EMPIRE OF THE SUN Movie | Analysis | Review | Recommend

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

No longer free on KZbin, but it's worth the rental price to watch it, at least. Otherwise, it's on HBO Max.

[@jeepchick64]

The The 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅 0:16 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😮😅 0:43 0:44 😅

[@GTMemes2]

Next "recommeded movie for you That's a forgotten gem Dustin Hoffman in Little Big Man ,1970

[@TrevorTindall]

Thank you. I thought I was alone in thinking this must be the most under-rated films of all time. When people ask me what my favourite film is, there is no hesitation in saying "Empire of the Sun". I have often reflected on Christian Bale's performance and thought it worthy of an Oscar. Once again, thank you for doing this critique and I agree with every thing you mentioned.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

It most definitely is underrated. And yeah. Christian Bale's performance should have been recognized by the Academy. I think it was BAFTA that created an award for him.

[@rrrt01]

Agreed, this movie was fantastic. Cool sidenote, that I noticed being a longtime fan of aviation. The Mustang pilot that flew by him and waved, was none other than Bob Hoover. A (now deceased) highly decorated WWII pilot that flew missions in the pacific theater.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Wow, really? I believe he is also the colonel who drinks the milk Jamie offers him at the end. That's do neat! My grandfather was an SAR pilot in Korea and Vietnam. I love flight and movies that capture it well. Gah! Just love it.

[@jaman878]

Agreed it was a great movie. However the P-51 in slow motion in the release version of the movie was named “Nip-Nipper”, not “Tug Boat”. It is disappointing that this was edited out. One of the main points of the movie was the ugliness of war and how low men could go in their humanity. The PC Cheka has decided to sanitize the racism that was a real fact in this war. In my opinion it is a very slippery slope to edit things out we find objectionable but that are true.

[@thenaturalkc]

Actually it was Ray Hanna, whose son Mark also flew one of the other Mustangs, along with Hoof Proudfoot. Sadly all three pilots have since passed away. What a great scene! Here is a link to a story about how they pulled it off. vintageaeroplanewriter.blogspot.com/2011/12/skip-bombing-p-51s-in-empire-of-sun.html?m=1

[@jonanthony683]

Just to clear up - the pilot in the film was actually Ray Hanna, long time war bird pilot extraordinaire. He, his son Mark, and another Fighter Collection pilot flew the 51's (also from the Fighter Collection). Ray flew the low stuff, including the amazing shot over the top of the woman hanging clothes [side note: this is a great visual of where lift really comes from - Newton's 2nd law - where she is nearly blown flat by a sliver of the air mass the wings are blasting down with 4+ tons of force]. There are some astounding clips of Ray looking like he is intending to mow the lawn at some grass fields with 'his' Spitfire.

[@SapiophileGoddess]

@@jonanthony683 Your correction is correct. 💕

[@AussieTVMusic]

I saw this in 1987. I had no idea what it was about going in. But this is one of my top 10 movies of all time. Just brilliant.

[@dog3y3]

Saw this when I was a kid. I think it struck a cord deep inside me specifically because of the aircraft scenes... not just the flying but when Christian walks up to the Japanese Zero and is touching it... and then the pilots come out.... he salutes and they salute back... at that moment, it wasn't about who is on who's side, or the war... it was just about flying. And that has always stayed with me... a small thin bridge across cultures that they could all appreciate, and love. Considering Spielberg's background and the other movies he makes afterward, it's a testament to the human condition, allowing us to see it without the taint of war (ironic since it's in the middle of war)... i'm not sure i'm explaining it thoroughly, but it's always been more of a humanities movie than a war movie to me. Always loved it. It's in my top 10 of all time.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I could not agree more. I think that's why this movie is so misunderstood. Every time I hear someone complain about it, they call it a "bad war movie".... but, dude.... it's not a war movie. It's a coming-of-age movie that takes place in the middle of a war. if you go into it expecting a war movie, you will definitely be disappointed and absolutely miss the whole point of it. It would be like calling Ann Frank's Diary a War Diary.... lol.

[@fuferito]

I'm so glad you mentioned the Welsh lullaby (Christian Bale is Welsh), and along with Jim's rooftop ecstasy scene, you showed us Jim caressing the Zero fighter just before three Japanese pilots salute him, almost as peers. But, I'd thought I'd mention Jim's Latin grammar repetition, _“Amatus sum, amatus es, amatus est,"_ which is usually a tedious exercise forced upon private school children acquiring an entirely different meaning after the rooftop scene, since the Latin phrases, almost like a religious litany mean, "I am loved, you are loved, he/she is loved."

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Yes! so many wonderful repetitions with new meaning in the repeating. I was actually one such kid made to conjugate Latin verbs. Haha. But I enjoyed it... so much so that I continued my Latin study in college.

[@TheEulerID]

Christian Bale describes himself as English, not Welsh ("I was born in Wales but I'm not Welsh-I'm English."). Whilst he was born in Pembrokeshire, both his parents were English and they left when he was aged 2. However, the family moved rather a lot, although I think he spent the longest single period of his young life at school in Bournemouth.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

The first time I watched this film was in Hong Kong, where I was an ex-pat, and it was just a week after returning from a two-week fact-finding visit to Shanghai. I watched it with my then 10-yr old son. Ballard had spoken at my school, long before he wrote his book. So I had some idea of his wartime experiences. At the school, a choir school in London, I had sung the solo in our rendition of Suo Gân (as I spoke Welsh fluently). All this came together at that cinema in Wan Chai, and my son witnessed me crying, for his first time. Yes, this film should be rated one of Spielburg's best, and as the finest Bale performance of his career. No child actor equalled this 1987 debut until Jacob Trembley in Room.

[@jesustovar2549]

I am very happy to see that someone appreciates this movie as much as I do, Steven Spielberg is one of those names that made me appreciate cinema, my Mom taught me this movie at the age of 12, at the end I cried with happiness, for me EVERYTHING in she is PERFECT, the setting, the coordination of the actors and the extras, John Williams was very inspired composing for this movie, every time I hear that Japanese lullaby I cry, at the end of the movie I cry with happiness, here Spielberg peaked , he showed great signs of maturity as a director before Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan which of course are tremendous movies in their own right, I've been a fan of Christian Bale ever since I saw this movie, my Mom is glad to have watched him grow up as actor, she and I are the same, if Christian is in a movie you have to see it, he almost never disappoints.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I agree with you 100% on everything! Your mom is a savvy lady, who clearly knows a great movie that needs to be shared when she sees one. I could gush about this movie all day!

[@Wills_Duffy]

I remember very well when the movie was first released in '86 I think. The critics went to town on it. Spielberg declared on its release that it was his first grown up movie. He was breaking from the popcorn blockbuster and moving into personal passion projects. This seemed to irritate the critics and it was through this lens they judged the movie. They essentially dismissed the movie because they refused to believe Spielberg had in him the ability and vision to be a grown up director. And as we all know Empire of the Sun indeed demonstrated to anyone with 2 brain cells that Spielberg could indeed make a grown up movie. So we had a situation whereupon not only could Spielberg do popcorn but he could make magic with adult themes. And he was in his late 30s so it meant nothing could stop him in his tracks. So unfortunately Empire of the Sun became a casualty Spielberg had to endure in order to leave behind his youthful like filmmaking and make the move into adult films. And yes this is a dreadful injustice because the critics dissuaded the public away from this magnificent cinematic experience. And by any reckoning across all cinema in the last 50 years Empire of the Sun is contender for one of the best. You may notice there are numerous nods to David Lean in the movie also. And Spielberg made this movie as a love letter to Lean because at this time Lean was an old man and had not long to live and one views this tremendous movie in the understanding that Spielberg is thanking Lean for him becoming a movie director by making something of such beauty and power it is telling Lean he will never be forgotten for his service to the movies. Spielberg is turning the magic of movies into a humanizing force for good all the while facing into all the reasons why bother. And Lean is there behind Spielberg driving him on to put image to film strip and send out a prayer for peace for mankind and a message of hope for one day we will be free from pain and hurt and live in eternal love and friendship. Every time I watch Empire of the Sun, over the decades, every single time the scene at the end when Jim finally reunites with his folks packs such emotional power it truly is gut wrenching movie making magic and full of redemptive power washing over the audience. Incredible Stephen Spielberg.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I could not agree more with everything you said. I think it is a travesty that this movie was submarined by the critics when it was released. It is a contender for the most underrated film I've ever come across.

