John Williams' classic movie scores

"Empire of the Sun" (1986), based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, is an under-appreciated Spielberg epic that views the Japanese invasion of China through a child's eyes. The boy's exuberance over an Allied air attack on his prisoner of war camp (pictured left, with young Christian Bale) is cause for an almost celestial rejoicing.

Excerpt: "Cadillac of the Skies"

Williams' music also shows Bale's character learning to survive the deprivations of war and the separation from his parents.

Excerpt: "Jim's New Life"

Credit: Warner Brothers