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Empire of the Sun (1987)
7.7
Ratings: 7.7/10 from 48,301 users
Metascore:
60/100
Reviews: 262 user | 39 critic | 17 from Metacritic.com A young English boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation during World War II. Director:Steven Spielberg |
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152 min - 
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Nominated for 6 Oscars.
Another
12 wins
&
7 nominations
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Christian Bale | ... | ||
| John Malkovich | ... | ||
| Miranda Richardson | ... |
Mrs. Victor
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| Nigel Havers | ... |
Dr. Rawlins
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| Joe Pantoliano | ... | ||
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Leslie Phillips | ... |
Maxton
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Masatô Ibu | ... |
Sgt. Nagata
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Emily Richard | ... |
Mary Graham, Jim's mother
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Rupert Frazer | ... |
John Graham, Jim's father
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Peter Gale | ... |
Mr. Victor
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Takatarô Kataoka | ... |
Kamikaze Boy Pilot
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| Ben Stiller | ... |
Dainty
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David Neidorf | ... |
Tiptree
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Ralph Seymour | ... |
Cohen
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Robert Stephens | ... |
Mr. Lockwood
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Storyline
Based on J. G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, tells the story of a boy, James Graham, whose privileged life is upturned by the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, December 8, 1941. Separated from his parents, he is eventually captured, and taken to Soo Chow confinement camp, next to a captured Chinese airfield. Amidst the sickness and food shortages in the camp, Jim attempts to reconstruct his former life, all the while bringing spirit and dignity to those around him. Written by Jeff Hansen <jmh@umich.edu>
Plot Summary | Plot SynopsisTaglines:
To survive in a world at war, he must find a strength greater than all the events that surround him.Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
(USA) See more »Also Known As:
El imperio del sol See more »Box Office
Budget:
$38,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$1,314,509 (USA) (13 December 1987) (225 Screens)Gross:
$22,238,696 (USA)Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Narrator: [title card] In 1941 China and Japan had been in a state of undeclared war for four years. A Japanese army of occupation was in control of much of the countryside and many towns and cities. In Shanghai thousands of Westerners, protected by the diplomatic security of the International Settlement, continued to live as they had lived since the British came here in the 19th century and built in the image of their own country...
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Performed by Elizabeth Welch
Courtesy of EMI Records Limited See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
"Suo Gân", the movie's theme song, is a lullaby sung in Welsh. Director Steven Spielberg chose it after casting Welsh actor Christian Bale as Jim. It was sung by James Rainbird. See more »Goofs
Continuity: In an early scene where Jamie's mother is sitting on the foot of his bed, she lights a cigarette. When she stands to exit the room, the cigarette has disappeared. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Narrator: [title card] In 1941 China and Japan had been in a state of undeclared war for four years. A Japanese army of occupation was in control of much of the countryside and many towns and cities. In Shanghai thousands of Westerners, protected by the diplomatic security of the International Settlement, continued to live as they had lived since the British came here in the 19th century and built in the image of their own country...
See more »
Soundtracks
"A NIGHTINGALE SANG IN BERKELEY SQUARE"Performed by Elizabeth Welch
Courtesy of EMI Records Limited See more »
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