Empire of the Sun (1987) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

Empire of the Sun1987

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

Empire of the Sun is about as non-woke as major Hollywood films get. It puts story, character, and realism first, without shoehorning in modern identity politics or undercutting traditional themes. A rare example of a film that lets history, and people, speak for themselves.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

Empire of the Sun is a classic war drama focused squarely on character development, survival, and the brutal realities of war. Identity politics are virtually absent; characters are defined by their actions and circumstances, not by modern ideological boxes. Narrative integrity is maintained throughout.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

The film respects historical context and traditional family structures, depicting both the pain of separation and the longing for reunion. Religious references and cultural norms are portrayed without subversion or mockery, no revisionist history lessons here, just a harsh coming-of-age under extraordinary circumstances.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

Alternative perspectives abound, with characters from multiple cultures shown as complex individuals. No woke monoculture here: British, Japanese, and Chinese characters interact with nuance, and the script doesn't flatten the world into modern ideological lines. Traditional values are portrayed sincerely, with no overt agenda.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.