Question 1

Which real-life prisoner of war played a POW in the film?

Accepted Answer

Eric Flynn, who plays a British POW, was actually a POW as a child in a Japanese camp.

Question 2

How did Christian Bale get cast as Jim despite Spielberg's initial doubts?

Accepted Answer

Steven Spielberg cast Bale after his audition, though he hadn't thought much of Bale in a miniseries. Bale was selected from over 4,000 auditions after Amy Irving recommended him.

Question 3

What Welsh lullaby became the film's theme song and why was it chosen?

Accepted Answer

"Suo Gân", a Welsh lullaby sung by James Rainbird, was chosen as the theme after Spielberg cast Welsh actor Christian Bale as Jim.

Question 4

What aircraft were used to portray Japanese Zero fighters in the movie?

Accepted Answer

The Japanese Zero fighters are actually American-built Harvard trainers that were modified to look like Zeros.

Question 5

Which major film festivals and awards recognized Empire of the Sun?

Accepted Answer

It was recognized at the Berlin International Film Festival (1988) and received awards from the National Board of Review (1987), Golden Globes (1988), and Academy Awards (1988).

Question 6

Which actor was chosen from over 4,000 auditions after a personal recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Christian Bale was selected out of more than 4,000 who auditioned, with Amy Irving recommending him to director Steven Spielberg.

Question 7

What real-life experience did Eric Flynn bring to his role in the film?

Accepted Answer

Eric Flynn, who plays a British POW, was actually a POW as a child in a Japanese camp.

Question 8

Why does the film feature a Welsh lullaby as its theme song?

Accepted Answer

"Suo Gân", the movie's theme song, is a Welsh lullaby chosen by director Steven Spielberg after casting Welsh actor Christian Bale as Jim.

Question 9

How were the Japanese Zero fighter planes depicted in the movie?

Accepted Answer

The movie's Japanese Zero fighters are American-built Harvard trainers, modified to look like the Zero.

Question 10

What is the central conflict faced by the main character in Empire of the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Jamie Graham, a privileged English boy in Shanghai, is captured by the Japanese and forced into a prison camp, where he maintains his dignity and spirit while separated from his parents.

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Empire of the Sun

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