Empire of the Sun

Directors: Steven Spielberg
Starring: John Malkovich, Christan Bale, Ben Stiller
Year: 1987

A boy's privileged life is upturned by the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, December 8, 1941. Separated from his parents, he is eventually captured, and taken to Soo Chow confinement camp, next to a captured Chinese airfield. Amidst the sickness and food shortages in the camp, Jim attempts to reconstruct his former life, all the while bringing spirit and dignity to those around him. Based on a true story.

Comments: Spielberg does a remarkable job at telling the story through a boy's perspective and showing how his character grows and changes. Lushly visual with memorable performances by Malkovich and Bale. Many scenes are simply haunting.

Recommended.