives in Nántōng just in time to bear distant witness to the bombing of Nagasaki. News of the war’s end causes a mass exodus, and the scattered survivors search for help. Jim still faces a few challenges before he can reunite with his parents.
Christian Bale & Ben Stiller Shine in Empire of the Sun
Over 4,000 Child Actors Auditioned for Christian Bale's Role
- J. G. Ballard noted Bale’s physical resemblance to his younger self.
- Stiller began ideating Tropic Thunder during his stint in Empire of the Sun.
Not surprisingly, audiences easily connect to Jim’s plight. Regardless of one’s personal opinions on children, it’s difficult to see the on-screen trials without an ever-mounting sense of anxiety. Jim’s young age is an essential part of the film’s drama. Thus, the production crew needed an outstanding young star. After lengthy deliberation, a now-familiar name was picked: Christian Bale. This film was not Bale’s first movie.
His first major credit was as Jum Jum in Mio in the Land of Faraway, a Swedish fantasy film, which also debuted in 1987. Of course, Mio was nowhere near as popular as Spielberg’s war drama. So, for many audiences, Bale’s first on-screen appearance was Empire of the Sun. Spielberg’s involvement cements the film’s astounding quality, giving Bale a stunning backdrop for his stellar performance. There are no low-quality effects or fumbled edits to detract from his talent. As for Ben Stiller, the now-iconic actor has a much smaller role.
Like Bale, Empire of the Sun is his second acting credit; his first is another bit part in Hot Pursuit. In Spielberg’s war drama, he portrays Dandy. He has just a handful of lines and acts as one of the many inmates in Sūzhōu. Considering his tiny part in the film, much less can be said for Stiller’s performance. While he certainly aces his delivery, his appearance is brief. Stiller still certainly gives the part his all, but it’s not as impactful as Bale’s make-or-break leading role.
Empire of the Sun’s Critical Success Still Stands to This Day
- Long-time Spielberg collaborator Vic Armstrong served as the film’s stunt coordinator.
- Over 5,000 extras were hired in Shanghai. Some of them were old enough to have experienced the Japanese occupation.
- Spielberg used many large aviation models to shoot the film’s complex air combat scenes.
Not surprisingly, Spielberg received plenty of acclaim for Empire of the Sun. Its release was heralded by major publications and applauded by even the pickiest reviewers. Even the film’s lukewarm reviews admired its storytelling prowess. The great Roger Ebert, for example, found the film’s drama lacking, but applauded its “emotional potential.” There were, of course, a few negative reviews, but the film’s appeal cannot be understated.
The reviews obviously didn’t equate to instant success. Empire of the Sun initially failed to recoup its lavish $25 million budget. Domestic results fell $3 million short of breaking even. Fortunately, the film was redeemed in the global market. International audiences contributed over $44 million to its box office earnings. Empire of the Sun may not have been a blockbuster, but it’s one of Spielberg’s best war films.
Empire of the Sun
PG Drama History War
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