When the Wind Blows [VHS]

This recently re-released animated classic from Raymond Briggs (The snowman, Fungus the Bogeyman) is a dark comedy exploring the theme of nuclear holocaust. Originally a book in 1982 and then a film in 1986, the re-issued DVD hit the shelves on Monday (or in my case, became available on Amazon). Yes, it focuses on the nuclear bomb, but it is not in the bomb itself or in the threat of war where the film's brilliance lies. It is in the absurdity of the governmental instructions. Taken from genuine home office leaflets from the time, the homeowners guide is a piece of genius and a worthy fore runner to Mr Blair's recent terrorist information pack.

As the threat of nuclear destruction closes in around them, and when most people would be praying or desperately phoning loved one, happily retired Jim Bloggs is frantically carrying out government guidelines such as painting the windows white ("to keep out radiation") and creating an inner core or refuge (doors propped up against the wall with cushions on). All of this is of course sound advice from the government on how to protect yourself against a nuclear bomb. Poor old Mr and Mrs Bloggs follow it to the letter. Jim rushes to the local shop and although they have run out of protractors (to ensure the doors are propped up at an angle of 60 degrees) he does return with 2 packs of ginger creams, half a sponge cake, some pineapple chunks and a Christmas pudding. All of which are essential in case of a nuclear holocaust.

The film is loosely split into 2 sections. Preparations before the bomb drops and life after the bomb has dropped. Jim regularly forgets who the enemy is, as the word "war" only seems to conjure up memories of Hitler and bombs falling on London. Continuously correcting himself from saying Jerry, to saying Ruski, the musings as to what sort of people "Ruski's" are is dry and entertaining. "but I saw some Russians dancing on the Tele once" notes Mrs Bloggs "They seemed very nice." And as the thought of Russian soldiers entering their house dawns upon Jim, (He imagines a huge man armed to the teeth and pointed his Tommy gun straight at them) the best strategy available to them is put forward by Mrs Bloggs... "Maybe I could offer him a cup of tea!?"

For all its humour though, this is not a film to be taken lightly. The utter hopelessness of the situation combined with Jim's unwavering belief and trust in his government can't help but bring a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye of the most unemotional among us. Scenes showing the couple in happier times (their wedding day, walking in the park) only serve to increase the viewers anger at how these good, simple people can have their lives wiped out by the arrogance and lust for power displayed by the world's leaders.

I urge you all, by whatever means possible, to get a copy and share it amongst everyone you know. Then sit down and read Tony Blair's terrorist information pack. So funny I nearly cried.