Based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, Empire of the Sun stars Christian Bale as a spoiled young British boy, living with his wealthy family in pre-World War II Shanghai. During the Japanese invasion, Bale is separated from his parents. With the help of soldier-of-fortune John Malkovich, Bale learns to survive without a retinue of servants at his beck and call. By the time Malkovich and Bale are tossed into a Japanese prison camp, the boy has picked up enough street-smarts and developed enough intestinal fortitude to regard his imprisonment as an exciting adventure. The story ends during the 1945 liberation: on the verge of manhood, the 13-year-old Bale will never again be the pampered, privileged brat whom we met in the early scenes. 1987

1. SUO GAN (2:19)
(performed by The Ambrosian Junior Choir)

2. CADILLAC OF THE SKIES (3:48)

3. JIM'S NEW LIFE (2:33)

4. LOST IN THE CROWD (5:39)

5. IMAGINARY AIR BATTLE (2:35)

6. THE RETURN TO THE CITY (7:45)

7. LIBERATION:EXSULTATE JUSTI (1:46)

8. THE BRITISH GRENADIERS (2:25)
(traditional)

9. TOY PLANES, HOME AND EARTH (4:37)

(Chopin Mazurka Opus 17 No.4)

10. THE STREETS OF SHANGHAI (5:11)

11. THE PHEASANT HUNT (4:24)

12. NO ROAD HOME/SEEING THE BOMB (6:10)

13. EXSULTATE JUSTI (4:59)