[@MrNorcal81]

Empire of the Sun is a masterpiece and it demonstrated how Spielberg was always able to translate what his mind visualized to the screen. There's one scene in particular that I've never forgotten. I believe it takes place as a bright orange sun is getting in the far sky and Japanese mechanics are working on fighters with welding torches. You see the bright sparks flying off the aircraft. The image and its framing is superb. Another great scene is where, in slow motion, a P51 Mustang flies by Jaime and the pilot waves at him. There are so many more visually perfect scenes in addition to these.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Yes! I LOVE both of those! That's why I included the clips 😋

[@fuferito]

My all time my favorite film. I've watched it countless times. Such a treat to see John Malkovich and Joe Pantoliano, and a very young Ben Stiller, as well as Spielbergian nods to Norman Rockwell and a gallows humor that informs his later work in _Schindler's List._ Spielberg's often omitted, _The Color Purple_ from his repertoire of blockbusters falls under the same category of forgotten masterpiece as _Empire of the Sun._

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Agreed on all accounts. And John Malkovich has never looked as cool as he does in the first hour of this movie.

[@fuferito]

@The Sword and the Pen Reflections , Malkovich played the incurable scumbag perfectly. He tries to sell Jim and actually places bets on his life in the creek outside the wire, so you despise him for it, but he is always the one to take the beatings for Jim and everyone else.

[@carlossaraiva8213]

The same year Spielberg kade this masterpiece about a childhood destroyed in WWII, on the other side of the Iron Curtain, in the USSR, director Elim Klim made a mocie called "Come And See". It has many common element with "Empire Of The Sun" but it depicts was situations snd the drama in a more documentary fashion, the film being practically 100% filmed with a steadycam. Its also a more brutal film, with the violence being more in your face. Yet for all their differences, thevmovues have in common the theme of a destroyed childhood because of adult madness and stupidity. Spielberg sure got to know that movie as he later incorporated a filmic stylization created by Come And See into his later Saving Private Ryan, the deafning effect of a close-by explosion that creates an sbsence/mufflingbof sound mixed with a highpitched sustained ringing sound simulating tintinus cause by inner ear trauma. Both are great movies made by great filmmakers at the height of their artistic powers.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Oh! This sounds great! I want to check it out.

[@Stillwater1967]

Agreed! Not many have seen Come and See. It’s also such a masterpiece of horror and coming of age

[@RoysanPHD]

I loved this when I was a kid. All the scenes you spoke about are right on. I got pretty tearful when the Japanese boy couldn't fly the plane and when he got shot. Good job!

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Thanks. Yeah. I always feel so sad when the Japanese boy can't get his plane to work. It is such a conflicting scene. The disappointment and relief. What an amazing job Steven Spielberg did.

[@DougUnfunny]

its an amazing film with so many amazing actors, John Malkovich, Ben Stiller, Joey Pants, and young Bruce Wayne. Yes the score is so beautiful, cadillac of the skies brings me to tears.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

It is, indeed 😁

[@outdoorsfan4179]

I viewed Empire of the Sun when it opened at theaters in 1987.. As you said, it was not the expected kind of war film, but it was great for all the reasons you mentioned in your excellent review. I enjoyed watching it again recently. Favorite scenes include the Cadillac of the Sky, and also how Jim finally breaks down and tells the doctor he can’t remember what his parents look like. The final scene of the movie, with the beautiful music, when his mother recognizes him, Jim’s facial expression and his eyes, finally find peace. Those two powerful scenes are incredible. Also liked how Jim learned enough Japanese language and culture to save the doctors life when he was being beaten by Sgt Nagata. On the DVD chapter 18 Did you catch the scene on the truck when they are being transported to the main internment camp, Basie is doing a magic trick with a coin, and responds to the doctor that yes, he was American, but “was working underground for the Kuomintang”(ie Chinese government). The doctor responds; “as what, as a conjurer?” (ie magician). Basie gives him that grinning look, acknowledging that the doctor didn’t believe him. Not sure what the book says about Basie, but appears Basie was only an opportunist, and not secretly working for anyone but himself. I agree, one of Spielberg’s greatest movies, and it deserves more accolades than it got.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

For a minute, I thought you were going to mention that Basie makes the coin vanish (the coin that he always took possession of when he was in agreement that he would take care of Jim). I can't recall what was up with Basie in the book, but I remember he was still an opportunist. It doesn't especially matter. What matters is what he did to survive was despicable, and Jim came to understand that. One of my favorite scenes is Jim finally meeting with the Japanese boy without the barbed wire between them.

[@daustin8888]

Him trying to resuscitate the slain Japanese boy always gets to me. Especially when he sees himself.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

That scene and the scene when the Japanese boy cries when he is so disappointed because his plane won't start. It's pne of the oddest moments that I cry in this movie, but it always gets me. It was his one greatest dream... as terrible as the wrapping paper it came in was, it was still the one thing that brought him joy... and it was taken away from him. I just freaking love it! It's so good!

[@johnpahlmann7635]

It’s interesting that the Japanese boy feels sadness and then shame for not having the chance to sacrifice himself for the Empire. Sharing the mango was a sort of rebirth for him. For Jamie the boy’s death was the death of his innocence and naïveté.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@johnpahlmann7635 the story of the Japanese boy is remarkably heartrenching. Very good storytelling.

[@Zuppigaming]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONStotally agree one of the most powerful scenes when the japanese boy can’t start the plane. And the final scene where Jamie reunites with his parents. 10/10 movie✅

[@cstrattonjones]

Not forgotten, watched again last weekend. One of my favourites, I’m 57.

[@jazzlovah1370]

I've heard Suo Gân before it was popularized by "Empire of the Sun" in 1987. When it was included on the original motion picture soundtrack, John Williams added his magical flair and made it soulful. I've watched Empire of the Sun countless times as I considered it one of Steven Spielberg's World War II film masterpieces along with Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. When my father passed away in 2011, I used "Suo Gân" as the musical background on his funeral video as we moved his casket from the church to the hearse after the requiem mass was concluded.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I would love it if Suo Gan was played at my funeral. Very nice choice. So beautiful. Like singing the lost loved one to sleep.

[@bendearborn1033]

This is in my top 10. My parents took my sister and i to see this in the theaters when it first came out. The scene where Jamie is separated from his parents scared me more than another movie scene i have ever scene. In short i loved it and have since read the book and gleefully await the day when i can watch it with my kids.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I am getting this from so many people! Seriously, only one person in these comments had said this movie was bad.... and the only reason they could give was that it was not an action movie and was overly emotional. Lol.

[@m4ttyp4nts]

I love this movie. A great coming of age story set in a part of WW2 that is largely ignored/forgotten. We hear so much about the horrible internment camps for Japanese people in the US. But, I assume that it is mind-blowing for most of the audience to learn that the Japanese had "reciprocal" prison camps for white expats.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I understand why we would teach more about WW2 in Europe. There are more people of European descent in the USA, so it would be more relevant to Americans to learn about Europe.... but the USA has been growing in diversity for ages, so it seems to me that this part of WW2 should be given a little more interest. Also, with China and Taiwan and Japan being in so many headlines these days, you would think this might be a good time to extend our study of history a little. I'm pretty lucky to have had early exposure to a lot of "forgotten history". I have to attribute my curiosity and appreciation today to that early life exposure.

[@Irish37]

An important distinction is that the white people interned by the Japanese were imperialists exploiting the peoples of the Far East. (The Japanese invaders proved to be just as ruthless imperialists as the Europeans, of course). The Japanese-descended people the U.S. interned during the war were American citizens. Imprisoning any innocent people is an injustice, of course. But the American Nisei deserved it far less than the European ex-pats.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

I think everyone should read Ballard's afterword, in the paperback copy of the book. He points out how the two atomic bombs saved further millions of pointless deaths, and yet the story has been spun so that nowadays, everyone thinks of the Japanese as victims, when they were the aggressors. You have to read some books about the POW camps and how they treated their prisoners, and the populations of other Asian countries. Plus of course the movie, Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@radicalcartoons2766 I was an exchange student in Japan. I didn't know what to say when all the European exchange students started calling the US terrible names for dropping the bombs. Then, the Japanese students came to our defense and said exactly what you are referencing. It was a surprise, and was probably my first real spark of interest in reseraching the Sino Japanese Wars.

