US (1987): Drama/War
Roundly dismissed as one of Steven Spielberg's least successful efforts, this very underrated film poignantly follows the World WarÊII adventures of young Jim (a brilliant Christian Bale), caught in the throes of the fall of China. What if you once had everything and lost it all in an afternoon? What if you were only 12? Bale's transformation, from pampered British ruling-class child to an imprisoned, desperate, nearly feral boy, is nothing short of stunning. Also stunning are exceptional sets, cinematography, and music (the last courtesy of John Williams) that enhance author J.G. Ballard's and screenwriter Tom Stoppard's depiction of another, less familiar casualty of war.
In a time when competitors were releasing "comedic," derivative coming-of-age films, Empire of the Sun stands out as an epic in the classic David Lean sense -- despite confusion or perceived competition with the equally excellent The Last Emperor (also released in 1987, and also a coming-of-age in a similar setting). It is also a remarkable testament to, yes, the human spirit. And despite its disappointing box-office returns, Empire of the Sun helped to further establish Spielberg as more than a commercial director and set the standard, tone, and look for future efforts Schindler's List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). (Warner Bros.) (N.F. Mendoza, Amazon.com)
6 nominations
· Art Direction 1987: Norman Reynolds - Art Direction, Harry Cordwell - Set Decoration
· Cinematography 1987: Allen Daviau
· Costume Design 1987: Bob Ringwood
· Film Editing 1987: Michael Kahn
· Music (Original Score) 1987: John Williams
· Sound 1987: Robert Knudson, Don Digirolamo, John Boyd, Tony Dawe
