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MTDb › Best of › 1987 › Empire of the Sun

Empire of the Sun poster

Empire of the Sun (1987)

“To survive in a world at war, he must find a strength greater than all the events that surround him.”

7.5/10 · 2,213 votes 2h 33m pg DramaHistoryWar

#8 of 59 films from 1987 #802 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Steven Spielberg · Written by Tom Stoppard, Menno Meyjes, J.G. Ballard

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor, who looks out for him while they are in the camp together. Even though he is separated from his parents and in a hostile environment, Jamie maintains his dignity and youthful spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.

Cast

Christian Baleas Jim
John Malkovichas Basie
Miranda Richardsonas Mrs. Victor
Nigel Haversas Dr. Rawlins
Joe Pantolianoas Frank Demarest
Leslie Phillipsas Maxton
Masatô Ibuas Sgt. Nagata
Emily Richardas Jim's Mother
Rupert Frazeras Jim's Father
Peter Galeas Mr. Victor
Takatarô Kataokaas Kamikaze Boy Pilot
Ben Stilleras Dainty
David Neidorfas Tiptree
Ralph Seymouras Cohen

Facts

Release dateDecember 9, 1987
Runtime153 min (2h 33m) — longer as the 1987 average of 106 min
GenresDrama, History, War
LanguageEN
Budget$35,000,000
Box office$66,700,000 (1.9× budget)
IMDbtt0092965

More from Steven Spielberg

Schindler's ListSchindler's List1993 · ★ 8.6 · 3h 15m Saving Private RyanSaving Private Ryan1998 · ★ 8.2 · 2h 49m Jurassic ParkJurassic Park1993 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 7m Catch Me If You CanCatch Me If You Can2002 · ★ 8.0 · 2h 21m Raiders of the Lost ArkRaiders of the Lost Ark1981 · ★ 7.9 · 1h 55m Indiana Jones and the Last CrusadeIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade1989 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 7m JawsJaws1975 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 4m The Color PurpleThe Color Purple1985 · ★ 7.7 · 2h 34m

If you liked Empire of the Sun

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

Schindler's ListSchindler's List1993 · ★ 8.6 · 3h 15m Come and SeeCome and See1985 · ★ 8.2 · 2h 22m Das BootDas Boot1981 · ★ 8.1 · 2h 30m BraveheartBraveheart1995 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 58m KagemushaKagemusha1980 · ★ 7.8 · 3h 0m GloryGlory1989 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 2m The Killing FieldsThe Killing Fields1984 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 22m The Last of the MohicansThe Last of the Mohicans1992 · ★ 7.4 · 1h 52m

Questions

How long is Empire of the Sun?
Empire of the Sun runs 153 minutes (2h 33m), which is long for a drama — plan for it.
Is Empire of the Sun worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.5/10 across 2,213 votes, which places it #8 of 59 films released in 1987 in this index (top 88%) and #802 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed Empire of the Sun?
Empire of the Sun was directed by Steven Spielberg. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Schindler's List (1993), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Jurassic Park (1993).
Who stars in Empire of the Sun?
Christian Bale as Jim; John Malkovich as Basie; Miranda Richardson as Mrs. Victor; Nigel Havers as Dr. Rawlins; Joe Pantoliano as Frank Demarest; Leslie Phillips as Maxton.
What is Empire of the Sun rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Empire of the Sun?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/37637.

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Best of 1987Best dramaDrama of the 1980sBest historyHistory of the 1980sBest warWar of the 1980sAll lists
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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.