[@wendynichols8524]

Wow!! GREAT video on one of my all time favorites!! You touched on every single stand-out moment/thing that I love and appreciate about this movie, AND several more that I, having watched it many, many times, had not noticed before. This is such an important movie, about a significant time in history, that doesn’t get the attention it should. Understandably, the European theater in WWII, garners a great deal of coverage. But the Pacific theater was equally as important, but perhaps for political (or some other reason) reasons, it has been somewhat overshadowed. Maybe that’s part of the reason why this movie was not as big as it most definitely should have been. But, it should be considered one of Spielberg’s top movies!! Everything about it is amazing. I could (and have) watch it again, and again. The attention to detail is unbelievable. Your take on this movie, and the quality of your video, is absolutely fantastic. Looking forward to more! Keep up the good work!

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Thank you.☺ and I agree on the points you made about the European and Pacific theaters of WW2 and how much we are told about them (and also agree that this is probably related to why the film was so slammed). I am a descendant of people who were specifically targeted by Hitler for assisting those who were persecuted, and I still say that the events in China at this time of year deserve more exposure than they get. You know what's interesting is I look back on this video and feel like there was so much that I had to leave out for the sake of time. The significance of Basie and the Coin... the magazine tear-out of the couple tucking their child in bed... Mrs Victor looking at her lips and teeth in the mirror.... GAHHH!! There was so much thought put into this move. I just love it.

[@wendynichols8524]

Oh my gosh! Yes! I hadn’t thought about those moments, but again, you just made me aware of them 🙂.

[@BigBlobProductions]

I love this movie! It is fresh every time I watch it. I introduced one of my best friends to it last year and he informed me that its now his favorite film. A true masterpiece

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

That's pretty much the exact reaction I get from every person I have ever showed this to. 😁

[@gfair2]

I remember watching this movie as a kid and was also a huge fan of fighter jets so Jamie's fascination was immediately identifiable. When he gets the salute from the Japanese pilots that was an amazing feel-good moment that they were respecting and acknowledging him and his admiration. The death was horrifying, especially when he tried reviving his young friend and blood starts pouring from his former friend's mouth. As an adult I still love watching the movie once in a while because it is Spielberg magic, for sure, although as one movie reviewer does note it is a bit saccharine in how often it tries to tug on the heartstrings. Spielberg has a Disney-esque rule to his movies but in this movie it feels a bit much, as does John Williams's score always being employed as a tool to bring out those emotions in the viewers. But the movie is absolutely superb, the atmosphere is tense with worry and people at the edge of breaking and Jamie's earnest hyperactivity sets them all off but is probably his own way of coping with all the trauma he's been through by keeping his mind on every interesting thing in the present, even keeping a record of the number of Weevils in his food. The Cadillac scene is also the first time he cries in the movie, at a moment when he has stability, food, a paternal figure in his life and suddenly this amazing experience with planes and an actual Mustang pilot, it's the first time he's been happy in a long time and maybe he realizes just how much he's been through since he was last in such a moment where he felt stability and the presence of parents and the joy of being a kid.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I think I've seen the same review you are talking about (There aren't many on this movie, lol). It's funny, but I didn't find the soundtrack overbearing in how it was always working to amplify emotion. A part of the story in this movie is about being emotionally affected, and how experience and understanding creates emotional connection and release in unexpected places. Like with the poem and then the stream of consciousness when Jamie sees the P-51s. Also, as adults, we are viewing a movie about a child who doesn't fully understand everything that is happening. The music is there more for us than for Jamie, I think. We understand what we should be seeing, but aren't. We see that Jamie should be far more traumatized than he is. I don't think we are meant to feel sad with Jamie... we are meant to be feel sad FOR him. But everyone can interpret it however they want. That's what art is for 😋 Side note.... the last few times I watched this movie, it occurred to me that Jamie would have been diagnosed with ADHD today.

[@gfair2]

​@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS I'd say it was a bit much, but not too much. A couple fewer uses would have been more to my liking as well. We're definitely in the realm of opinion and preference though, but yeah this movie is a favourite. Unfortunately I don't know nearly enough movie lovers who would appreciate this movie quite the way I do. But while we're talking movies. Have you seen Son of Rambow? It's quite good, also about a boy and family going through a challenging time. Also one of Will Poulter's earliest appearances, another child actor who is gathering more accolades today. And one other bit of personal connection - a family friend who is sadly no longer with us was tutor to Christian Bale during this movie and for a few years. Hope to meet him some day to ask if he remembers his tutor from those days. :)

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@gfair2 (I wrote a nice long reply to this, and it vanished, and now I'm ticked... but this will be a short version of what I wrote before). I LOVE Son of Rambow. Saw it in theaters. It's one of the movies I make all my friends watch (Then I make them watch the new Secret Life of Walter Mitty). And I was so ticked when Disney messed up Narnia, because Will Poulter was a PERFECT Eustace. I really wanted to see him return. He was a child actor who I wish had more roles. I wouldn't be afraid to show Empire of the Sun to more people. I've never showed it to someone who didn't think it was amazing. If you feel like you need to prep them, just let them know they need to pay close attention to things that they are shown and things that are said, because they will be repeated with different meaning later, since we are follwoing a kid who often sees and says things he doesn't really understand until later in life. Then tell them to look for the three shots in Cadillac of the Sky that follow 3-dimensional movement to create multiple framed moments. As far as cinematography goes, I don't understand why this film didn't get every award on the planet. Spielberg was a MAESTRO at using movement to go between two shots, instead of cutting. In this movie he does better than anywhere else I've seen.

[@gfair2]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS Alright well if you like Son of Rambow and Walter Mitty, what about..... Muriel's Wedding ?

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@gfair2 You got me there. I've heard the title... but not seen it. But if we are in agreement with Empire of the Sun, Son or Rambow, and Walter Mitty... I may have to look up this one.

[@uncleeric3317]

I love the scene early on when his father comments that their family happens to be luckier than others. Such subtle arrogance.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Every time I watch this movie, I pick up on something new. Like how the father almost never actually looks right at Jamie. But his mother does, and the Doctor does. Love it.

[@uncleeric3317]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS Yeah good point. Even at the end when they find Jamie the father is aloof.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@uncleeric3317 Such a tragic moment.

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

I'm surprised you've forgotten that it is Jamie, not his father, who says they are lucky. And his father replies, "You know, the funny thing is, the harder I work, the luckier we get."

[@uncleeric3317]

@@oliverbrownlow5615Yes, thank you.

[@MrOtistetrax]

I saw this film on a plane when I was a young kid, obsessed with airplanes and the war. This was back in the days when the in-flight movie was projected onto the bulkhead at the front of the cabin and the only choice you had was whether to put the headphones in and tune to the right channel or not. My dad was unsure whether it would be appropriate for a ten year old, but he let me tune in. It absolutely captivated me, though I didn't understand much of it. I've loved it ever since.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

What a great experience that must have been. Perfect place to watch a movie with a theme of the love of flying.

[@sushruttewari144]

Bale became a great actor by the time he was 13... here I am at 24, trying to write a book with the hope that people find the story that I write a bit interesting. God help me. Great recommend as as always

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Haha! I feel the same way. Lol 😂

[@bijibadness]

brother, I'm 37. I'm trying to do my masterpiece. you're GREAT at 24. do not for a second believe you're aging out of what you should be doing. not if it's what you know you're meant to do. ESPECIALLY AT 24. DAMN, MAN. YOU'RE YOUNG. RELAX. OKAY??

[@sushruttewari144]

Thanks, big brother. I appreciate it. Best of luck to you too 🤘

[@thatbudguy1328]

Excellent review. Thanks for reminding me of this criminally underrated movie.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

That's a good descriptor. The critics did this movie dirty.

[@romemomo]

Thank you for speaking from the heart. I am rediscovering this gem of a movie. Thank you very much.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I am so happy you are rediscovering it. 😊 I feel like I discover something new about this film every time I watch it.

