Before Haley Joel Osment was born, back in year 1987, there was a young actor who did surely define the meaning of young talent. His name is Christian Bale. And this film surely boasts one of the greatest child-acted films of all time, in my opinion.

Here is also a film that is truly a work of a true filmmaker. A solid epic of humble beginnings. Empire of the Sun was Steven Spielberg's fourteenth directed film after The Color Purple, and seeing this film alone would make you realise how Spielberg masterfully realised his craft, making a definite trademark in the future Hollywood era that he's nothing less than one of the best filmmakers in history.
Empire of the Sun is a true cinematic experience, moving and often times touching.
Here is a story of a boy Jim Graham (Christian Bale) who was separated from his parents in the war- torn city of Shanghai, China. The British once settled in the place, but no sooner Japan occupied it, making China and the Japs warring among themselves, leaving the Brits as prisoners of war. A story that is so uncommon that you might find yourself inspired with J. G. Ballard's autobiographical work. Jim Graham lost his family and he wanders into the empty streets, using his bike, being alone in the harsh environment. He wanted to surrender to the Japs but nobody listens to him as he was only just a kid. He wanted to become their prisoner to find his parents. And soon, he was captured by the military and was trapped in a Japanese Internment Camp somewhere in the land of China. There he found courage, hope, bravery and honour. One boy who never gave up on life while most people around him did, one boy who never lost his dream while a few others were deprived of believing it, one boy who proved to the world that losing hope is only for fools. The character shines brightly, so immensely, that you might wanted to meet this person and congratulate him for the astounding spirit that he had. What I really love in this film is the message, and as film centers the viewpoint inside the character of a boy, we see through innocence, through the young eyes who sees war, learns from it and believe it to a hopeless evil that causes nothing but lives, torn people and torn families. Through Jim's eyes, we believe about hope and courage. And we feel so impressed by this young character with so much wisdom on his back. He once said: "The greatest teacher of all is in the University of Life." What an unforgettable line. What an unforgettable movie. This is what classics are made of and Steven Spielberg just rightly blended all elements that would have made this movie a gem. I believe Christian Bale is one of the best actors working today, and seeing him act when he was still 12 years old, I was nothing short of impressed. He is indeed a fine actor, even at a young age. And will please somebody give this guy an Oscar triumph? His portrayal of Jim Graham is astounding; and he defines bravery and hope through his innocent eyes. Thanks to Spielberg, who had shaped this young actor into a true performer. Such a terrific performance that he even overshadows the great John Malkovich and Miranda Richardson in this movie. John Williams' score also perfectly blends in the film; a kind of music that would wrench any heart.
Two words: great film. And it adds up to my list of my favourite movies of all time.

Rating: A+