DECEMBER 9, 1987

Full News Archive

• Headline: Exploring Spielberg's 'Empire of the Sun'. Impact: If it weren't for Spielberg's 'Empire of the Sun', we might never have known that a British schoolboy could survive in a Japanese internment camp while also looking fabulous. This film inspired countless future directors to think, 'If a boy can do it, why not a cat?'. Fact: Did you know that the film was based on J.G. Ballard's semi-autobiographical novel? So yes, in a way, this boy's epic journey is a lot like your own childhood road trip—minus the war and with more dramatic music..
• Headline: Historic Missile Treaty Signed by Reagan and Gorbachev. Impact: The signing of the missile treaty was like the time two kids in school decided to share their lunch instead of throwing punches. It kickstarted a slow but steady decline in nuclear tensions, which probably made it harder for future leaders to find an excuse to cancel lunch. Thanks, Reagan and Gorbachev!. Fact: Fun fact: This treaty was signed in the 80s, a time when the biggest threat was not nuclear war but accidentally using a rotary phone. Talk about priorities!.
• Headline: Exploring 'Empire of the Sun'. Impact: If 'Empire of the Sun' had never been made, we might still believe that all WWII films should be filled with explosions and not existential reflections. Its impact? A generation of filmmakers now thinks they can make a movie just by having a kid stare longingly at the horizon.. Fact: The film was released a few days before Christmas. So, if you were hoping for a family-friendly holiday movie and instead got a deep dive into survival and despair, congratulations! Merry Christmas!.