[@PeterFields18]

From the age of ten, Spielberg was the most influential filmmaker in the world to me. I saw Empire of the Sun when it was first released in cinemas when I was 16. I studied this film (and "the making of" documentary) for days, months, and years later. I must have seen both over 200 times-- no kidding. I listened to the soundtrack on the bus ride to school and back. I was very disappointed in how the film was received by audiences and critics. This was before CGI, so all of those people in the crowd scenes were real. Huge undertaking and choreography. That kind of work ain't easy, folks. Christian Bale's performance was outstanding. The National Board of Review awarded this film Best Picture of the Year (1987) and the Board created a special award for Christian Bale for Best Performance by a Juvenile (1987).

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Fabtastic. Yes. This film is incredible. I dare to say that it may be the most undeservedly underrated film of all time.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

Yes, it epitomizes "they don't make 'em like that anymore"!

[@AtomicAgePictures]

I saw this on opening day at the original Cine Capri. The cinematographer was Allen Daviau. Who also shot E.T., and Amblin, the short film that got Spielberg his first job, and for which his company is named.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

That's amazing! If this was playing in theaters again today, I would pay a lot to watch it on the big screen. I actually had 5 pages of notes typed out about this movie, and this must have been my 6th or 7th recording. My review was originally so long, including all sort of notes, but I realized that I couldn't let it be longer than an hour, so I set up the lights the other night and just filmed it and tried to get through as much info as I could. The final result is so rambling and repetitive and I seem to lose all ability to articulate thoughtfully.... or even finish thoughts. UGH! I feel like I've mis-represented this film by not doing it the justice it deserves.

[@AtomicAgePictures]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS not at all I think you did a great job!

[@AtomicAgePictures]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS also I had just seen Lawrence of Arabia in the same theater about 3 weeks before, so the comparison was interesting. I'm sure you know that David Lean had planned to make this movie himself.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@AtomicAgePictures I know. And I'm so glad that Steven Spielberg did it instead. I don't think David Lean would have been able to make it feel magical the way that Spielberg did. Although, because so many critics were hating on Spielberg at the time, I think it might have ended up being bigger if Lean did it.

[@theswordandthepenchannel]

Maybe you can help me figure something out.... how does one accomplish that dreamy glow in the high contrast shots? like in 27:15

[@geekyolhog]

Great review of a great movie. The Tom Stoppard screenplay is what I believe makes this film work so beautifully. He had done Brazil two years previously before Empire of the Sun and afterwards wrote The Russia House, Billy Bathgate and Shakespeare in Love, so was always offering up something thought provoking. As for the critics of the day not really giving this a chance, my theory is this: Spielberg comes out of Raiders, ET and The Colour Purple onto 'THIS'? The pompous, preening, purile pricks saw TOO MUCH OF THEMSELVES in the Bale character and decided they didn't like it! A sign of the times, I believe. I would so love to see a new film now created by the likes of Spielberg, Stoppard and Williams together. It feels like it's a bygone era now, though. And sadly we descend into a tiktokian (copyright me, lol) nightmare of movie making just concentrating on the next scene making us forget the last one cos this one so cool, innit...

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

My depression goes to new depths at the thought of only having more TickTockian crap to look forward to. From what I've heard, there was some push against Spielberg at the time, too. Possibly because he went outside of 'his box' with this film, and totally nailed it. Shakespeare in Love is the only other Stoppard I think I've seen. I should look up the screenplay to see how much of the details in the final film were from him and how much was Spielberg. So great! And so many things I didn't have time to mention in the video. I should just do a "writer audience member's commentary track". lol. I feel like I have something to say about every damn shot!

[@geekyolhog]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS tbh there are certain KZbinrs that take apart a film piece by piece and their vids are longer than the films? I think that this is an easy way out of genuine critique, because until you have tried to write/create anything, who are you to judge me in such detail?

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@geekyolhog I'm going to throw that back atcha the next time you complain about Ewoks. 🤣🐻🤣

[@geekyolhog]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS there is a caveat on everything I say that precludes any Ewok-centric debate or denial in their regard... 😜🤣🤣

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@geekyolhog lol. I'll grant you that. 🤣

[@melodysafo5437]

I just watched this movie two weeks ago and I’m still thinking about it. Christian Bale was phenomenal and I think it was pretty obvious that he was going to go places.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Hurray! Another new fan. Isn't it just so underrated?! And yes. Christian Bale was amazing. Even then!

[@melodysafo5437]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS I know, right! And today, he’s well known by basically everyone!

[@DuckPuck1]

A guilty pleasure of mine watching this movie from time to time. Best childhood actor performance ever IMHO.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

No guilt whatsoever. This is a masterpiece. I rewatch movies all the time... sometimes back-to-back.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

At 24:00 Not everyone picks up on that scene with the parents at his bedside, which is then repeated throughout the movie, in the photo of the Norman Roockwell painting, (One of the "Four Freedoms") which Jim keeps above his bed in the camp. It reminds him of them, even when he can't remember their faces.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Yeah, that's another motif I didn't get to mention. There is a cut scene where Jamie takes the photo and puts it over the sexy girl that belonged to Frank... I always interpreted that as meaning that, even though he's in the American Bachelor's quarters, he's still just a kid. He still just wants his mom and dad.

[@gfair2]

The reason why Steven's war movies in Europe are more well known and appreciated by audiences is because the war in Asia, aside from the US conflict with Japan, is known as the forgotten war. It's not well known, the events of Japan in China are not well understood, America hasn't re-told itself this story like it has the conflict in Europe and the North Pacific, not to mention there are far fewer Americans who participated in this regional conflict, so for the Hollywood / American-centric audience there's much less connection to a lost British kid in China.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Yeah, I think that played a big part. Whenever I mention that the bombing of Shanghai happened at the same time as Pearl Harbor, people are usually shocked.

[@AtomicAgePictures]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS on December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Hawaii, the Philippines, Guam, Midway Island, and Wake Island. The attack on Shanghai didn't actually take place until December 8th. Also most people don't that the Japanese invasion of China actually stared in 1931 with the occupation of Manchuria. From 1931 to 1937, China and Japan continued to skirmish in small, localized "incidents".

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@AtomicAgePictures Nice! Thanks for filling us all in on that. I knew about the Midway and Philippines attacks, but not the rest. I love learning about all these other areas of the world and their histories. Especially when you look at certain events and think, "Why didn't I get taught as much about this as I was taught about something else." At the same time, I understand that our time in school is limited. We only have time to dive into a certain amount of history. If we try to touch on all of it, that's all it would be... a light touch that we probably forget a week later. Too much info. I remember having to memorize major events of the 100-year war... what a pain... and, today, I couldn't tell you any one of them.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

British and Australian audiences are more aware, we grew up with Bridge on The River Kwai, on the BBC literally every year, on Christmas Day! One of our great newspaper cartoonists, Ronald Searle ( who drew the St Trinians books) was an ex Japanese POW. He smuggled out many drawings of his life in the camps. And one of our favourite pop stars, David Bowie, starred in the amazing Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence.

[@Sprayber]

Love your channel. Always loved this movie. When friends would talk about Spielberg I always mention this. The P51 scene is one of the best scenes in cinematic history. The whole ending is very emotional.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I never get tired of gushing over this movie.

[@c1ph3rpunk]

I’ve been to Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, one thing that struck me is the continued level of anger, mainly in the older crowd, for the Japanese. One of the projects was in Hong Kong and took place overlooking the harbor, and there were still gun emplacements there. Not only that, they’re protected archeology, you’re not allowed to remove them, they don’t want to forget. The other thing that struck me was how’ well, as an American, I was welcomed and taken care of. I got to spend a couple months there, in those cities, and adore it. It’s too bad the human politics has managed to turn it into a different place and turn them against each other. Another funny one of not letting go, I’m in a pub in London, barkeep can tell I’m American, and asks where my family came to America from. I said Scotland, Greece, Italy and Germany. He looks at me and says “Germany, huh, you know thru bombed us”. Sorry man, my family came in the 1700’s, a bit before that.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

As a student of human behavior, I am very interested in the long-held resentment of whole populations. This is oneof the few films that I believe captured how people are torn apart against what would be their nature in a non-political world.

