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Few war films manage to balance spectacle, emotion, and intimate storytelling quite like Empire of the Sun, a film regarded by cinephiles as both a masterpiece and one of Steven Spielberg’s most underrated gems. While critics praised the scope, performances, and direction of the film, Empire of the Sun didn’t initially ignite the box office. Yet despite that acclaim, it struggled to make an impact at the box office upon release.
It was only later, through overseas distribution, home video, and frequent television airings that the film gradually built a devoted following. Even today, it sits in the shadow of Spielberg’s bigger blockbusters, but its lasting impact and growing recognition firmly cement it as an underrated classic. Adapted from J.G. Ballard’s semi-autobiographical novel, Empire of the Sun follows young Jamie “Jim” Graham, a privileged and spoiled English boy played by a young Christian Bale in his first major role.
Jim begins the story living a comfortable, privileged life in the international district of pre-war Shanghai. When Japan invades and the Second World War engulfs China, however, his world collapses in an instant.
Separated from his parents during the chaos, Jim is suddenly thrust into a fight for survival. He finds himself imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp, where he forms complex relationships, including with Basie, a streetwise American hustler played with effortless charm by John Malkovich, and with Dr Rawlins, a compassionate British doctor who becomes a surrogate father figure played by Nigel Havers.
Through Jim’s eyes, the film explores innocence stripped away by conflict, the unexpected camaraderie born in captivity, and the resilience of a child navigating a world at war.
Chief Film Critic at the Times, Kevin Maher, even called it Steven Spielberg’s “graduation to grown-up film-making.”
The Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus reads: “One of Steven Spielberg’s most ambitious efforts of the 1980s, Empire of the Sun remains an underrated gem in the director’s distinguished filmography.”
A viewer called Stephanie Blurton also wrote in a Google Review: “Really feel this movie is underrated, undervalued, and underwatched. I will watch it several more times and then some more!”
This film, while underrated, appears to have withstood the test of time.
One viewer wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “This is one of my favourite films of all time. I’ve been watching it since it came out and it’s just as good each time I see it. Absolute stellar cast and should have won a lot of awards. This is actually my favourite Spielberg WWII movie.”
One IMDb user rated gave the film a perfect 10/10 score and called it “brilliant” and “amazing.” They added: “This is an amazingly underrated film that should be watched by a mature, attentive person. This film is laced with compassion and power put in one. A must see for war buffs (or for Spielberg buffs). No matter what even if you hate this film, you will have a favourite part. One of Spielberg greatest films ever made (personally his greatest). 10/10”
Someone else said: “A visual masterpiece, very moving and thought-provoking and Christian Bale is extraordinary,” while another viewed added that this film is “an underrated classic.”
