Empire of the Sun (1987)
📌 Available on Prime Video🛡️ Parental guidance PG
📖 Story
When Japanese forces occupy Shanghai, a privileged English boy finds himself stripped of everything but his resilience. Empire of the Sun follows Jimmy's harrowing descent into prison camps, where separation from his family forces him to grow beyond his years. Alongside a protective American sailor, he becomes an unexpected beacon of hope for the imprisoned, his youthful spirit and quiet dignity offering solace in humanity's darkest hours. A profound meditation on innocence lost and the indomitable will to survive against overwhelming odds.
Will this fit your taste?
Watchprint
Hard-edged
82
Strong recommendation
EnergyPressured and hard-edged
ToneBleak and confrontational
ExperienceSurvival pressure and hard choices
Best suited forviewers who enjoy accessible storytelling
What to expect from this title?Expect a hard-edged watch shaped by control, danger, and survival pressure more than comfort or warmth.
Easy to enter quicklyBuilt for quick funClear and accessible mood
🛡️ Age guidance & viewing advice
Parental guidance
📌 MPAA
Suitable for family viewing with some guidance.
No official rating is available, so CinemaHook shows a descriptive estimate based on the title's general data, not a final judgment.
Runtime
153 min
Original language
English
Country of origin
United States
Type
Movie
👥 Cast profile
6 sectionsCast & Crew
Key creators and cast in a compact, organized view.
DirectorSteven Spielberg
WritingJ.G. BallardMenno MeyjesTom Stoppard
CastChristian BaleJohn MalkovichMiranda RichardsonNigel HaversJoe Pantoliano
ProductionSteven SpielbergRobert ShapiroFrank MarshallKathleen Kennedy
MusicJohn WilliamsAlan L. NinebergAlexander Courage
CinematographyAllen Daviau
Where to watch Empire of the Sun
Current viewing options based on the best data we have.
Now available through 8 official offers on 1 platform
Availability may vary by country and by subscription, buy, or rent option. If no verified direct link exists, the button will open provider search or the official provider page.
✅ 8 official offers🎬 1 platform🌍 May vary by country
Where to Watch
8 platforms available · Prices may vary by country
✨Availability Snapshot8 offers
Empire of the Sun is currently listed across official watch options including Prime Video.
Rental starts from 3.49 GBP on Prime Video. Purchase starts from 3.99 GBP on Prime Video.
Use the offer cards below to compare providers, countries, rent, buy, and subscription options clearly.
📺Providers1🎟️Lowest rent3.49 GBP🛒Lowest buy3.99 GBP
Available 
Prime Video
Available in
US
+1 more
USGBCA+1
Options
Price / note
Rent from 3.49 GBP
Does your platform stream this title?
Reach thousands of daily viewers — list your platform for free
List your platform 🎬 Official videos magazine
Videos for Empire of the Sun
A compact viewing magazine that gathers the trailer, teasers, and official clips related to this title in one place.
🎞️ 3 videos
📊 Title-specific financial analysis
Commercial performance analysis
An editorial snapshot using the title’s recorded currency: budget, revenue, commercial gap, and return multiple without forcing USD conversion.
✅Limited success1.91x
💱Analysis currency: USD
Commercial takeaway
Revenue moved beyond the budget with a reasonable margin
The release produced a positive commercial result, though not a major box office breakout.
Quick pulse
Limited success
💹 Return multiple: 1.91x📈 ROI: +91%🧾 Limited success
💰Budget
$35M35 million USD
Reported production cost in USD.
🌍Worldwide revenue
$66.7M66.7 million USD
Total reported box office return in USD.
✅Commercial gap
+$31.7M+31.7 million USD
Gap between revenue and budget.
✅Return multiple
1.91x1.91x
How many times revenue covered the budget.
Financial map
Relative scale inside this section
Budget: $35M • Revenue: $66.7M • Commercial gap: +$31.7M ROI +91%
This commercial analysis compares the release budget, total revenue, commercial gap, and return multiple to explain the final box office position. — Finished above budget with a reasonable gap.
Financial data is based on available sources and may be updated when official or newer figures become available.
Financial data is based on available sources and may be updated when official or newer figures become available.
Screenshots and images
Cast & crew
Christian Bale
Jim
John Malkovich
Basie
Miranda Richardson
Mrs. Victor
Nigel Havers
Dr. Rawlins
Joe Pantoliano
Frank Demarest
Leslie Phillips
Maxton
Masatô Ibu
Sgt. Nagata
Emily Richard
Jim's Mother
Show the rest of the cast
Rupert Frazer
Jim's Father
Peter Gale
Mr. Victor
Takatarô Kataoka
Kamikaze Boy Pilot
Ben Stiller
Dainty
David Neidorf
Tiptree
Ralph Seymour
Cohen
Director: Steven Spielberg
❓ FAQ
Short, focused questions that help you decide quickly without repeating details already shown above.
1Where can I watch Empire of the Sun?
The film is available on Prime Video for streaming. You can start watching it directly through your account on the service.
2What is the duration of Empire of the Sun?
The film runs for 153 minutes, which is approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes. Allow enough time to fully enjoy this substantial work.
3Is the film suitable for children?
The film is a war drama that deals with serious and sensitive topics related to World War II. It is recommended for teenagers and adults to fully understand and appreciate its profound content.
4Who directed Empire of the Sun?
The film was directed by Steven Spielberg, the legendary filmmaker who created a work combining human drama with historical authenticity.
5What is the film's plot about?
The film tells the story of a young boy named Jamie who becomes separated from his parents when Japanese forces invade Shanghai, finding himself in harsh camp life where his spirit shines as a beacon of light amid chaos.
6Who are the main stars of Empire of the Sun?
The film stars the young Christian Bale in the lead role, alongside talented actors including John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, and other acclaimed performers.
Ratings
TMDB is shown first here, and you can also add your own CinemaHook rating for this title 👌
Your review spaceAdd your rating for this titleYour rating helps visitors quickly — comments that include links are automatically rejected.
Ratings compass72.4/100
No user ratings yet… be the first 👑