Year: 1987
Runtime: 153 min
Language: English
Director: Steven Spielberg
In December 1941, as Shanghai falls to the Japanese invasion, young James Graham’s comfortable life is irrevocably changed. Separated from his parents, he is sent to the Soo Chow confinement camp, a brutal environment of scarcity and hardship. To cope with the trauma and uncertainty, Jim clings to memories of his former privileged existence. His resilience and ability to find moments of joy become a source of hope for those around him, demonstrating the enduring power of the human spirit amidst the devastation of war.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Empire of the Sun yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Trace every key event in Empire of the Sun (1987) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:34
Don't stop at just watching — explore Empire of the Sun in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Empire of the Sun is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Empire of the Sun, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Discover movies like Empire of the Sun that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Empire of the Sun (1987) Plot Summary & Movie Recap
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