Empire of the Sun
Introduced by Charles Haugland, Director of New Work at The Huntington.
One of Steven Spielberg's most ambitious efforts of the 1980s, Empire of the Sun remains an underrated gem in the director's distinguished filmography. Starring a young Christian Bale, the film is based on an autobiographical story by J.G. Ballard, which was adapted for the screen by Tom Stoppard.
Jamie Graham (Bale), a privileged English boy, is living in Shanghai when the Japanese invade and force all foreigners into prison camps. Jamie is captured with an American sailor named Basie (John Malkovich), who looks out for him while they are in the camp together. Even though he is separated from his parents and in a hostile environment, Jamie maintains his dignity and youthful spirit, providing a beacon of hope for the others held captive with him.
Stoppard's Tony Award-winning, autobiographical play Leopoldstadt will play at The Huntington from September 12–October 13, 2024.