[@CheeseScout]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS Alas.... it is a long story. I know quite a bit of this.....

[@vtigerqueen]

Saw this movie when I was young on my brother's Laser Disk. Still one of the most gripping World War II movies I've ever seen. I'm always surprised how few folks have seen this film as there are several scenes that are breath taking and it is one of Christian Bale's best!

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Agree Agree!

[@duaneswab4659]

Empire of the Sun was my second introduction to Christian Bale, as I watched Henry V first.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Such an amazing start this kid had... uh... guy... Whatever. Christian Bale is amazing!

[@stephbea103]

I saw this film, I think, at the Seattle International Film Festival. I remember being surprised to see a Spielberg film at the Festival. It blew me away how amazing Christian Bale was and that this kid was carrying such a complex film. I haven't seen it since it came out so I wasn't aware of the repeated references throughout. I'll have to watch it again closely. It isn't easy to find movies that can stand up to repeated viewing and deliver new perspectives with each viewing. Thank you for bringing this film to my attention. I had forgotten how beautiful it was.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Hurray! I'm so glad you might be inspired to watch it again. It is SO worth rewatching. And there are about a half-dozen repetitions I didn't even get to mention in my video (like the journey of the coin Jamie's dad chips into the pool, and what it means). I hope you have a great time watching it again.

[@rooroo8767]

Never forgotten.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Same.

[@twistedtales99]

Based on a novel by J.G. Ballard. Hard to believe. Ballard was the scifi author of the "New Wave" who later turned to the avant garde, writing such novels as "Crash" and "The Atrocity Exhibition." Very controversial and very graphic works. Ballard had a major influence on the early industrial music and countercultural art scenes. And you're right: it's an excellent, excellent movie. One of my favorites.

[@twistedtales99]

One wonders how much this childhood later influenced Ballard's later literary fixations. Some of his terms, such as "neural landscape," I find myself using in my own writing. Favorite line from the movie (besides the one about Hershey Bars, and Basie telling him, "You're an American now kid."): "I learned a new word today. Atom bomb." Very Ballardian.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I find it very unusual that JG Ballard's work was not included in my college curriculum. Not even one work. I went about half way into a master's degree (before people in my career of choice informed me that this degree was not valued in their field), and I don't think he was even mentioned as a writer of note.

[@twistedtales99]

Very bad oversight. At any rate, here's a video essay on Crash from a few years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYLXk3h-pbGUqpY@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS

[@TheEulerID]

@@twistedtales99 J.G. Ballard did not have quite the same experience, in that he was never separated from his parents whilst interred. To what extent he shared Jim's almost worship of those aerial machines of death and their pilots, I don't really know. So whether he projects Jim as a version of himself with a rather different experience, it's tricky to say. What we do know is that he trained to be a doctor in London, in a country he'd never really known. It was not to be, and then he took up writing of a dark, dystopian and often surreal type. He did this despite being widowed in 1964, with three children to raise single handed in three bedroomed semi in Shepperton, a house he was to remain for the rest of his life. It seems the author of so much that presented a twisted view on society was a creature of the domestic.

[@atticuswalker8970]

His has been my favorite film since I first saw it when it came out. Still is. Most people have never heard about it. So thank you for giving it some of the exposure it deserves. Casablanca is a close second.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I am so happy to get so many good comments about this movie from folks who never saw it before and now love it. I hope I keep getting more. It deserves so much more recognition.

[@helchose]

I watched it for the first time a couple weeks ago and I've become obsessed with it. One of my new favorite movies. Can't believe I've never seen it before. I am working on getting my mom and wife to see it. I will watch it over and over.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

It is a hidden gem. I count it as one of the best WW2 movies of all time, and yet no one has seen it! I have yet to meet anyone who has seen it that didn't feel the same way as I do about it.

[@sandranatali1260]

Love this film! Have watched many times. Each time I realize something new about the character.

[@Transterra55]

Based on a true story by JG Ballard… A phenomenal book, but the film is equal to the book, if not better. I used to show this to my students in my college composition class, and they loved it.

[@Hyphu]

2nd time watching this movie. The beginning showed us the disparities of the high class and low class and how quickly things can change. But throughout the movie it showed how human we are and even tho were different there are connections we can make and can become friends if only we werent so materialistic and power hungry. Thats just one hidden meaning i felt.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

That is so true. Excellent observation. You can see it so many times. Even in the last but with how clean Jamie's mother and father are and how stained with the filth of surviving Jamie is. I just love that reunion scene. Gets me every time.

[@HelloBoy145]

I love this movie! Aside from this video and another one, there haven’t been many analysis done on this film which is sad…thanks for the video! 😊😊

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I'm considering doing a scripted analysis at some point. I had to leave out so much for this one. But I'm glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@kthx1138]

It's a profound story and fits right in with Spielberg's desire to shed his boyhood fantasies and embrace suffering.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Anyone with enough life endurance to embrace suffering has my respect. 😂

[@SGBassplayer]

Easily my favorite film of all time. I’m 57 years old now and even though I’ve watched it countless times since it came out there are scenes in this movie that still just resonate so emotionally with me, the scene in the hangar with the Zero and the pilots particularly.

[@rmarieshen862]

This is in my top 10 movies of all time. I saw it when it came out, and I was the same age as the protagonist. It impacted me then andstill impacts me now. I awlays thought that the use of Suo Gan in that Japanese foghter scene is one of the best uses ever of a song in a movie.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

It totally is. It's a great scene! And yeah, I still get chills every time I see this movie. So dang good!

[@carlossaraiva8213]

This is Spielberg's most underrated and overlooked movie. Its also one of his movies i eatch the least not because i think.low of it but quite the contrary, i rate it as one of his top 3 best films he ever made, but the emotional impact it causes in the end is always so strong that it just overwhflms me everytime snd has been going on since i first watched it back in 1987. This movie actually killed my enjoyment of ET and i'm glad for it.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Haha! That's definitely a bad side effect. But I will say this... to watch this as an artistic work, it's really exciting and engaging. There was so much theought put into the lighting and framing and writing.

[@mikeywood1516]

This is my all-time favorite movie. I love it so much and I'm glad to see someone else's appreciation of it.

[@jefffoster3557]

Thank you for recognizing this classic. The small window where Jim is singing and saluting to the point where he is crying and telling the Dr he doesn't remember what his parents look like is the best roller coaster ride of emotions ever on screen. I fell in love with this immediately upon watching......from the very first scene of the caskets in the water, to the ending scene where Jamie throws his only belongings left into the water....as if to bury it all. So much imagery and signals in this movie it shows another facet I missed with every watch. A true masterpiece. I first watched it in a determination to find what I thought was a best child actor. This certainly is the top of my list with Christian Bale. So good, but then again he has a great coach here with Speilburg. Another great actor imo was Tate ONeil in Paper Moon and also the child actors in the doc film story called The Orphan Train. Thanks again for an exhaustive review with the enthusiasm this film deserves.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

You are welcome, and yes. This movie deserves so much more recognition!

[@jefffoster3557]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS Another great film not heard of much that is a more recent on is called Lad, A Yorkshire coming of Age film. The backdrop is magnificent and acting is as well. I'm confident you would enjoy. Have Kleenex handy for that one too (c:

[@trav9074]

I have watched this film many times over the years. I'm glad you are helping other people find it. The score is one of the best, and is still an emotional experience. I recommend you looking into two other masterpieces. "The Mission" with a young Deniro and score by Enya; and "The Straight Story" a David Lynch film. Think you might appreciate them 👍

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

The Mission is great. I really enjoy that one, too. I'll have to check out The Straight Story.... although David Lynch is.... well, he's a bit of an acquired taste. I always have to see his movies multiple times before I get used to them.

[@Rizky-Gumilar]

Christian Bale is underrated in this movie especially this is his first big budget movie. Please review the Prestige another underrated masterpiece.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Totally agree about CB's performance being underrated. Honestly, everything about this movie was phenomenal. The whole thing is underrated. I LOVE The Prestige! It's been years since I've watched it, but Christian Bale was captivating! He's such a good actor. I get ants in my pants when people say things like, "Oh! The guy who was Bruce Wayne".... I just want to yell out, "Are you kidding?! I mean, I agree that he was great in that role, but THAT'S the role you mention when you think of him? That's like saying "Oh yeah, Sean Astin was that guy from Stranger Things." lol Thanks for the suggestion about The Prestige! I am going to add it to the list of movies I'll be doing recommend/reviews for in the future.

