Empire of The Sun (1987)

On this week’s episode of Shat the Movies, Gene and Big D dive into Steven Spielberg’s epic 1987 coming-of-age war drama, Empire of the Sun. Commissioned by loyal listener Jeff S., this film takes us on a journey through World War II-era Shanghai.

Join us as we explore Spielberg’s masterful direction, the stunning cinematography, and Bale’s standout performance in what many consider his breakout role. We’ll also discuss the historical significance of the film, its initial reception, and how it holds up decades later. Did Empire of the Sun earn its place as one of Spielberg’s most overlooked masterpieces, or does it fall short? 

Episode Highlights:

  • Christian Bale’s career-launching role at just 12 years old.
  • The historical context of Japan’s occupation of Shanghai and how Spielberg brings it to life.
  • The film’s unique narrative structure and how Spielberg sets the stage for his iconic storytelling.
  • More of Big D’s Tales from Blockbuster 

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