Beginning Spielberg's 'serious' period, where he began to experiment with stories that were beyond simple entertainment, he combines two thematic elements, the trials of childhood he examined in the 1980s with the profound consequences of warfare he'd look at in the 1990s, into one of his most touching and fragile films.
This is also some of the most complex stuff Spielberg's ever attempted. Jim's character is far removed from the more emotional children of, say, E.T. Instead he's wildly idealistic all the way up until the true atrocities of war smack him in the face, and they hit him again and again, pulverising the humanity completely out of him. For the most part the film treats its young hero as a tragic victim, his youth preventing him from understanding the bitterness and cynicism of the adults around him. But come the end, when his friends start to die and a way of life is disrupted again, this time, it seems, indefinitely, then he quickly begins to break down, the safety… more »

Beginning Spielberg's 'serious' period, where he began to experiment with stories that were beyond simple entertainment, he combines two thematic elements, the trials of childhood he examined in the 1980s with the profound consequences of warfare he'd look at in the 1990s, into one of his most touching and fragile films.
This is also some of the most complex stuff Spielberg's ever attempted. Jim's character is far removed from the more emotional children of, say, E.T. Instead he's wildly idealistic all the way up until the true atrocities of war smack him in the face, and they hit him again and again, pulverising the humanity completely out of him. For the most part the film treats its young hero as a tragic victim, his youth preventing him from understanding the bitterness and cynicism of the adults around him. But come the end, when his friends start to die and a way of life is disrupted again, this time, it seems, indefinitely, then he quickly begins to break down, the safety of innocence and naivety giving way to a cold and sad acceptance of real humanity. No longer does he daydream about aeroplanes and being reunited with his parents; he instead wanders around, gathering food and returning to the ruined camp, simply surviving, just like the rest of them. It's a heartbreaking development, made all the more hard hitting when he finally sees his parents again, so dazed and worn that he can't even speak when he finds them. But he does remember, and he does feel something again.
It's testament to Christian Bale's incredible talent that this, his big screen debut, is such a remarkably nuanced and professional performance. Right from this early age one can see his total commitment to his work. It's staggering to witness his trademark dedication at such a young age, and is a joy to watch onscreen. One can't help but imagine Jim's excitement to know he'd be playing Batman some day.
The rest is a gloriously photographed treasure, painting Occupied China with washed out rain or blistering sun. If anything, it all seems too cheerful to truly reflect the untold suffering of the War in the Pacific, but Spielberg was still finding his feet with material like this. But he doesn't miss out the intense impact and dramatic effect the whole affair has on everyone, reducing them to mere shells of humanity. THIS is the kind of war film that does him justice, a million miles away from the faux sentimentality and jingoism of Saving Private Ryan, and more akin to the bleakness of Schindler's List. And, of course, he's right at home when looking at the ups and downs of childhood. This is another of his successes, a moving and genuinely saddening, yet uplifting film that lives and breathes emotion. An underrated great

This movie is based on the superb book of the same name,that is a real life account of the authors real life experiences in a Japanese camp during WWII.But this is also one of Spielberg's most underrated films. This is truly spellbinding story that features one of the greatest performances ever by a child ( a youg Christian Bale). From the invasion of China to the very end scene this film is a triumph, and should be mentioned in the same breath of Spielbergs greatest work. There are so many well known faces in the film, and also look out for a great performance by Ben Stiller, as a P.O.W pilot. John Malkovich as always turns in a superb turn as Bales mentor, but This is Bale's movie and he outshines all the seasoned actors with his wide eyed innocent performance. This is a truly uplifting film, and although given a PG certificate, the film never shy's away from the true horrors of war.
The film is a true classic, and if you have not managed to see it yet, this is a perfect time… more »

This movie is based on the superb book of the same name,that is a real life account of the authors real life experiences in a Japanese camp during WWII.But this is also one of Spielberg's most underrated films. This is truly spellbinding story that features one of the greatest performances ever by a child ( a youg Christian Bale). From the invasion of China to the very end scene this film is a triumph, and should be mentioned in the same breath of Spielbergs greatest work. There are so many well known faces in the film, and also look out for a great performance by Ben Stiller, as a P.O.W pilot. John Malkovich as always turns in a superb turn as Bales mentor, but This is Bale's movie and he outshines all the seasoned actors with his wide eyed innocent performance. This is a truly uplifting film, and although given a PG certificate, the film never shy's away from the true horrors of war.
The film is a true classic, and if you have not managed to see it yet, this is a perfect time to catch it, as this is truly one of the forgotten classics of the 80's.
Brilliant story, Amazing acting, Fantastic direction, in a word PERFECT!