[@Rizky-Gumilar]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS wow someone who appreciates The Prestige? that's rare cos most always skip that movie compared to other Nolan filmography. Anyway imo Christian Bale is freaking beast of an actor from American Psycho to Pale Blue Eye he always give superb performance. I put him and Joaquin Phoenix as the two best actor of their generations. So yeah thanks for replying you're awesome.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@Rizky-Gumilar My channel is not super big, so I get really excited when people comment. 😁 So, of course I'm going to reply. Yeah, I was always surprised that this movie didn't do better. I think it had a lot of competition with The Illusionist. Also Christopher Nolen had just barely become popular with Batman Begins right before this one. I think people were not impressed that it wasn't another dark action movie like Batman.... But man! When Christian Bale drops the ball and steps through the door, and the camera cuts to Michael Caine.... brilliant! Literally cutting the prestige in the movie about the prestige... I LOVE it! So Good!

[@tomwhistler9772]

I am loving your commentary about this film, one of my favorites. I totally agree with everything you're saying. This definitely Spielberg's masterpiece. Kudos to John Williams' fantastic score. "P51!!! Cadillac of the Sky!!!!'

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Thank you ☺ I am so happy this has been getting such a positive response. Much like the reactions I get to anyone I show this movie to.

[@jaidixit7907]

Thanks for this. It is always deeply satisfying (and it happens increasingly often) to come across someone who feels as strongly about this film as I do (and have done since seeing it opening day in a beautiful cinema back in December 1987 when I was basically just a kid; not as young as Jim in the film but I felt such empathy with the character; young Bale's performance is among my favorites by anyone for the big screen). In fact, EMPIRE OF THE SUN remains in solid standing on my personal list of Top 10 favorite Great Films. You did a good job of analyzing the recurring motifs and visual signifiers whose meanings are altered by Jim's experiences and the perceptions of a child being forced by circumstance too quickly into adulthood. Likewise, without calling it such, you have as I do a great appreciation for the "classical" style of filmmaking here that Spielberg has modernized throughout his incomparable career (I am a great admirer of Steven Spielberg and I consider EotS as one of his 3 best movies). Good job -- a truly fine take on a too-rarely recognized masterpiece.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Wow! Thank you. I actually feel like I didn't do this film justice. I am planning to eventually do a fully scripted analysis some day. There was so much I didn't get to include. Like the journey of Jim's father's coin.

[@cranstonlamont9705]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS I hope you do do expand upon what you've done here; I am most interested.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@cranstonlamont9705 I will definitely do an in depth analysis and put it on my formal channel. But I need to let a little more time pass.

[@cranstonlamont9705]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS I'll stay in tune then (and I just subscribed to your channel; what the hell, why not, huh?).

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@cranstonlamont9705 wow thanks! Yeah, I try to upload at least 2x per week. Hopefully I'll be getting more non-Shadow and Bone stuff put up soon.

[@eleashaghot]

One of my favorite films as a kid. I remember watching this movie on cable back in the 80’s and 90’s and falling in love with the score. I remember I tape recorded “Suo Gan” because I loved it so much. I haven’t watched it in years, but it made such an impression on me and it’s truly one of Spielberg’s best, and under rated films.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Couldn't agree more. I believe I saw it for the first time in the early 90s, and it has been a regular play in my house since then. Feeds my love of flight. I am absolutely in love with the score, too. It's one of the only soundtracks that I have a hard time listening to while doing other stuff. I get so immersed, I just want to sit there and stare at the sky as I listen.

[@Machinegunbunny]

Fantastic movie. I remember watching it as a kid, and being unable to stand the young boy. As an adult and a parent with a little boy of my own, it was like watching a whole new film. You see the massive failing of his parents to prepare him for the world and turn him into a good person, as well as how heartbreaking it is that a little boy is left alone and afraid like that. And watching him grow and mature and become a survivor at such a young age. I also LOVED the comparison between Jim and the young Japanese boy. Two kids caught in a war when they should really just be allowed to be kids. Also thank you Paul Revere for saving me from having to call cookies “biscuits” 😂🙏🇺🇸🍪

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

BAHAHA! LOVE that Paul Revere gratitude. 🤣😂🤣 Every time I watch this movie, I notice something else impressive or super thoughtful about it. I just adore it. So underrated!

[@gfair2]

It's interesting you say that his parents failed to prepare him for the world. On reflection maybe you mean something else, but the story is the boy becomes a casualty of war which parents can't prepare their children for. The parents sought safety and things didn't go to plan.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I think it's more like... his parents failed to prepare him for the world that he ended up having to live in. I don't think it necessarily means that they were bad parents. They just never expected that their son would have to live in any world other than the one they had been living in. If we all raise our kids to study their mathematics hard and get that soccer scholarship, but then the electromagnetic shockwave disables all electricity and we all have to live like cavemen... that mathematics and soccer stuff would be a failure to prepare our kids with primitive survival skills that they would need. It's just one of those things.

[@Machinegunbunny]

@@gfair2 no I meant what I said. As parents, we prepare our kids for the world by making them into well rounded individuals. They ignore, or perhaps encourage, his behavior towards the “help”. And this causes them to reject him later when he needed help. They allow him to live in complete fantasy while the war closes in on them. This is something a boy of his age could be made aware of to small degrees. Instead he’s allowed to see the impending war like a game or entertainment. Such as when he flashes his lights into the harbor. Or when they are escaping through the crowd in a massive panic and he’s busy playing with his airplane toy. A kid at that age is able to understand serious situations. By the time his parents realized their failing, it was too late.

[@gfair2]

​@@Machinegunbunny Yeah, see I completely disagree on this point. Let's put this in another context: how many parents teach their children how to escape their burning home or apartment? How many parents teach their children how to survive in the event of an earthquake? How many parents living in the city teach their children how to store seeds, preserve food, and grow multiple types of crops? We never teach our kids the skills needed for extremely rare events, which war is to the majority of humanity. We teach children the skills they are certain to need during their peaceful lifetime. I don't view his parents as having failed at all, they didn't - they did as most parents do. Can you say you've taught your child how to flee the place where you live and get out safely, to take cover in the event of an earthquake? The failure is not on the shoulders of the parents, it's on the souls of those men who were so poorly behaved that they began wars over idiotic issues. Jamie's parents are like everyone else: a victim of that failure.

[@annharris8550]

A masterpiece. I’ve never understood the critics on this one. They were almost indignant about it. Like was Spielberg getting too big for his britches? Could they not handle the level of his talent? Like how dare he hit all those perfect notes/casting, music, cinematography? Were they jealous? I never understood.I think it might’ve been ahead of its time.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I think it's a combination of a lot of things. Spielberg was... not exactly allowed to be an artist. He had to be a family entertainer... if you catch what I mean.

[@annharris8550]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS yes, and Jamie was not exactly a sweet, cuddly child protagonist like we were used to getting from his family entertainment. I’m always stunned by Bale’s performance in this film.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@annharris8550 that definitely turned some people off. They thought they ere going to get a kid who was innocent and needed to be built up. Instead, they got a kid who needed to be broken down first, then built back up.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

This movie and the book. (It is available free on KZbin as a 10 -hour audio book, by the way). My favourite scenes are the relationship between Jamie and the doctor, played by Nigel Havers. He was definitely a father-substitute. Without him, Jamie might not have survived.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I agree. The doctor was pretty much the most admirable character. I didn't know the audiobook is on KZbin. Seems a bit long at 10 hours. I recall reading the book in a single sitting 😬

[@44lucas]

It truly is a masterpiece. First watched it as a 13 year old, now I'm 46 and it still brings me to tears, it gets deep into my soul (figuratively speaking) and touches on a memory of what it is like being a kid again in a big scary world.... If I were to point to a movie that had the biggest impression on my life, that eould be it. Heck, it was one of the reasons why I later went on to become a pilot - it reinforced my love for aviation to the point that I knew, at that young age, that I had to. If only to just feel and touch on that magic of flight.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

This movie definitely nurtures a love of flight. Probably moreso than any other Spielberg movie I can think of. I wonder how many pilots have seen this movie as a kid and can look back on it and say exactly what you say... that it was a partial inspiration for them.

