EMPIRE OF THE SUN gives you is a rousing premise, brilliant acting, a beautiful score, and gorgeous cinematography. It doesn't give you anything by way of blatant symbolism or explanation. Spielberg uses very little dialogue in his film. He leaves much to the music and visuals. Most of everything is left up to your interpretation. The film follows a young British boy, played by Christian Bale, through the years of WWII. He gradually loses his innocence, becoming exposed to the harsh realities of death and agony. The film is visually brilliant, with stunning cinematography. The score is John Williams's best (and that's saying a lot). And, Christian Bale gives a career-defining performance at age 13. He is the best thing about the film; his portrayal of a young victim of the pain of war gives the film a gritty feel. This film will make you think for a while afterwards. Parents: This isn't a particularly graphic film, but its harsh feel and mature themes make it unsuitable for anyone under 13 or 14. Little violence is actually shown, but the harsh realities of death in the camps are discussed and shown quite blatantly. One particularly heartwrenching scene features Bale trying to revive a young friend who has been shot, to no avail.

What you basically see here is Steven Spielberg making a terrible, mushy adaptation of a great novel, the autobiography of the author's childhood in WWII East Asia. Having never suffered in his whole life to the extent of the author, Spielberg falsely identifies himself with Jim, and mushes up the whole story, and also takes out some of the most unforgettable parts of the novel. Try to avoid it.

It was probaly one of the best films i have ever seen and if you like old war movies or Steven Speilberg, you will probaly love Empire Of The Sun.