Metacritic reviews

Spielberg's technical ability is very clear, with much to appreciate on close examination.

A visual splendor, a heroic adventurousness and an immense scope that make it unforgettable.

Spielberg has energized each frame with allusive legerdemain and an intelligent density of images and emotions.

Empire of the Sun remains a solidly engaging story of heroism in the face of adversity, as filtered through the eyes of a boy obsessed with planes and flight.

It is up to young English thesp Bale to engage the viewer's interest, which he does superbly.

Empire of the Sun adds up to a promising idea, a carefully observed production and some interesting performances.

Empire of the Sun is an imperfect film, but at its best it's grand and haunting in ways that only a movie can be. [11 Dec 1987]

Though Empire of the Sun is a profoundly perplexing, frustrating object, there are things in it to marvel at and enjoy.

The pseudomystical vagueness that seems to be Spielberg's stock-in-trade stifles most of the particularity of the source.

Behind the trademark fancy package is a troubling sensibility, too. Spielberg seems unable to come to terms with anything real.