When The Wind Blows [DVD] [1986]

In the last year or so, I have developed somewhat of an obsession with films and books based on the ideas of nuclear wars or post-nuclear survival. Not having the mental fortitude to sit through 'Threads' again, the idea of this animated tale on such a topic definitely appealed, and for a multitude of reasons - a tale from the renowned Raymond Briggs, glowing reviews from others and a plot that seemed right up my street. And after watching 'When The Wind Blows', I was certainly not disappointed.

Plot synopses and story settings should be familiar to anyone who has reached my review - but it is worth noting how effective the story dynamic is in pitting two loveable but painfully naive everyday people against the harshest of realities. The whole notion of nuclear war and associated bomb attacks are horrors (thankfully) relatively few people have experienced - therefore the idea of temperature extremes, blinding light, radiation fallout and bleak decimated landscapes are almost fantasy in the imagination of most, and therefore a good animated story such as this one expands that fantasy, with accompanying dream-like sequences throughout Jim's various monologues or other salient junctures in the film. The resulting combination of great animation, thoroughly enjoyable storyline and great characters that just demand empathy from the viewer means this is a very unique and gripping take on the idea of nuclear war.

It is almost impossible to review any serious film about nuclear attacks without mentioning the BBC production 'Threads' in review. In this instance though, it is worth making that comparison. Like 'Threads', this story superimposes a nightmarish disaster upon the simple, regular lives of British residents. Many images and symbolic scenes are also common - the focus on home-made shelters, melting milk bottles, nuclear barren expanses replacing green and pleasant land and so forth. But unlike 'Threads', we are spared the wrist-slashingly hopeless-upon-hopeless descent into hell and endless suffering, and instead given more humanity, and God forbid, even humour during the darkest moments of Jim and Hilda's ordeal. The real genius of the script-writing is the way that Hilda's obliviousness and Jim's amusing pragmatism make us realise the sheer futility of such a situation, and the total ineffectiveness of governmental or local council advice that existed during the shadow of the Cold War years. Jim's confusion about some of the recommendations within the 'Protect and Survive' leaflets, whilst exaggerated for comic purposes, is a pointed jab at some contradictions that really existed in the advice, and the impracticality of some of the suggestions that were expected in the effort to survive nuclear attacks. Therefore, just like 'Threads', the viewer really feels as though, regardless of the best efforts of the individuals, most everyday people are dead the moment the nuclear warhead goes off no matter how proper the preparations; whether instant death or a matter of days thereafter.

Without giving much away in terms of exact plotlines, as the situation takes its toll on the couple, the film does become very sad and the final scenes are really emotive. The watcher will come away from this story saddened, with much to think about - it is melancholic to consider how people's lives, their past, their interactions and their way of life would be so brutally and completely wiped out in the event of a nuclear strike. But unlike 'Threads', hopefully some inspiration will be there too - thanks to the great characters of Jim and Hilda. Unmissable.

Astounding film. Moving and funny and dark all at once. Nothing much else to add to all other comments here about the film itself. However, whoever oversaw the authoring of this bluray disc for Twilight Time needs a boot up the backside.

There are three audio streams available. The first is meant to be original stereo. The second is a worthwhile commentary track that sits well with the extra documentary features and interviews on the disc. The third is an isolated music and effects track which is nice to have (but hardly essential). The problem is that, on the main/original audio option (track one), some idiot has caused the contents of track three to be added to it, meaning the music and sound effects content is duplicated in the sound mix of the Original Audio track and causes a kind of "flanging" or sonic distortion effect which makes all the music and effects sound as if they're happening in a medium-sized metallic room with a short-delay echo (like at a medium-sized rock gig when you can hear the sound bounce off the back wall a moment after the original sound). It's very distracting once you know it's there, and for the prices charged for releases in the limited edition "boutique" run of titles in the Twilight Time range you would expect at least basic competence in the authoring of the disc itself.

It's a pity because all the components of the package are lovely and of good quality. Keep the work experience kids out of the authoring suite when you're charging sixty quid a throw, okay?

Love this film. I grew up with it. This is about a lovely old age couple trying to survive a bomb blast. Good to show older kids. Don't think young kids would understand. Arrived very quickly

My first encounter with this film was when I was about 8 or 9. I'd seen the Snowman on TV and my mum, with what I could only describe as a curious expression on her face, allowed my sister and I to watch this film. It was in a similar art style to the Snowman, it'd be child friendly and uplifting, right?

This film affected me on a level that few films have done since and has given my sister a morbid fear of nuclear war. The premise is very simple - it follows a retired couple living out in the country, living their day to day routine while on the radio, increasingly anxious news reports cover growing tension between Russia and the USA. Jim decides to follow the government advice leaflets that are followed, trusting in them to keep him safe. His wife exasperatingly puts up with his preparations but pays the news only scant attention. The moment the warhead lands is utterly terrifying and marks a dramatic shift in the tone of the film. Radioactive fallout covers their home and slowly the pair succumb to radiation poisoning. It is truly horrific to watch.

Would I follow my mum's example and let my potential children watch this film? I think I would. Not because they would enjoy it, because I can pretty much guarantee they won't but because they would learn from it and beware when the wind blows...

grim,and unbelievable,the rubbish the government of the 70s spewed out about nuclear war will astound you,if you are not moved by this film then you are a robot

A rather whimsical offering this. It was ok and I may watch it again some time. "Threads" is more my cup of tea though.

Only watched the dvd once as it is obviously not the most cheerful viewing! The dvd seemed to make rather a loud noise when I put it into my machine but the picture was fine. I found the interview with Raymond Briggs interesting and also the discussion of the making of the film. What a lot of work goes into something like this.

Item as described, fast delivery, well packed – a great seller. Thanks A+++++++++++