A beautiful film.

Rating: Null/10 (16 December 2000)

This film is one of Spielberg's best. Again, he does an amazing thing by telling us a touching story, through the eyes of a child. That's why sometimes people say Spielberg is in some way still a child himself. But I think this is brilliant, because "Empire of the Sun" wouldn't have been the same if it weren't for this amazing child. Christian Bale is magnificent playing Jim, A spoiled yet charming 12 year old British boy living in China with his wealthy family. When Japan attacks, he - through the tragedy of the war - turns from a child to a man.
This movie brilliantly teaches us about the horrors of the war (and especially THAT war who has reached and hurt so many people all over the world). And what is more horrifying than the suffery of a child?
The music in the film is breath-taking (by John William of course), the directing is perfect. Almost every scene has deep meanings and is loaded with metaphors. You can't help falling in love with Jim - he actually represents the many children who had lived a happy normal happy life.. until...
watch this film, and keep a huge pile of tissues in reach!