Empire of the Sun is a 1987 World War II film directed by Steven Spielberg and based upon the 1984 novel of the same name by JG Ballard. The film follows Jamie Graham, an eleven year-old China-born British schoolboy who struggles to survive, alone, on the streets of Japanese-occupied Shanghai during the Second World War. Alongside John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, and Nigel Havers, the film is notable for being the first on-screen role for Christian Bale, who plays Jamie; also of note, Ben Stiller had a small role in the film, and during his work on the project, conceived the film Tropic Thunder.
The following weapons were used in the film Empire Of The Sun:
Error creating thumbnail: File missingModel 1909 Colt Army Revolver - .45 LC. This model is stamped "Property of U.S. Government" under barrel and "M1909" on front bottom of grip strap. Grips not original - US issue bore plain uncheckered walnut.Error creating thumbnail: File missingA Colt New Service is seen.
Rifles
Arisaka Type 38
The Arisaka Type 38 was one of the main battle rifles used by the Japanese Army in the Pacific theater and is seen used throughout the film.
Error creating thumbnail: File missingLee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III* - .303 British. This was the main battle rifle of British and Commonwealth forces during the First World War, introduced in 1907 it has seen action throughout the 20th century.Error creating thumbnail: File missingThe resistance fighter (right) is seen firing the SMLE.Error creating thumbnail: File missingThe resistance fighter's SMLE can be seen dropped on the rooftop if you look closely at the lower right. Note the distinctive nosepiece, identifying this as a No.1 Mk.3 rifle.
Lee-Enfield Mk. I
A possible Lee-Enfield Mk. I can be seen fired by a resistance fighter.
The Japanese Zero fighters are in fact American-built Harvard trainers modified to look like the Zero.
Eric Flynn, who plays a British POW, was actually a POW as a child in a Japanese camp.
The can Jim 'Jamie' Graham (Christian Bale) drinks is Jerzee Evaporated Milk.
Col. Marshall (Tom Danaher) was a Marine night fighter pilot in the Pacific in WWII and was credited with shooting down the last Japanese bomber of the war. He also flies one of the Japanese "Zeros" in the movie.
