Rating: 
Summary: Horrible adaption of a great novel
Review: The novel Empire of the Sun by J.G. Ballard is considered by some the best British novel ever made about WWII. Spielberg's film does not capture the heart of the novel whatsoever. The novel, which is about spritual decay, has been replaced by a trite coming of age story. The narration is sloppy and unengaging and the score makes me want to vomit. The only reason I gave this movie two stars is because the film looks wonderful. Spielberg proves that he can make any seen look beautiful, but the story is not worth watching.
Rating: 
Summary: Wheres the DVD!
Review: Let me start by saying this. This film is a true masterpiece and never got the accolades it deserved. This film deserves to be on DVD where it can be seen in all its glory, so hurry up with it! This is a story of a little boy caught up in the whirl wind of war when the Japanese invade China at the onset of WWII. Christian Bale is amazing acting well beyond his years in this film , John Malkovich was solid as ever as the american pirate. The visuals of this film are incredible the scene when Jim watches the americans bombing the Shainghai docks at night ,and the scene where P-51 mustangs are bombing the airfield that they were forced to build. Speilberg was at his usual best when he made this film thats why its such a mystery that this film was'nt more appreciated.
Rating:
Summary: A highly underrated classic.
Review: "Empire of the Sun" is an amazing movie! You see what war is like through the eyes of a young boy. Jim is forced to grow up too quickly and he must experience a world that is completely foreign to most people. Christian Bale is phenomenal in this movie! You get caught up in the story very quickly. The music and visuals are stunning also. War affects everyone; no one is protected. This movie shows this and keeps the images in your head for years to come. This movie is one of the reasons that I decided to become a history major in college; you want to know more about the subjects.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning Performances!
Review: The acting, along with the story, is phenomenal. It seems so real. I've seen this movie countless amounts of times, and every time I see it, I'm moved. This is definately one to own. Christian Bale is amazing!
Rating:
Summary: A film that sticks in your mind...
Review: Many others have said the same that this is a great movie.. but I will add one more thing, unlike many other movies of today, it really sticks in your mind. I have not seen the film since moving to the US 18 months ago but have thought about it often and wanted to see it again. Brilliant scenes like slowing down the American fighter as it files over the boy on the tower with the pilot waving is great.. and the ending is a real tear jerker.
Rating:
Summary: Forgotten Classic
Review: This film is a forgotten classic. Heck, it was pretty much forgotten about even when it came out, as it didn't get much billing even then. This is a fine film that shows a lot of what life was like in China durning World War Two in a Japanese Prison camp. Worthwhile watching today.
Rating:
Summary: AN INCREDIBLE MOVIE
Review: This movie is so well-done that every time I see it I forget it's just a movie. Christian Bale could not have done a better job of portraying this young boy. In fact, I first saw this movie because I love Christian Bale, but after I saw it, it became so much more to me. You get caught up in young Jim's life and you begin to really feel for him. Although this is a drama, you find some comedy in the personality of Jim. I could truly go on and on. Just PLEASE, if you haven't seen it, go rent it. You won't regret it.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Film, Unique and Original Setting for a Story
Review: Long movie but very good. Probably requires an audience that has an appreciation of WWII history and the events surrounding Japan's invasion of China. The film is long, but the story requires it because it follows the difficult adventure of a young boy lost by his parents during the Japanese Army's capture of Shanghai early in World War II. The story spans from the boy's comfortable lifestyle living as a foreignor in China to the end of the war. It shows the harsh transition into captivity after occupation by the Japanese and how the young boy manages to adapt to his new surroundings without the care of his parents. Numerous events occur, both with his fellow prisoners and the Japanese. My favorite and significant scene is the attack by U.S. Air Force fighter planes on the Japanese airfield adjacent to the boy's prison camp. It is startling, exciting and hypnotic as the boy sees visions of hope during this battle. The movie becomes pretty emotional and the ending is touching. Well done.
Rating:
Summary: An Unheralded Masterpiece
Review: This epic film is the first of Spielberg's World War II trilogy that includes "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan." It was made at a time when Spielberg was financially successfully but artistic merit eluded him. That this remarkable piece of filmmaking has been overlooked is no reflection on him; it is the failure of the tastes of critics and the public alike. Spielberg tells a beautiful story of the horrors of war, how families are uprooted and separated, and how the human spirit overcomes adversity. Christian Bale is superb in the film. I cannot comprehend why his career did not soar after the film's release. It was good to see him in the role of Jesus in the recently televised movie on Mary. John Malkovich is his usual fantastic self as a fellow POW who becomes Bale's Long John Silver, a sly comparison to the classic "Treasure Island." The film is beautifully photographed and has a subtle and moving score from Spielberg stalwart John Williams. It is a must for fans of the director and those who appreciate masterful storytelling.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely one of Spielberg's best efforts.
Review: Empire of the Sun, is one of the best movies I've ever seen. It is definitely one of the best films Steven Spielberg ever directed. This the film that should have given him his first oscar for directing. The story itself was touching and almost brought a tear to my eye. This movie's story was touching and gave you some insight to the human soul.
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