MovieChat Forums > Empire of the Sun (1987) Discussion > One of my favorite movies.

One of my favorite movies.

posted 8 years ago by Kawada_Kira (7282)
9 replies | jump to latest

This is one of my favorite films, one of those I can watch an endless number of times and not get tired of. Such a powerful movie. Some have accused it of being somewhat soft on the Japanese, just because it didn't show their worst crimes, but I don't think a movie has to have graphic violence or to portray the soldiers blatantly as pure inhuman monsters to convey an anti-war message. Additionally, the movie isn't so much about the war itself as one boy's experience growing up amid the chaos of the war as it overturned the world he knew and himself as a person. But this is definitely an anti-war film.

At the same time I think it's quite a beautiful film, if a war movie can be called such. The haunting theme music always gets me, and anyone who doesn't tear up at the ending must not have a soul.

[–] Drmccormack (743) 8 years ago

I've always loved this movie too. There are so many wonderful actors that I noticed for the first time in this one. This is a great book too, in case you haven't read it. It was certainly different from anything else Ballard wrote. I think it was written as fiction but it was more of a memoir truly. I think it was Christian Bales' and John Malkovich's first movie. They gave memorable performances in this film. I haven't seen it in years, thanks for reminding me of it.

[–] April-151-CT (10210) 8 years ago

You could see Christian's above average acting abilities right away. That boy was destined for greatness!!

[–] Drmccormack (743) 8 years ago

I agree and I remember back then wondering where he was because I don't think he made many movies for years. Then Newsies came out, then another lull and then it seemed like he was in a ton of good things. Maybe it's just my perception and he was doing stuff all along.

[–] April-151-CT (10210) 8 years ago

His first movie was a television movie in 1986, then he was in 2 theatrical movies, then Empire of the Sun. He's been in movies nearly every year since 1986. Pretty much non-stop. He's a busy beaver for sure lol.

[–] Drmccormack (743) 8 years ago

Wow, was I wrong. I guess I missed a lot of movies in those years!

[–] April-151-CT (10210) 8 years ago

Yup, me too. It happens lol. 😉

[–] Renovatio (2990) 7 years ago

Bale was quality in this. Carried the movie well

[–] [deleted] 7 years ago

its one of the most underrated movies of Spielberg's filmography.But I think its for greater good.If it turned out to be a hit like ET or home alone...christian bale would have ended up like drew barrymore or you know who from home alone....since it failed..christian bale could stay low and work hard..same with newsies..if that thing hadnt bombed...bale would have had a different kind of image which would have prevented him from being offered batman...its all part of plan..haha

[–] ENIDO (165) 8 years ago

I always hated this movie.The story was shit and it was very ugly shoot