Empire Of The Sun: Forgotten Masterpiece

Spielberg's first war film

By George WalesOct 18th 2012
11

Family Affair

As is so often the case with Spielberg, the significance of the family unit is at the heart of Empire Of The Sun.

However, in this case, the presence of the Beard’s favourite theme is felt through its very absence: Jim’s family are nowhere to be seen for much of the film’s running time.

While Ballard wrote his parents out of the story in order to create a more compelling, streamlined narrative, Spielberg uses their absence to further explore the theme of the loss of childhood innocence.

“My parents got a divorce when I was 14, 15,” he explains. “The whole thing about separation is something that runs very deep in anyone exposed to divorce.”

Spielberg has described the film as the counterpoint to Hook – innocence is dispensed with rather than rediscovered.

Yes, Jim is reunited with his parents at the end, but this isn’t presented as a conventional happy ending.

Jim is initially indifferent when his mother approaches him, and when he eventually recognises her, he closes his eyes in a kind of surrender.

It may not be as bleak as Ballard’s ending, but coming from a director famed for family-orientated narratives, it’s an interesting diversion from the norm.

 

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Comments

    • Jareth64

      Oct 18th 2012, 11:04

      It's a forgotten gem. A brilliant film.

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    • kittycati

      Oct 18th 2012, 11:24

      I remember seeing this movie as a child...it still loved it the next time I watched it as an adult 20 years later. Not many films can do that.

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    • SiMan

      Oct 18th 2012, 12:27

      Watched it a few years back and although i remember liking it, i have to say it didn't leave much of an impact with me. Can't remember much from it. Think i'll have to give it another go soon.

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    • licantro

      Oct 18th 2012, 13:17

      This was the film that introduced me to Drama for the first time when I was just a kid, a step in growing up and because of that I remember it fondly. The way it was filmed and the way it was told it was captivating and shockingly emotional. Being 12 years old and now 35 probably helped me to understand it better since the view of war was through the eyes of also a kid, who now is such a prominent actor, Christian Bale. It's so amusing to see how Spielberg has always been so good storytelling from a kids points of view. An amazing film.

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    • Hadouken76

      Oct 18th 2012, 18:08

      Another Spielberg and Bale film please.

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