Empire of the Sun was released in 1987 and is based on J.G Ballard’s novel of the same name. It stars Christian Bale and is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video

The war epic that catapulted Steven Spielberg into the ranks of Hollywood’s top directors is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Empire of the Sun, which hit cinemas in 1987, features a glittering cast including Christian Bale.

Adapted from J. G Ballard’s novel bearing the same title, this 2hrs 32 min spectacle chronicles the life of Jamie ‘Jim’ Graham – portrayed by the erstwhile Batman actor – a well-heeled British lad residing in Shanghai during the early stages of World War II.

Separated from his parents amidst the Japanese invasion, he is ultimately captured and dispatched to an internment camp where he encounters the intriguing American wheeler-dealer, Basie, enacted by Of Mice and Men (1992) actor John Malkovich.

Striving to endure the severe conditions, Jim aspires to preserve his youthful innocence amid the turmoil and loss, reports the Express.

The cast also includes Southport-born Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers known for Coronation Street (2009-2019) and Chariots of Fire (1981), and The Matrix (1999) star Joe Pantoliano.

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has awarded Empire of the Sun a critic score of 77%, while the audience score stands at a commendable 90%.

The film was highly acclaimed upon its release and is often hailed as the hidden jewel in Spielberg’s trove of blockbusters, with some asserting it surpasses the likes of Jaws (1975), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and Schindler’s List (1993) as his finest work.

Don’t just take our word for it, with one critic saying: “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.

“Stephen Spielberg’s graduation to grown-up film-making,” added a second, while another added: “Empire of the Sun is a great, overwrought movie that leaves one wordless and worn out.”

Matt, a superfan of the movie, posted on Rotten Tomatoes: “This is one of my favorite films of all time. I’ve been watching it since it came out and it’s just as good each time I see it.

“Absolute stellar cast and should have won a lot of awards. This is actually my favorite Speilberg WWII movie.”

Empire of the Sun is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.