Empire of the Sun
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 ***** Christian Bale portrays Jim a young spoiled British boy living in Singapore before the start of World War II. His world collapses when he is seperated from his parent and intered in a Japanese prison camp for civilian. In this unique environment Jim grows and the war end. The young boy is changed forever by his experiences. Great movie. Corey Cotta, Author of All of Yesterdays Tomorrows Super Great Film After viewing the film a couple times I then read most of the reviews. I was astounded that so many reviews didn't pick up on the greatness of the film. But then I read Mike Sobocinski's review. He offered an insightful analysis that suggested to me why so many viewers got lost. I say to one and all future viewers, read Mike's analysis. It will open up a world of understanding about this film. It certainly did for me. Mike's review, however, didn't mention these: 1. The best juvenile performance I've ever seen. 2. John William's fabulous sound track, especially his composition of "Exsultate Justi." 3. The rich treble voice of James Rainbird singing "Suo Gan." I only hope that the famous critics give this movie another look. A rather remarkable film In 1941, the world changes for a British boy after the Japanese invade Shanghai, China at the height of World War II. His family is forced to flee. But during the chaos that ensues, he becomes separated from his mother and father. His life of wealth and privilege is quickly erased. Left to his own devices, he then meets two lowlifes - Basie and his sidekick Frank. Against Frank's wishes, Basie takes the hyper-active boy under his wing. But they are soon captured and placed in an internment camp where they spend the next 4 years. During imprisonment, Mr. and Mrs. Victor fill the role of surrogate parents who look after him. Relics of his recent past often get him into trouble but serve as symbols throughout the story. Going back for his toy airplane (a symbol of his boyhood) is the reason he was separated from his parents in the first place. Another symbol of his past are the golf shoes. When he leaves them behind, it nearly gets him killed. Near the end, he discards his suitcase filled with personal items marking a break from the past. After the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, his life takes another turn. STEVEN SPIELB ERG IS THE BEST THIS IS ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES. EARLY CHRISTIAN BALE-- GREAT ACTOR! | |||||||||||||
