Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel Empire of the Sun

Empire of the Sun

Christian Bale reaching out to a plane's propeller (Warners)

Internationally renowned director Steven Spielberg captures the powerful story of James Graham (Christian Bale), a sheltered young British schoolboy who is separated from his upper-class colonial parents when the Japanese sweep into Shanghai during World War II. 

Temporarily orphaned, Jim attaches himself to Basie (John Malkovich), a fast-talking American opportunist determined make a buck off the spoils of war.

When the two are interned in a prison camp, Jim's boyish fantasies are fuelled by the grace and daring of the Japanese fighter pilots whom he comes to idolise despite their enemy status. 

Based on the autobiographical best seller by J.G. Ballard, this epic drama chronicles Ballard's remarkable struggle to survive a childhood filled with betrayal, death and disappointment.

Related Links:
- Visit the Discovery Guide to World War II.

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