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When the Wind Blows (1986)

Director: Jimmy T Murakami

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From Time Out Film Guide

There have been enough post-holocaust nuclear winter films nearly to constitute a genre, but there has never been anything quite like veteran animator Murakami's version of Raymond Briggs' cartoon book. Jim and Hilda Bloggs are living out an unexceptional retirement, when the unthinkable happens. Happily prattling about their World War II adventures in the blitz, they duly follow the government brochure advice and build a shelter with doors and cushions, then go about their business as their hair falls out and the dust rains down. The animation is at its best - and the film most effective - during sequences of their reminiscences, when the daily round of their past lives is seen as a delight in the ordinary and in a history which is not just forgotten but literally obliterated. But their slow degradation is almost unbearably moving. The only note of hope is that it might just get through to some people who have a say in such matters. Jim and Hilda are worth preserving. CPea.

Author: CPea 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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User reviews of this film

  • Danny P French said...
    Posted on Jul 12 2007 17:59 For the most part, this film completely defies categorisation. It is lush and beautiful in its execution, delicate, non-sensationalist - truly a masterpiece. This is not Sunday afternoon viewing. I hesitate to use such a fluffy word as "lovely" to describe it, but ultimately that's what it is. The subject matter most definitely isn't, but it tells its story with such sublimity and perfection. It doesn't beat you over the head or tell you what to feel - but feel you will; in fact, you'll feel terrible. That's ok - you're supposed to. But the emotions you experience will be your own, and the experience you will cherish - not as a wonderful experience - but as a profound one, one that will enrich your soul.
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Cast & crew

Director: Jimmy T Murakami

Producer: John Coates

Cast: Peggy Ashcroft, John Mills, Robin Houston full cast

Duration: 84 mins

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