Overblown and lacking any nuance, Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of the seminal J.G.Ballard novel lacks the grit of wartime survival and sense of any real substance.
The struggle by the adolescent Jim (a young Christian Bale – American Psycho, The Fighter) to survive under Japanese occupation of China during World War II is based loosely on Ballard’s own experiences. A privileged Shanghai childhood ends abruptly and, in the panic, Jim finds himself separated from his parents. The boy must learn to survive – and quickly. Raiding the wealthy neighbourhood homes for food is one thing: internment in Soo Chow and starvation rations is another. Mentored by American hustler, Basie (John Malkovich – Dangerous Liaisons, RED), a mutually beneficial arrangement sees the high spirited boy survive.
Visually stunning, more subtly, less boys-own adventure is, however, required (emphasised by the highly inappropriate John Williams score). Decibels do not necessarily equate emotion, overly choreographed crowd scenes can look like overly choreographed crowd scenes rather than panic.
Nominated for 6 Oscars in 1988 including cinematography (Allen Daviau), editing, sound.
Rating: 46%
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