[@mitopeja8853]

It's been my favorite Spielberg film ever since I saw it in 1987 in Buffalo, NY. I'm not American, I was there on a high-school exchange from Yugoslavia. This was Spielberg maturing immensely from E.T., just five years ago, and even The Color Purple, just two years prior, which he is now remaking as a producer. But as you very astutely point out, there is so much to unpack here that it turned the critics off. Poor Steven thought they'd let him work on the level of a Ford or a Lean or a Kubrick right after making all those Raiders movies - the critics just weren't ready to admit him to the big boys' club. For the reasons laid out here straight out of my musings 36 years ago, it is his most profound work. The Ballard book I finished on the return flight home, and marvelled at the script that Tom Stoppard pulled out of it - the little changes of names and places, just like in The Witches of Eastwick, also brilliantly scored by Williams in 1987. It really is a marvel of adapting for film. And I remember that even before I saw the film, I noticed that Stoppard wrote it (and I loved his Brazil), that Williams scored it, that Allen Daviau shot it, and that Norman Reynolds designed its production. That alone made it seem like an ideal Spielberg production. Thankfully, it was. That team would never get back together again, but they did get to make this masterpiece together.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

You are so right. I think that commercial success with families was something looked down on. In Academia, commercially successful writers today are often looked down on, despite the truth that their work is successful because it resonates with so many people.... and isn't broad resonance worthy of recognition as something special? 🙄 I am so glad that Davin Lean didn't end up doing this movie. I love Lawrence of Arabia and Dr. Zhivago, but I just don't think we would have gotten the same "dreamy-style" eeriness and deeply touching heart from Lean that we got from Spielberg.

[@Gitfiddle]

So glad I found your channel! I agree with you 100%. There isn’t a wasted line or shot in the entire movie. Every moment moves the story forward and gives us a deeper understanding of the characters. Spielberg’s eye for detail blows my mind. We get to see the famous WWII bouncing bombs on the Japanese tarmac during the bombing scene. He’s showing us things we’ve never seen or get to experience. We will never see movies made like this ever again.

[@suzetteshelmire8127]

This has been a favorite movie of mine for more than 30 years! i am so glad it is being recognized as a great picture of a childs takr on the love of airplanes and the horrors of war.Thank you for this review!!

[@graemewilson7975]

It's interesting how ww2 shaped Spielberg stories EOTS phenomenal in presentation performance (bale in particular) and the child's POV. Not everything we see from Jamie's perspective is true but a "version" of what happened that comes from his head. Jamie is always reading comics and the cover of one is identical to how we first see bassy. Spielbergs talent will never be fully used as the years working against him now and his back catalogue should be appreciated for awesome library it is

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I wholeheartedly agree. And yes! I loved how we see Basie put on Jamie's aviators and immediately he looks exactly like the guy on the comic book cover.

[@davidcottrell1308]

Not forgotten. I own it. I love it. I show scenes to my students when discussing audio in movies. This movie is a real tour de force!

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Hurray! Great to know there are some teachers out there promoting this movie. I wish more filmmakers make movies like this.

[@johnpahlmann7635]

I saw the movie some years after it was released and loved it. I really like films that are ambiguous and require the audience to sort things out for themselves, much like the characters. Jamie’s education allowed him to manage the circumstances but not how to cope. By the final scenes he had put things together and came to terms with the trauma.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I agree. I like movies that do this sort of thing, but also have a clear perception of common good and evil. Kids are good. The senselessness of all the killing is bad.

[@ChrisManley1994]

I watched this film for the first time just a few nights ago after coming across this video. I have to say it was absolutely brilliant, Christian Bale should’ve gotten an Oscar for this! My favourite scene has to be where Jim is saluting the Japanese soldiers and singing Suo Gan, such a powerful moment. Especially when it shows one of the soldiers watching with tears in his eyes, you know he doesn’t understand a word that Jim is singing but he understands the meaning behind them. Great scene.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Hurray! Another fan of this movie is born. 😃 I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And yes! The Suo Gan scene (when Jamie sings to the kamikaze pilots) was so frigging brilliant. I really love the way they gave so much story to the Japanese captain who was in charge of the camp. I know some sort of award was created for Christian Bale. I can't recall which it was. Maybe BAFTA?

[@ChrisManley1994]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS I’ll have to look that up but he definitely deserves all the awards! He was brilliant, I was saying to my friend it’s amazing that at just thirteen years old he was able to carry such a big film on his back.

[@LEAVEtheLIGHTon]

Great review and an amazing movie .You definitely gave me an other insight into the movie and explained a few missing pieces.thanks

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

You are so welcome! Spread the love of this movie. It deserves more.

[@seanlanglois8620]

This movie stuck with me for years

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

It does that to people.

[@LordPickleball]

Such a good story....One of my favorite movies!!!

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Same 😁

[@flavorgod]

Bale also had a small role in Henry V

[@animationfanatic2133]

This and the Last Emperor were really big deals for me as a youngling, thanks to my mom for introducing them to me. She wasn't afraid to go outside the box for good films sometimes and introduce me to some really great movies. I love a lot that while this does have some of the Spielberg tropes it goes its own way in other respects

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I, too, had a mom and dad that made sure my siblings and I were exposed to non-typical movies.

[@jackfloyd1383]

I completely agree. I saw this movie when it first came out and was blown away. I have been fascinated by WWII history since I was a child about Jamie's age and started building models of aircraft, tanks, and ships used in WWII. So I completely got his fascination with the Zeros and Mustangs. The scene where he touches the Zero, then salutes the pilots who snap to attention and return his salute is my absolute favorite in the film!! Christian Bail's performance will absolutely blow you away. Definitely deserves to be up there with Saving Private Ryan and Scheindler's List!

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

This movie was largely responsible for inspiring me at an early age to be aware of the often ignored humanity of "the other side". Today, as a Ukrainian, I often think of the Russian and Ukrainian soldiers who are fighting against each other, and I wonder how many of them would probably be good buddies, if there wasn't a war.

[@jefffoster3557]

We see this same adage in The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas.

[@colinsmith6178]

I share the same dear connection to this film so thank you for your beautiful analysis ❤ just rewatched with subtitles and caught a lot I missed. Film > book

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

(Agree about film>book)

[@ImJustSayingYKnow]

I only recently finally saw this one. Then I saw it in a cinema and also gave a copy of the DVD for my friend sons. Everyone loved it. Impeccable craftsmanship and great story telling. The book is worth reading too.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I keep telling people in these comment... I would absolutely LOVE to see this one in theaters today, and would pay a lot just to see and hear it with full surround sound, etc. Can you imagine the Cadillac of the Skies scene in a theater?! 😃

[@piotrforkasiewicz2025]

Thank You so much for this excellent anlaysis of my favouite WW2 film. During Your review You showed the scene when Jammie is laying in his bed with his mom and dad standing by and I noticed Steven Spielberg in that shot recreated a scene from my favourite american painter - Norman Rockwell and his masterpiece: "Freedom from Fear"! Thank You!

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@piotrforkasiewicz2025 I believe you can see that painting is one of the posters Jamie keeps in his suitcase when he lives in the camp.

[@Noland55]

One of the best movies ever. My mother was trapped on Guam during the war. Only when she was older could she actual tell any of the stories.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I'm sure it was a traumatic time for all of our grandparents and parents who lived through it. My grandfather told my cousins and I the story of how his parents escaped from Hitler many times. They were operatives in a sort of "underground railroad" for people who had been targeted... and then they got targeted.

[@mikealexander1935]

I watched Empire of the Sun when I first came out. And for many years I thought of Christain Bale first as the star of Empire of the Sun. It is not surprising that he has had a great career.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I agree. He really was the star of this movie, and showed all the potential of being great.

