The Empire of the Sun Essay Example

placed by Spielberg, conveys a romanticized perspective on air combat. However, Jim is quickly faced with the harsh reality of aerial warfare when the Kamikaze pilots are instantly shot down after a Japanese ceremony preceding their take-off.

In the end, the pilots caused more harm than good for their country. It's worth noting that there's no uplifting music playing, not even an orchestra, which underscores the lack of glory in war. Another harsh reality of war is the difficulty in distinguishing between enemies and allies, both of whom are engaged in the same deadly activity: killing.

Jim was caught in a paradoxical situation when American jets entered the scene. On one hand, they possessed the power to destroy and take lives, while on the other, they offered a chance for survival and preservation. For instance, when the Americans attacked the Japanese airbase close to Jim's POW camp, the move was meant to provide a way out for innocent victims of the war, including Jim and his compatriots. However, this deployment could have led to their demise just as quickly. Also, when America decided to drop the Atomic bomb on Japan, the move resulted in massive deaths. Almost immediately afterward, however, they sent supplies and food to far-off locations to enable their inhabitants to survive.

Spielberg's use of white light in the aftermath of the atom bomb may seem heavenly, but in reality, it created hell and is a contradictory and ambiguous element in Jamie/Jim's life. The planes also contribute to the sense of contradiction. Meanwhile, another technique used by Spielberg to show contradiction and ambiguity is by illustrating how people (and society) change during war,

and therefore cannot be trusted. At first, the Japanese servants strictly followed Jamie's parents' orders, but after the invasion of Pearl Harbour, they took their belongings from the house.

The Amah's gesture of slapping Jamie when questioned about their activities is a clear indication of the political situation. The Japanese servants exhibit minimal loyalty and respect towards their masters, being solely motivated by financial gain. Once deprived of it, they show no admiration towards Jamie, who himself did not treat them respectfully. Consequently, they seize whatever is available and depart, likely in search of alternative job opportunities.

Politics is once again on display as Basie, also known as Jamie to Jim, initially appears to be a friend who is sincerely looking out for Jim's well-being. However, Basie's true motives become apparent as he is only concerned with his own agenda and uses Jim to achieve his goals.

In times of war, prioritizing one's own survival is crucial. This is evident in Basie's actions as he unsuccessfully attempts to sell Jim and instead utilizes him to procure extra rations by retrieving mugs from deceased individuals and testing for landmines disguised as pheasant traps. Basie only helps Jim survive for his own benefit. The harsh realities of war have transformed nearly everyone Jim encounters, including himself, primarily due to Basie's influence. Initially reluctant to partake in Basie's tactics, Jim eventually succumbs and resorts to trading for necessary items such as shoes taken from a deceased woman and even young children's marbles.

Despite the necessity to compromise their own morals and beliefs in order to survive during war, Jim found Dr. Rawlings to be the only trustworthy person

who helped him maintain some semblance of his original character.

During times of war, new values and beliefs are created that may not align with current societal standards. These new standards become common practice in the midst of war. While an average soldier may typically consider killing to be against their moral beliefs, in war, this belief must be abandoned in order to survive. For soldiers, killing is a necessary part of their job and failing to do it properly could result in death. Although death in war may be overwhelming and difficult to accept, it is widely acknowledged as an inevitable reality.

During his time at war, Jim's focus shifts from his parents to his need for survival. He is forced to let go of his childhood thoughts and emotions in order to adapt and survive in the harsh reality of war. Spielberg reinforces this theme through the symbol of his parents' car. While others may view it simply as a mode of transportation, Jim associates it strongly with his parents, highlighting the emotional struggles he faces as he tries to navigate his new world.

Despite its ambiguity, the car offered a sense of protection to Jim while he was inside. This meant that even small details outside of the car, such as an old Japanese beggar calling out to him or the sight of meat hitting a market window, became a part of that protection. However, once the car was crushed by a tank, Jim was left without this source of safety.

Jim came across the car again amongst the other items taken by the Japanese from the houses. It reminded him of his parents, and he

hoped it would bring protection. Rather than searching for food with the others, he stayed with Mrs. Victor for the time being. War reveals that children often do not survive due to their immaturity and lack of skills to fend for themselves. Jim was forced to mature quickly in order to learn basic survival techniques. This highlights the fact that the weak - both mentally and physically - stand little chance in war.

Jim relinquishes his childhood to mature into adulthood. Upon Basie's return to Jim's former residence (the grand mansion), Jim hears the exquisite classical piano music and assumes it is his mother playing. Rushing to the door and shouting out for his mother, Jim lays eyes on what he believes is his mother until he comprehends that it is actually an attired Japanese man. In this sequence, Spielberg utilizes camera angles to exhibit the occurrence from Jim's viewpoint, thereby allowing the viewer to perceive Jim yearning for his mother. Regrettably, Jim must adapt to a society preoccupied with their present and imminent future while also acknowledging the unpleasantness that accompanies war, which is not nearly as magnanimous as it appears.

Initially, Jim's aspirations involved becoming a pilot, which was depicted in Spielberg's film through various techniques including the use of dreamy orchestral music and clear skies. However, Jim's perception of planes changed after the tragic deaths of two Kamikaze pilots. During the Japanese ceremony for the pilots, Spielberg employs a big Asian sunset to portray both the pilots' view and Jim's perspective as one of glory and honor. Nonetheless, the shock of their immediate deaths quickly exposes the grim reality to Jim.

During the moment

when Jim and Mrs. Victor are surrounded by the items that Japanese soldiers have taken from empty homes, Mrs. Victor passes away and a white light gradually increases in intensity, adding to Spielberg's use of lighting as a storytelling device.

Jim perceives Mrs. Victor's departure as a deeply spiritual occurrence, with her soul ascending to Heaven. However, it is revealed that the explosion he witnessed was actually an Atomic Bomb detonated at a distance. The initial interpretation of the white light is thus ambiguous, as its true significance only becomes evident later on.

Regrettably, Jim is unaware that the paradise he perceives is non-existent, and it would be preferable for him to face the bleak truth. When Basie shoots Jim's Japanese comrade, Jim endeavors to resuscitate him. Initially, the significance of this act is indiscernible, but Spielberg's use of imagery is adroit. Briefly, the Japanese boy is replaced with Jim before the war (Jamie), attired in his school uniform. This image conveys Jim's endeavor to revive his former self - to reanimate his past and restore everything as it was. While reviving Jamie, Jim incessantly murmurs the phrase "I can bring everyone back."

Jim may have the belief that he can revive his parents and alter people's behaviors, values, and principles to the way they existed before the war. However, it is regrettable that society is constrained to remain unaltered due to the ongoing war.