Empire of the Sun Soundtrack (

Empire of the Sun Soundtrack (1987) cover

Buy on Amazon Play and download Soundtracks

Rating: 7.70/10 from 134000 votes
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

El imperio del sol

Title in Italiano:

L'impero del sole

Title in Português:

Império do Sol

Synopsis

1941. The Japanese are occupying much of China in the Sino-Japanese War. Diplomatic security protects the International Settlement in Shanghai, the many westerners there still leading a very comfortable, western-styled life.

Twelve year old Briton Jamie Graham, the son of a mill owner, has lived his entire life in the International Settlement, that life one of wealth and privilege. As such, Jamie, an airplane aficionado, is a spoiled child, who has not even learned Chinese, expecting any natives with who he deals, including the household domestics, to speak English.

That comfortable life changes with the Japanese entry into WWII through the attack at Pearl Harbor. Simultaneously, the Japanese overtake the Settlement, including all its private property, forcing its western residents to evacuate immediately.

It is through Jamie's self-absorption that he becomes separated from his parents during the evacuation, he, now alone, needing to fend for himself for the first time in his life.

It is during this time if Jamie will grow up and learn to live within the new tenuous situation that he will either live or die, life which he hopes will mean eventually being reunited with his parents sometime down the road.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
Empire of the Sun
Suo Gan
John McCarthy: Arranged and conducted
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
Eric Maschwitz: Lyrics
Elizabeth Welch: Performer
These Foolish Things
Elizabeth Welch: Performer
South of the Border
Swing is in the Air
Chopin Mazurka Opus 17 No. 4
The British Grenadiers

User reviews

Stephanie Williams
6/10

The use of traditional Chinese instruments in certain tracks adds a layer of authenticity to the film's setting and historical context. The fusion of Western orchestral arrangements with Eastern musical elements creates a unique and immersive listening experience that transports the audience to the era of the Sino-Japanese War.

Elizabeth Evans
6/10

The soundtrack of Empire of the Sun effectively captures the emotional journey of the protagonist, Jamie, as he navigates through the turmoil of war and loss. The music beautifully complements the themes of innocence, resilience, and hope, enhancing the storytelling and evoking a sense of empathy from the audience.

Joshua Perez
8/10

Each musical piece evokes a sense of nostalgia for the privileged life Jamie once had in the International Settlement in Shanghai, setting the tone for his transformation from a spoiled child to a resilient survivor.

Deborah Scott
1/10

I found the soundtrack of Empire of the Sun to be lacking emotional depth and connection to the characters' experiences. The music did not effectively convey the intensity and turmoil of the Sino-Japanese War and the impact it had on young Jamie's life.

Steven Evans
7/10

The haunting melodies and poignant themes in the soundtrack of Empire of the Sun enhance the storytelling, immersing the audience in the complex emotions of hope, fear, and resilience experienced by the characters.

Emily Phillips
1/10

Overall, I believe the soundtrack of Empire of the Sun missed an opportunity to enhance the narrative and evoke a stronger emotional response from the audience.

Andrew Thompson
2/10

The score felt generic and uninspired, failing to capture the essence of the time period and the cultural clash between the Westerners and the Japanese in Shanghai. I was left feeling disconnected from the story and characters due to the underwhelming musical accompaniment.

Andrew Mitchell
8/10

The orchestral arrangements beautifully convey the tension and uncertainty of war, mirroring Jamie's internal struggles and growth as he learns to adapt to his new reality.

Elizabeth Rodriguez
10/10

The soundtrack of Empire of the Sun perfectly captures the emotional journey of the main character, Jamie, as he navigates through the tumultuous events of World War II. The music evokes a sense of innocence and vulnerability in the midst of chaos, reflecting Jamie's transformation from a spoiled child to a resilient survivor.

Susan Brown
10/10

Overall, the soundtrack of Empire of the Sun is a masterpiece that enhances the emotional impact of the film, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

George Allen
9/10

The orchestral arrangements in the soundtrack are both haunting and uplifting, adding depth and intensity to key moments in the film. The use of traditional Chinese instruments alongside Western symphonies creates a unique and immersive listening experience that enhances the storytelling.

Michelle Gonzalez
8/10

The soundtrack of Empire of the Sun perfectly captures the emotional journey of the main character, Jamie Graham, as he navigates through the turmoil of war and loss.