A young English boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation of China during World War II.A young English boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation of China during World War II.A young English boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation of China during World War II.
- Nominated for 6 Oscars
- 13 wins & 17 nominations total
Masatô Ibu
- Sgt. Nagata
- (as Masato Ibu)
Takatarô Kataoka
- Kamikaze Boy Pilot
- (as Takatoro Kataoka)
Naishe Zhai
- Yang
- (as Zhai Nai She)
- Director
- Writers
- Tom Stoppard
- J.G. Ballard
- Menno Meyjes(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaEric Flynn, who plays a British POW, was actually a POW as a child in a Japanese camp.
- GoofsJim uses CPR on the dying woman. CPR was developed in 1960.
- Crazy creditsThe film title has the "Sun" lit up by the sun.
- SoundtracksSuo Gan
Performed by The Ambrosian Junior Choir
Arranged and conducted by John McCarthy
Soloist James Rainbird
Featured review
A masterpiece in every sense of the word
When I first saw the epic film 'Empire Of The Sun' by the inspirational director Steven Spielberg I became emotionally involved in the story and could not help but shed a tear for the truly remarkable piece of cinema. Christian Bale performs, without question, better than any other actor has in a Hollywood film that is twice his age. As he closes his eyes at the end of the film in one of the most moving scenes I can remember, you see what a simply fantastic job Spielberg has done to bring J. G Ballard's classic book to the screen. Not ever has a film been more inspirational to me whilst following my dream to become a director as this. At the end of it you feel you want to move people when making a film as much as you were moved by this one. Wonderfully acted, beautifully shot - no other film will ever compare to this.
helpful•9736
- Ben Lankester
- Jan 2, 2001
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Cesarstvo sonca
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $35,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $22,238,696
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $1,314,509
- Dec 13, 1987
- Gross worldwide
- $22,239,121
- Runtime2 hours 33 minutes
- Color
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