
Variety
It is up to young English thesp Bale to engage the viewer's interest, which he does superbly.
Full reviewSteven Spielberg's adaptation of J.G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, with a young Christian Bale playing our spoiled young British hero, living with his rich family in pre-World War II Shanghai. When Japan invades, the boy is separated from his parents and his world is shattered.
It is up to young English thesp Bale to engage the viewer's interest, which he does superbly.
Full reviewSpielberg includes a strand of populist heroism, yet even this fails to dent the awful message. And the budget makes itself seen, as does Bale's superlative Jim.
Full reviewThe movie is always interesting from a narrative point of view. Spielberg is a good storyteller with a good tale to tell. But it never really adds up to anything.
Full reviewEmpire of the Sun is available to stream in Australia now on Google Play and Apple TV and Foxtel and Binge and Prime Video Store.
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