# Empire of the Sun (1987)

> A privileged Shanghai schoolboy is transformed by Japanese invasion and captivity into a resourceful survivor confronting the end of childhood.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/5223

## Facts

- Runtime: 153 min
- Genres: Drama, History, War
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Cast: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano, Leslie Phillips, Masatô Ibu, Emily Richard
- TMDB rating: 7.5/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092965/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: moderate
- Mood: haunting, adventurous, melancholic, historical film night, serious weekend viewing

## Synopsis

A young boy's resilience shines through the darkness of war as he navigates a world turned upside down.

## Movies like Empire of the Sun

- [King Rat (1965)](https://ember.film/movie/18254)
- [Seven Years in Tibet (1997)](https://ember.film/movie/809)
- [Swing Kids (1993)](https://ember.film/movie/5506)
- [Rescue at Dongji (2025)](https://ember.film/movie/7326450)
- [Treasure Island (1990)](https://ember.film/movie/15896)
- [The Killing Fields (1984)](https://ember.film/movie/503)
- [The Children of Huang Shi (2008)](https://ember.film/movie/7746)
- [Rescue Dawn (2007)](https://ember.film/movie/5078)
- [I Am David (2003)](https://ember.film/movie/9190)
- [John Rabe (2009)](https://ember.film/movie/3320)

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