- Actors: Michael Aspel, Peter Graham, Kathy Staff, Peter Watkins
- Directors: Peter Watkins
- Writers: Peter Watkins
- Producers: Peter Watkins
- Classification: 12
- Studio: Bfi
- VHS Release Date: 27 Jan 2003
- Run Time: 48 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00007LZ55
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 10,886 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
These days I guess "The War Game" has been overshadowed by the similar 1980s offerings "Threads" (one of the most terrifying films you will ever see) and "When The Wind Blows". In its day "The War Game" caused untold controversy and was actually banned by the British Government from being shown for about 20 years. I believe it was finally first aired to coincide with the 40th anniversy of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs in 1985. It shows the effects of an all-out nuclear attack on Britain, not just the horror of the attack itself, but the after-effects too, with the country being turned into a ruthless police state, having people put up against a wall and shot for stealing food. It's not as graphic as "Threads", and because it was made so much earlier the effects of a nuclear drop aren't quite as devestating as we know it would be now, but I guarantee you will still find this highly disturbing viewing. And the one line where the narrator describes the sound of the nuclear impact as "like a giant door being slammed in Hell" will stay with you.
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I watched this when studying the Cold War at school, and I was barely able to speak afterwards. Although it was made in the sixties and looks somewhat dated, this film is extremely effective, giving a very realistic glimpse of what would have actually happened if the Soviets had dropped atomic bombs on Britain. It combines contemporary interviews about nuclear issues with 'footage' of a nuclear attack on Rochester and its aftermath. Starting with the thirty-second warning, what was a quaint English town quickly becomes hell on earth. The images of countless charred bodies, screaming and suffocating people, riots and executions are more shocking than anything else I've ever seen. There is the overriding sense of how quickly a civilised community can degenerate into lawlessness, as we are shown how the police have to impose martial law. It's remarkably well-acted, and looks very authentic via the use of shaky hand-held camera work (reminiscent of Saving Private Ryan). It is made all the more disturbing when we are told that the kind of events being shown are highly possible 'before 1980'. As this film was made in 1965, one can appreciate why it was banned; it really would have caused mass hysteria. I'm not easily disturbed, but this documentary really did leave me with tears in my eyes. As absurd as it sounds, I will definitely not sleep very well tonight after seeing this. The War Game should be shown to everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, to make sure we never, ever, EVER even consider the use of nuclear weapons. It would, quite literally, mean the end of human civilisation. Although it is certainly not an enjoyable experience, the War Game is essential viewing for every human being.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Although not as visually shocking as 'Threads', 'The War Game' till has the power to shock even after four decades. Made after the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1963, the film deals with the build up to a possible nuclear confrontation (I will not spoil the plot by revealing details) and the direct aftermath of an attack on the town of Rochester in Kent.
As well as addressing the utterly destructive nature of nuclear war, it shows the totally inadequete state of Civil Defense procedures in the UK at that time. The latter was probably the main reason why it was banned by the BBC. Some of the scenes continue to be as startling as ever - a police firing squad executing two looters being one of them. Fortunately we never stepped across the nuclear threshold, although we came close on several occasions. I have always been a supporter of the nuclear deterrent and continue to be so - but this film should be seen by all. It's message remains relevant and it still has the immense power to shock and frighten.
As well as addressing the utterly destructive nature of nuclear war, it shows the totally inadequete state of Civil Defense procedures in the UK at that time. The latter was probably the main reason why it was banned by the BBC. Some of the scenes continue to be as startling as ever - a police firing squad executing two looters being one of them. Fortunately we never stepped across the nuclear threshold, although we came close on several occasions. I have always been a supporter of the nuclear deterrent and continue to be so - but this film should be seen by all. It's message remains relevant and it still has the immense power to shock and frighten.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
laughable
of course, when this film came out, we lived in a more civilised time, with greater neighbourliness and social cohesion. It was a different age. Read more
Published 7 months ago by veteran
The War game (DVD)
Quick delivery, Good DVD, Good communications about the film, Many thanks for a good service, AAAAA, +++++.
Would buy again from this seller.
Would buy again from this seller.
Published 9 months ago by brians888
Very Interesting film worth a watch!
Being from a military family, born in Paderborn in 1980 whilst my Father was on active deployment at Barker Barracks, the Cold War was something I can still remember although of... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Mr. Wl Gunn
Hack Green Nuclear Bunker
This frightening yet compelling film, especially for its age, is now shown on continuous loop at the now open Hack Green Nuclear Bunker near Nantwich, Cheshire, UK and lasts around... Read more
Published 22 months ago by iBozz
WellOverdue
I can only agree fully with everyone who says EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS FILM. I saw it on it's original release, YES it was disturbing, YES it made one fully aware of the REAL... Read more
Published on 6 May 2010 by William Anderson
It is still relevant today
It was only banned on the BBC. I saw this film in 1965 at my local cinema. It was shocking; almost a death sentance. Read more
Published on 6 Dec 2009 by warren
Before it's time
I think any review of The War Game needs to put this film in its proper context. When this film was made Britain still had a full Civil Defence organisation and had plans for the... Read more
Published on 19 Dec 2008 by Kevin Hall
Scary old tosh from the 60s
I think seeing 'The War Game' was a rite of passage for people like me, forties, grew up expecting nuclear war. Read more
Published on 21 July 2007 by Kentspur
Should be in the public domain
Why oh why is this title not available to purchase? It is essential viewing. I timely reminder of what happens when the politicians fail to do their jobs and at the same time lie... Read more
Published on 12 Jun 2007 by S. W. Ladd
Chilling account of effects of nuclear war
This film must be watched by any person who does not agree with CND. If you still think nuclear weapons are a good thing after seeing this, then you are a brave person. Read more
Published on 5 Mar 2006
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