Spielberg makes a man out of Christian Bale.
Steven Spielberg’s affecting war film, set during the Japanese occupation of Indochina during the Second World War, about a resourceful English boy trying to survive.
Christian Bale (barely recognisable as a prepubescent boy) plays Jamie Graham, the son of affluent parents living in the far east when the Japanese invasion takes place. Jamie becomes separated from his parents during the ensuing chaos, leaving him all alone in a very scary city. He is soon picked up by two sailors who are also attempting to ride the war out, and Jamie comes to find a semi-father figure in the brutally pragmatic Basie (John Malkovich), who keeps “Jim” with him when it seems convenient for himself.
The pair, along with some of their other western buddies, find themselves in an internment camp, where they attempt to live out the remaining years of the war - living off rations and being enclosed in dilapidated huts. As Jamie’s youth rapidly slips away, the nature of his upbringing becomes the story’s emotional hard line.
Almost textbook Spielberg, Empire of the Sun is an emotionally gripping film that delves into the nature of conflict and pitting it against the innocence of youth. Jamie’s struggle to survive seems to represent our own humanity’s struggle to remain afloat - as we see many adult characters committing heinous crimes, and being completely selfish (typified by the character of Basie).
Bale’s performance is incredible, delivering way above the usual child actor portrayal of his age. We see him tackle heavy moments of drama, grandiose action sequences, and a range of tender scenes, all with an intelligence beyond his years.
Malkovich is a worthy companion for the movie, offering up some complicated depth to this “survivor” character.
Standing up to the test-of-today, Spielberg’s undoubted legacy will have some hot contenders, but Empire of the Sun deserves a place amongst the greats.
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