War! What Is It Good For? Apparently, Extremely Compelling Films…

20. Empire of the Sun

Image Source: Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY NETWORK

Based on a novel by J. G. Ballard, Empire of the Sun is set in 1941. It focuses on Jim Graham (Christian Bale) — an English boy living with his wealthy parents in Shanghai. When the Japanese invade, Jim is separated from his mother and father, and ends up living alone in his abandoned house whilst wandering the streets of Shanghai. Empire of the Sun is pure Spielberg, and a perfect match of director and material. Unlike previous Spielberg films, this is less a celebration of the wonders of childhood and more a lament for the loss of a child’s innocence.