(1987)
3
Keith Phipps
Those looking for the source of the full-fledged artist behind Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan need look no further than this relatively forgotten Spielberg effort from 1987. Brilliantly utilizing the kids'-eye-view approach honed in E.T. to decidedly different effect, Spielberg captures the terrors and thrills of a wartime childhood separated from every element that had previously allowed life to make sense. A young Christian Bale gives a deeply impressive performance, nicely holding his own against an equally memorable John Malkovich, but it's the tone of the film -- a sense of dreadful wonder in the midst of extreme circumstances, and a detachment that makes Bale's environment seem as alien to viewers as it does to his character -- that makes the most lasting impression. Though not seen as such at the time, this is a major step forward for Spielberg that is well worth rediscovery.
awards for Empire of the Sun on AllMovie
Empire of the Sun (1987)
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
|
Nominated |
Best Art Direction
|
1987 |
|
Nominated |
Best Cinematography
|
1987 |
|
Nominated |
Best Costume Design
|
1987 |
|
Nominated |
Best Editing
|
1987 |
|
Nominated |
Best Score
|
1987 |
|
Nominated |
Best Sound
|
1987 |
American Society of Cinematographers
|
Won |
Best Cinematography
|
1987 |
British Academy of Film and Television Arts
Directors Guild of America
|
Nominated |
Best Director
|
1987 |
Hollywood Foreign Press Association
|
Nominated |
Best Picture - Drama
|
1987 |
National Board of Review
|
Won |
Best Director
|
1987 |
|
Won |
Best Picture
|
1987 |
|
Won |
Outstanding Juvenile Performance
|
1987 |
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