7.7
Where can I stream Empire of the Sun legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Fawesome. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Empire of the Sun fingerprint
High energy, big heart, no humor.
Energy
Spectacular and tense
- Spectacle8
- Tension7
- Violence6
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Pathos9
- Coming of Age9
- Melancholy8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor1
- Situational Comedy0
World
History, war, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion10
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction10
- Acting9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and editing
- Cinematography10
- Music Composition9
- Editing8
Energy
HighSpectacular and tense
Empire of the Sun is spectacular and tense.
All energy traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare9Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and hopeful. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighHistory, war, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, war, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Warfare9Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, score, and editing
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle8Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
To survive in a world at war, he must find a strength greater than all the events that surround him.
Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor, who looks out for him while they are in the camp together. Even though he is separated from his parents and in a hostile environment, Jamie maintains his dignity and youthful spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.
Epic Historical DramaComing-of-Age StoryWar & SurvivalChild's PerspectiveEmotional & MovingVisually StunningResilience & HopePsychological DepthWWII Shanghai
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Empire of the Sun
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Empire of the Sun worth watching?
74
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7.7, Rotten Tomatoes 75%, and Metacritic 62). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Empire of the Sun rated?
PGViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Empire of the Sun?
2 h 33 min
Empire of the Sun runs 2 h 33 min.
Is Empire of the Sun based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Empire of the Sun?
Critics69
Audiences81
Not quite. Audiences rate Empire of the Sun higher (81) than critics (69). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Empire of the Sun a box office hit?
Budget$35 million
Box office$67 million
Roughly broke even. It cost about $35 million to make and earned $67 million worldwide, 1.9 times its budget.
What language is Empire of the Sun in?
EnglishJapaneseChinese
It was made in English, with some Japanese, Chinese. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Empire of the Sun?
90
+76
+76GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Empire of the Sun in 90 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Empire of the Sun use?
Cool CarReality Has No SubtitlesCharacter DevelopmentYoung Face, Old EyesProud Warrior RaceCall-BackAdaptational Location ChangeBig BadOrchestral BombingIncurable Cough of DeathBookendsMinor Living Aloneand 80 more
TV Tropes lists 92 storytelling tropes for Empire of the Sun, including Cool Car, Reality Has No Subtitles, Character Development.