Visually Stunning

Rating: Null/10 (8 April 1999)

I first saw "Empire of the Sun" in 10th grade as part of our curriculum for World War II. That was the first film I cried as I watched it. Spielberg's awe inspiring style which continues throughout each of his films is clearly seen here. From the clean, British home which young Jim grows up in, to the Soo Chow Internment Camp where he comes of age shows the surreal nature of many scenes in this film. A film which has many great parts has one stunning facet. John Williams' great score which is amoung his best(Star Wars, Superman, Saving Private Ryan) shows the whole spectrum, from the Welsh hymns to the Asian inspired music was incredible. The best scene in the movie features the Hiroshima atomic destruction. What more can you say than Spielberg's genius.