Film Essay: Empire of the Sun

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Film Essay: Empire of the Sun (1987)
Empire of the Sun was a war film directed by Steven Spielberg and was based on a novel written by J. G Ballard. Throughout the movie, an account of Jim's story is given. The account includes his experiences living with a wealthy British family in Shanghai to becoming a victim of war during the Second World War. Through the film, we can see how war affects and dehumanizes people. Because the movie was based on a novel by the same name, it reveals the author's experiences during the war (Spielberg, Empire in the Sun). Jim, the main character in the film, is used to showcase the author's life during his engagement in World War II. Another aspect revealed through the film includes issues of brutality, violence, and the betrayal that define all wars in the history of the world.
Moreover, the film director also showcases his experiences during the war. When he was growing up, people perceived him as a genius. The tribulations experienced by Jim demonstrate how he was impacted by life. We can also see the upheavals in the society in China, especially during the war with Japan (Spielberg, Empire in the Sun). Empire of the Sun is an epic movie that showcases the diverse human dimensions. The film relates significantly to the materials and themes studied in the course.
As we can see, there is an increasing alienation from its pre-war image of Jim. Moreover, Jim's hero-worship, showcased by his actions at the airfield, also affirms the disconnect. The film, therefore, demonstrates how war can transform society and impose new aspects of dehumanization (Williams 87). Although th...