In 1987, Steven Spielberg directed the film "Empire of Sun", based on the book of the same name written by English author James G. Ballard. The story is based on Ballard's own experiences as a prisoner of Japanese soldiers in China during the military occupation in World War II. The story of survival and loss of innocence is rendered with great visual flair by Spielberg, thanks also to the musical accompaniment by his longtime friend and collaborator John Williams.

Williams wrote a very diverse and eclectic score for the film, with focus on children's choir and heavenly textures, contrasted by moments of dissonance and musical uncertainty. For the sequence where Jim is adapting to his new life as POW, Williams wrote a bouncy lighthearted scherzo full of energy and melodic invention, with his characteristic flair and command of orchestral forces.

This is a concert adaptation of the film cue prepared by the composer performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra conducted by the composer. Williams usually takes the piece at a much slower tempo. Here the piece has been artificially sped-up to match the original tempo of the film cue.