Empire of the Sun (Keepcase)
C**S
An Early Prelude to Great Tragedy (A Bit Long, Though)
𝑱𝒊𝒎: 𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒓?𝑵𝒊𝒏𝒂: 𝑶𝒉 𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆.𝑱𝒊𝒎: 𝑺𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝒌𝒊𝒅, 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆?Empire of the Sun is a 1987 American epic coming-of-age war film that was directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Tom Stoppard, and stars Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson and Nigel Havers.The film tells the story of Jamie "Jim" Graham, a young boy who goes from living in a wealthy British family in Shanghai, to becoming a prisoner of war in a Japanese internment camp, during World War II.At 7:48 on 12/07/1941 the lives of many people that called Pearl Harbor home were monumentally erupted. Following an egregious turn of events meant to retaliate against the United States for their support of the Chinese Republic, any reluctance to be explicitly involved in what were at the time not recognized as a global affair was tossed to the wayside: being one of many things that would mark the beginning of World War II.Back to the program, though, as 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒏’s priorities are minimalistic in comparison:A semi-autobiographical novel written by J.G. Ballard and published in 1984.To call this film (un)wishful thinking would be grossly simplistic, and this is illustrated by inaccuracies noted between this source material and the life it is subsequently inspired by. As far as sentimental locations are concerned, Tom Stoppard undeniably captures the average experience for families relocated to internment camps, but he is not much more worried about its verifiability historically speaking. As stated, on 12/08/1941 Japan declared authority over the area Ballard is from, but the speed at which this occurred is exaggerated largely due to an inevitable time-constraint; by complete luck (and some amount of privilege) Ballard’s family was able to keep on living in their own home until 1943 (and this is interesting, seeing as how I would never have guess this was a possibility) and pressure to voluntarily leave was far from an every-day occasion. Regardless, the fixation and admiration he had to American citizens at the time is concisely settled: seen best during moments where militant machinery (specifically, of the aviation persuasion) is seen initiating chaos: something the real-life Ballard would likely be watching take place in the sky from 3 miles away as opposed to witnessing it from what could have been his backdoor or basement.On that note, Spielberg’s musings entertain a subplot: A subplot that is sure to outsource qualms, despite its innocuous inclusion.Maybe it’s obvious, and maybe it’s not: Frank and Basie (2 adults befriended by Jamie before being imprisoned) are entirely fictional characters.Knowing this, the complaints begin to write themselves: that more-than-expected time is dedicated to their own impacts on the main story when a more condensed presence could have very well have been equally appropriate. Going further, additional research shows that in real life Ballard was never separated from his parents to the degree it is suggested, and as said before is likely because of the level of affluence they were able to achieve.(He also had a 4 year old sister named Margaret that also accompanied him, but this going unshown and unspoken for isn’t a surprise in this context)Never fret though: I have good news.Depending on how it gets taken, this could actually be great news.When compared side-by-side to Ballard’s novel Spielberg’s vision is nearly an identical twin (or, at the very least, a passable sibling). Allen Daviau’s camera-work combined with Stoppard’s frame of reference is family friendly relative to Ballard’s material as he is much more descriptive of the amount of death his main character witnesses, but it doesn’t trivialize the spoils of war. If anything, it emphasizes the ways in which he is forced to make considerably mature decisions (conveyed through interactions where he conducts ‘business’ amongst other prisoners), and moments that represent significant parallels between his life before and after his unfortunate confinement. This range of emotions and adaptive behaviors is transposed perfectly by Bale: Who, in his first major movie role, delivers what is now a promising precursor to the career that has blossomed for him since then..(Side-note, and a fun fact: Ballard is actually present in a cameo role during the dinner party scene; he is one of the guests in the background wearing a red coat and a top hat. That said, perhaps 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒏’s loyalty to this publication of his isn't that much of a mere coincidence)It goes without saying that war changes people by treating their sense of normalcy, comfort, and safety like collateral or afterthoughts.Spielberg - who has proven himself capable of serving aliens and dinosaurs with a personable edge - tactfully tailors Stoppard’s material to a larger audience without making a mockery of the events within, and more than that: makes an incredibly alienating experience into a deeply personal one.In retrospect, it is fitting that Ballard’s story takes place in what is endearingly called the empire (‘land’) of the sun since this is the area where the sun rises first; despite encountering a seemingly insurmountable obstacle that would turn just about any one person’s reality into a nightmare and robs people of the optimism they might have for the future, Ballard bloomed.And much like the sun, he rose: giving birth to a new day, fresh opportunities, and to hope for far better tomorrows.
P**S
Good Story
Empire of The Sun is a good production. I’m not certain if the story line is based on facts, or it’s just a novel. But I’ll look more into it.Let me know if you like it.I’m PELOS PARADOS on FACEBOOK.
S**
Good movie
Arrived quickly and undamaged.
N**H
Wow!!!
Just as moving as I remember. If you are weepy, bring the accoutrements
J**H
Christian Bale as a child actor.
I saw this film when it first came out and was impressed with the performance of the little kid trapped in Shanghai during WW II. When I recently discovered this was Christian Bale, I had to go back and watch it again. See for yourself the emerging talent of this actor.
R**R
Great flick
I didn't order it and I don't have it so I don't know why I'm getting this request for a review but just for the record I hate Christian Bale but this is my favorite movie of all time which is not a testament to him it's tribute to the writer director and producer but it is a fantastic movie and it brings tear to my eye at the ending every single time. You cannot help but get choked up At the ending of this movie. Give it a try don't judge it till you try it. My hide is thicker than boot leather so it's hard to choke me up but this one does it every single time
F**N
Empire of the Sun
A top five war movie of all time . Christian Bale, should have been at least nomanated for an Oscar for his role as Jim, anyway great flick 😂
F**T
Good quality
Good quality
C**Y
Great movie
Very informative about real live.
A**Y
Great watch for the whole family
This is a great movie of how Japan was viewed and seen by British colonists in the country at the time of WW2. I showed my kids as a version of history. It's based on real events but the people are fictional. Plus Christian Bale is amazing in this film. (He's the kid) great view!
L**L
Avez vous d’autre film de Steven Spielberg.?
Excellent films
M**G
👍🏻
Parfait état
S**Y
Four Stars
very good
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