Few war films manage to balance spectacle, emotion, and intimate storytelling quite like Empire of the Sun, a film regarded by cinephiles as both a masterpiece and one of Steven Spielberg‘s most underrated gems. While critics praised the scope, performances, and direction of the film, Empire of the Sun didn’t initially ignite the box office. Yet despite that acclaim, it struggled to make an impact at the box office upon release.

It was only later, through overseas distribution, home video, and frequent television airings that the film gradually built a devoted following. Even today, it sits in the shadow of Spielberg’s bigger blockbusters, but its lasting impact and growing recognition firmly cement it as an underrated classic. Adapted from J.G. Ballard’s semi-autobiographical novel, Empire of the Sun follows young Jamie “Jim” Graham, a privileged and spoiled English boy played by a young Christian Bale in his first major role.

Jim begins the story living a comfortable, privileged life in the international district of pre-war Shanghai. When Japan invades and the Second World War engulfs China, however, his world collapses in an instant.

Separated from his parents during the chaos, Jim is suddenly thrust into a fight for survival. He finds himself imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp, where he forms complex relationships, including with Basie, a streetwise American hustler played with effortless charm by John Malkovich, and with Dr Rawlins, a compassionate British doctor who becomes a surrogate father figure played by Nigel Havers.

Through Jim’s eyes, the film explores innocence stripped away by conflict, the unexpected camaraderie born in captivity, and the resilience of a child navigating a world at war.

Chief Film Critic at the Times, Kevin Maher, even called it Steven Spielberg‘s “graduation to grown-up film-making.”

The Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus reads: “One of Steven Spielberg’s most ambitious efforts of the 1980s, Empire of the Sun remains an underrated gem in the director’s distinguished filmography.”

A viewer called Stephanie Blurton also wrote in a Google Review: “Really feel this movie is underrated, undervalued, and underwatched. I will watch it several more times and then some more!”

This film, while underrated, appears to have withstood the test of time.

One viewer wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “This is one of my favourite films of all time. I’ve been watching it since it came out and it’s just as good each time I see it. Absolute stellar cast and should have won a lot of awards. This is actually my favourite Spielberg WWII movie.”

One IMDb user rated gave the film a perfect 10/10 score and called it “brilliant” and “amazing.” They added: “This is an amazingly underrated film that should be watched by a mature, attentive person. This film is laced with compassion and power put in one. A must see for war buffs (or for Spielberg buffs). No matter what even if you hate this film, you will have a favourite part. One of Spielberg greatest films ever made (personally his greatest). 10/10”

Someone else said: “A visual masterpiece, very moving and thought-provoking and Christian Bale is extraordinary,” while another viewed added that this film is “an underrated classic.”

For fans of Hamnet, the wait for the upcoming film from Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao has been a long one.

But ahead of its release, fans can step inside the film in a stunning exhibition in London.

“Even as a Shadow, Even as a Dream” opens to the public in Fitzroy Square, London on 9th December and celebrates Zhao’s visionary storytelling and unique creative process.

The exhibit will showcase a collection of original props and set pieces, on-set photography by Agata Grzybowska that capture the film’s stunning locations, from the forests of Stratford-Upon-Avon to the stage of the Globe Theatre

There will also be the chance to view artwork and writings from Zhao and actor Jessie Buckley.

The heart-wrenching film tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.

Hamnet stars Jessie as his mother and Paul Mescal as his father, alongside Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn.

Director Zhao said of the story: “Will Shakepeare had written a story about love and death and I feel honoured and fortunate to be able to interpret his messages for today’s audience.

“Hamnet is about how these two foundational human experiences can alchemize and transform each other through art and storytelling.”

The exhibition will tun from 9th – 20th December and will be open 10AM until 6PM Tuesday-Saturday each week.

Tickets will be available to book from 24th November at Time 10:00AM via EventBrite. The exhibition will be held at the 6 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 5HJ

Entry to “Even as a Shadow, Even as a Dream” is free and fans are advised to book but a limited number of walk-ins will be allowed each day.

Hamnet opens in UK cinemas on 9th January 2026.

A film that changed the trajectory of cinema worldwide has been added to one more streaming platform. 

Before 1975, films centred on violent, feral creatures versus humans were not yet a recipe for success, summers weren’t special seasons for blockbuster releases and wide national theatrical debuts weren’t yet an established formula (instead, films were released in new markets progressively).

All of that was changed by Jaws, Steven Spielberg’s iconic thriller that defined a new generation of the film industry.

Jaws is based on a novel by Peter Benchley and follows Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), a police chief who, alongside marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw), is tasked with the mission of hunting down a man-eating great white shark.

The film, which also starred Murray Hamilton and Lorraine Gary, reportedly made history for being the first motion picture filmed on the ocean – consequently facing multiple production hurdles.

Mechanical sharks malfunctioned, processes went over the proposed timeline and blew initial budgets.

But despite the challenges, Jaws was released on over 450 screens backed by an extensive marketing campaign. The result was a massive box office success, an unforgettable theme song and the title of the highest-grossing film in history for two years – until the screen debut of Star Wars.

A masterpiece of 20th century cinema, the film kickstarted the concept of highly-marketed action/adventure releases during summer – a model that has been vastly used to this day.

On reviewing platform Rotten Tomatoes, where the movie has a score of 97%, fans praise the production: “Without doubt, this is the best film ever made. Every frame has a touch of inspiration, every piece of background information and every human gesture drives the narrative in ways never done before or since. It remains the cinematic definition of modernity, in all its terror and humanity.”

Another wrote: “An absolute beast of a film. Still holds up on repeated viewings. An all time classic.”

“One of my favorite movies of all time. I never get tired of seeing Jaws and I have seen it maybe 100 times,” a third added. “Just everything about it, the suspense, the shots, the actors and characters and of course the music. Also, the background actors and small roles were so authentic.”

Jaws won three Academy Awards (Best Original Score, Best Film Editing and Best Sound), one BAFTA (Best Original Music), one Golden Globe (Best Original Score) and one Grammy (Best Score Written for Visual Media).

Jaws (1975) is now available for streaming on ITVX, Prime Video, Netflix, Sky, Disney+ and Apple TV.