Empire of the Sun (B+ or 3/4 stars)
It's Shanghai, China in December 1941, & the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is about to uproot the British citizens living there in 'Empire of the Sun' (directed by Steven Spielberg & based on an autobiographical novel). Shanghai has been under Japanese occupation for a while, but the invading army has allowed the American & Brit quarters to continue operating by themselves. However, on 12/8, the Japanese invade, confiscating property & interning Caucasian citizens to POW camps. Jim Graham (12 yr. old Christian Bale), a spoiled young British boy living with his parents, becomes separated from them during the chaos that breaks out after Pearl Harbor. People around him start starving to death. Jim is reduced to hiding out in abandoned mansions (living on remnants of food).
But he winds up joining American soldiers-of-fortune Baise (John Malkovich) & Frank (Joe Pantoliano); who teach him how to survive without maids & butlers, no less parents. With time, all 3 end up in the Soo Chow camp, next to a Japanese air base. During this time, Jim - who has had a love for flying machines - can watch the 'Zeroes' take off & land. Jim initially treats his imprisonment as an exciting adventure (Jim even identifies with the Japanese on some strange level). But the experience in the camp toughens eventually Jim up (as manhood approaches), & he becomes an important part in the day-to-day activities of the prisoners; although he dreams of a time when he can finally escape & meet up with his parents - if they're even alive.
'Empire of the Sun' tackles ... A LOT. For one, the story is interesting, in that, it portrays Americans & Brits in concentration camps {quite the spin around}. It's different that a WWII film be held in China, of all places. Also, like Hope & Glory of this year, the film is presented from a child's point-of-view. And as we know, Spielberg loves throwing a child (testing youthful innocence) into the fray of his plotlines. That said, Spielberg changes things up by making the child's concentration camp experience be an adventure (in light of the grim occurrences around him). An example of his adventure(s) is when Jim runs from person to person trading goods. Even at his young age, he wants to help those adults round him. Furthermore, Jim is obsessed with planes & flight - more fun for him.
The film works most when recounting the involving character-based moments. Also, 'Empire of the Sun' looks incredible (as expected). The cinematography, war-bombed production design, costumes, sound design (wow), musical score ... all top-notch & Oscar caliber. However, I feel like Spielberg missed the boat when trying to tackle huge themes of life, death, & the craziness of world war. The themes almost seem to be too big for Spielberg's grasp concerning this particular story. I was sometimes confused what he was trying to say about certain expansive narrative aspects. Some things just don't add up.
Christian Bale, at age 12, gives one of the best performances of a child actor in any film I've ever seen. Seriously. As Jim, Bale evolves from an obnoxious British colonial kid being brought up in luxury into a young man who must face his fears alone. The coming-of-age transformation is palpable. Other performances from such actors as John Malkovich, Joe Pantaliano & Miranda Richardson are stellar, if small compared to Bale's enormity (in screen time & substance). So yeah, 'Empire of the Sun' must be commended for its look & for Bale. Spielberg shows us the many ways in which war dehumanizes people (mostly, innocents). And again, it's unique that - for a war film - most of the action takes places far, far away. I just wish the film were a tad tighter, a tad clearer, & a bit more engaging.
But he winds up joining American soldiers-of-fortune Baise (John Malkovich) & Frank (Joe Pantoliano); who teach him how to survive without maids & butlers, no less parents. With time, all 3 end up in the Soo Chow camp, next to a Japanese air base. During this time, Jim - who has had a love for flying machines - can watch the 'Zeroes' take off & land. Jim initially treats his imprisonment as an exciting adventure (Jim even identifies with the Japanese on some strange level). But the experience in the camp toughens eventually Jim up (as manhood approaches), & he becomes an important part in the day-to-day activities of the prisoners; although he dreams of a time when he can finally escape & meet up with his parents - if they're even alive.
'Empire of the Sun' tackles ... A LOT. For one, the story is interesting, in that, it portrays Americans & Brits in concentration camps {quite the spin around}. It's different that a WWII film be held in China, of all places. Also, like Hope & Glory of this year, the film is presented from a child's point-of-view. And as we know, Spielberg loves throwing a child (testing youthful innocence) into the fray of his plotlines. That said, Spielberg changes things up by making the child's concentration camp experience be an adventure (in light of the grim occurrences around him). An example of his adventure(s) is when Jim runs from person to person trading goods. Even at his young age, he wants to help those adults round him. Furthermore, Jim is obsessed with planes & flight - more fun for him.
The film works most when recounting the involving character-based moments. Also, 'Empire of the Sun' looks incredible (as expected). The cinematography, war-bombed production design, costumes, sound design (wow), musical score ... all top-notch & Oscar caliber. However, I feel like Spielberg missed the boat when trying to tackle huge themes of life, death, & the craziness of world war. The themes almost seem to be too big for Spielberg's grasp concerning this particular story. I was sometimes confused what he was trying to say about certain expansive narrative aspects. Some things just don't add up.
Christian Bale, at age 12, gives one of the best performances of a child actor in any film I've ever seen. Seriously. As Jim, Bale evolves from an obnoxious British colonial kid being brought up in luxury into a young man who must face his fears alone. The coming-of-age transformation is palpable. Other performances from such actors as John Malkovich, Joe Pantaliano & Miranda Richardson are stellar, if small compared to Bale's enormity (in screen time & substance). So yeah, 'Empire of the Sun' must be commended for its look & for Bale. Spielberg shows us the many ways in which war dehumanizes people (mostly, innocents). And again, it's unique that - for a war film - most of the action takes places far, far away. I just wish the film were a tad tighter, a tad clearer, & a bit more engaging.