[@thomasbrown9402]

Just FYI, the jacket Jim is wearing is an AVG jacket, the American volunteer group who flew against Japan in China (aka the Flying Tigers). It has what is called the "Blood Chit" on it: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_chit It's one of the prisoner's jackets, not one of the Japanese pilots'.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@thomasbrown9402 Yes! I habe had a few commenter's telling me about this. In my owm defense, the editing for the reveal of him wearing the jacket is a bit leading. 😋

[@nicnam117]

21:58, btw this song is Suo Gân the "lulling song", it's an old welsh folk song about a mother comforting her child,

[@darias8573]

I loved the Powder on the floor-scene. Almost a poetic way to portray violence. The fact that you have to use your imagination to figure out what sort of horrific things happened makes that scene more powerful. Loved your enthousiasm about this movie, I share the same feeling. 😊👍

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@darias8573 Yes. That scene was always so subtly horrifying to me.

[@monovision566]

Critics were always wrong about this. This is a singularly brilliant film in every way.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Hard agree!

[@deejaye2647]

Disagree... the story is ridiculous

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@deejaye2647 How so? It's based on a true story.

[@lizzroth8134]

This is my favorite movie of all time. I appreciate that you're sharing this movie so that more people can enjoy it.

[@puterboy2]

I for one think we should have gotten an answer as to where Jamie’s parents where during the whole shindig and how they coped without Jamie. For all I care, they were probably evacuated to Australia.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I believe it was suggested by Basie that they probably got evacuated with the others. I forget where he said they were all shipped off to. I always assumed that's where they were, and that they were unable to re-enter the country, as i'm sure many families who wanted back in would not have been able to.

[@puterboy2]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS I haven’t read the book very attentively, so I headcanon they went off to Hawaii.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@puterboy2 I read the book a long time ago and can't recall either... but I'll go with your headcanon 😅

[@radicalcartoons2766]

In real life, they were together in the camp. But because the adults were so demoralised and stressed by the war, the kids basically ran wild. His father actually testified at the war trials, to the humanity of the camp commander, and got the man released!

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@radicalcartoons2766 That's amazing! I didn't know that about the dad and the camp commander. My favorite part of this whole story is that there isn't a line in the sand to determine good guys and bad guys. There's just people. Some are good. Some are bad. Doesn't matter which side they are on.

[@Ciphered_Carbon]

Glad someone loves this movie as much as I do.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

It's unbelievable that this film is not more highly regarded in general.

[@Ciphered_Carbon]

@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS Since you spoke on the scene near the end when Jim sees Basie for who he is. I've always believed that there may have been lines removed from the scene. As Jim's pulls away from Basie the camera is over Jim's shoulder and you see his jaw moving like he's speaking and thats when Basie looks down in shame. What do you think? It could be bad editing for sure though.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@Ciphered_Carbon oh! Probably. This happens a lot. I'll bet they realized that silence said more than words ever could.

[@soundtrackswithbirdman]

If you want to do a re-watch of this film let me know. It's one of my top John Williams scores and Steven Spielberg films.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I'm actually having a watch party with my patrons on Saturday. We haven't picked a time, yet, but it will be afternoon In Mountain time.

[@soundtrackswithbirdman]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS are you doing Empire of the Sun?

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@soundtrackswithbirdman Yes, it is Empire of the Sun, this Saturday. We are still deciding on a time.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@soundtrackswithbirdman ACK! I am so sorry! I am new to this, and didn't see the notification on Patreon that I had a new patron.... until just last night. I feel so terrible that I didn't see it before the Empire of the Sun viewing party on Saturday. I had another patron who couldn't make it either, and I would love to make it up to you by inviting you to a re-view. I've sent a link to you through Patreon (which I now know where to look for notifications of new patrons). We can chat directly in my Discord.

[@derris]

I haven't forgotten that movie. Actually it is one of my favourites ;)

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

You are in good company here. 🙂

[@smittmasterflex]

I was seven when this came out, I'd watch it on VHS, get to the end, rewind and watch again. I connected so much with this movie in a big bad way. My parents were born in Scotland so when I got married I got a piper to play me down the aisle to Suo Gan. I can't tell you how much this movie makes my heart ache. Hearing "Toy Planes, Home and Hearth gives me a lump in my throat and almost brings me to tears every time. If the end wasn't as dramatic I'd have this song be part of my funeral when I pass. I know that sounds nuts, but I don't care. This movie is astounding, beautiful and a masterpiece. I'm a bit of a movie junkie since a child and it would be hard to name a top ten overall, but this for sure is in my top 3.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

What a beautiful song to walk down the aisle to! And yeah, this is one of my top films of all time, too.

[@bradwaye7782]

This has always been in my top ten. Most ppl never heard of it. I always recommend it to those who haven't seen it. I did not know it was disliked by the critics. I can't imagine why. Thanks for highlighting this beautiful movie.

[@Irish37]

The jacket Jim wears for the second half of the film was not that of one of the Japanese pilots. It was an American pilot's jacket bearing what was called the 'blood chit'; a message to any Allied Chinese who find the pilot (if he crashed or bailed out) that they would receive a reward for the pilot's safe return to American forces. To me, it symbolizes Jim's transference of loyalties from the Japanese, whom he initially idolized but are now losing the war, to the Americans. (Basie's survival instincts in action; follow the ones who are winning). Just as he loses interest in the Japanese Zero-sen fighter and becomes enamored of the American P-51 Mustang. I don't know where Jim got the jacket; either from a dead American pilot who was shot down, or from an American P.O.W. he was interned with, and who later died.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Yeah, the Chinese characters have been pointed out to me by several commenters. I can't believe, in all these years of watching this movie, I didn't realize that. I'm gonna go with... I think it was something he scavenged from a dead POW. That seems to be how he got most of his stuff. As for his loyalties changing, I am not sure there were many clues that he had loyalty to any side. In fact, that seems to be one of the main points of contention between Jamie and the adults. They always ask him about which side he wants to win, and he always responds that he was just pointing out which side he thinks WILL win. I am thinking especially of the scene with the Doctor in the hospital, when the doctor starts talking about how they have to win the war and has to remind Jamie that he should WANT the English to win.

[@dotheyfloat9961]

When I was a kid, we only had about 5 VHS' and didn't rent much movies, Empire of the Sun was one of them. So to pass the time, I'd re-watch this movie seemingly every other day. I must have seen it at least 100 times. Such a brilliant film, it's etched deep inside my mind.

[@sspdirect02]

It’s definitely one of the most criminally underrated movies in Steven Spielberg’s filmography. That and Amistad.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

I'm always shocked when a full-grown adult who has good taste in movies hasn't seen it.

[@rosegonella3098]

I never even knew this movie existed until last year, when I got myself a CD of excerpts from John Williams' movie scores, one track of which was Cadillac of the Skies. So, I heard the music first, and it was so ethereal and beautiful that I had to watch the movie. And it's interesting that you say Williams must have been having an out-of-body experience when writing that part, since the word "ecstasy," when you examine its Greek roots, literally means "standing outside oneself."

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

That's the exact meaning I would have intended in the description 😊 Welcome to the Fandom! We are few in number, but ardent in our love for this movie. Please share it! So few have seen it.

[@TheSJVF]

One if my favorite movies. As far as war movies go I would place it up there with Soviet war movie "come abd see". Many similarities but different take and style.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Oh, interesting. I haven't heard of that one before. I'll have to look it up.

[@TheSJVF]

@@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS "Come and See" 1985 directed by Elem Klimov.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

@@TheSJVF Oh sweet! Thanks 😁

[@colleenorrick5415]

The airplanes that Jamie loves are instruments of war. Jamie sings a lullaby to the Japanese pilots. Brilliant contrasts. I loved this movie.

[@TheSwordAndThePenREFLECTIONS]

Same! For similar reasons.

[@chuckboger2673]

One of my favorite movies, great commentary. One minor flaw, the leather flight jacket he wears is not from the Japanese pilots, the insignia is from the American Volunteer Group, better known as the Flying Tigers. Its inclusion was to provide depth to the other American prisoners and how they ended up on the camp.

[@lizzroth8134]

I remember seeing this film for the first time in 1988. It was on VHS. My parents rented a VHS player once a month, and my big brother asked for this movie. I was upset. I thought it was a Star Wars movie simply because it had the word "Empire" in the title. Little did I know that my 12 year old self would discover my favorite movie then and still at 47 yrs old.