IMDb > When the Wind Blows (1986)

When the Wind Blows (1986) More at IMDbPro »


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Overview

User Rating:
7.9/10   1,951 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 11% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Raymond Briggs (book)
Raymond Briggs (script)
Contact:
View company contact information for When the Wind Blows on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
11 March 1988 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
...It's No Fairy Tale
Plot:
With the help of government-issued pamphlets, an elderly British couple build a shelter and prepare for an impending nuclear attack... more | add synopsis
Awards:
1 nomination more
User Comments:
More disturbing than any film I have ever seen more (41 total)

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)
Peggy Ashcroft ... Hilda Bloggs (voice)

John Mills ... Jim (voice)
Robin Houston ... Announcer (voice)
James Russell
David Dundas
Matt Irving
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Additional Details

Runtime:
80 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Sound Mix:

Fun Stuff

Quotes:
Jim: [reading from pamphlet] During this period, reduced external stimuli may produce problems of group behavior.
Hilda: Oh yes, I see, Dear.
Jim: [reading from pamphlet] Steps to combat this may include the following: At intervals, stimulate group activities...
Hilda: Don't you dare start stimulating, James. I'm not in the mood.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in The 100 Greatest War Films (2005) (TV) more
Soundtrack:
The Shuffle more

FAQ

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15 out of 16 people found the following comment useful.
More disturbing than any film I have ever seen, 31 October 2005
9/10
Author: Peter Hayes from United Kingdom

An elderly couple (Hilda and Jim -- voiced by Peggy Ashcroft and John Mills) -- who have experienced WWII -- prepare for a nuclear war believing every word that the government says and expecting a short and happy outcome should the worst happen.

I have watched a lot of movies and I expect to watch a lot more movies before I am through, but I won't see anything quite like this one. If you think you have seen everything and had everything possible thrown at you from a TV/Cinema screen -- then think again.

When The Wind Blows must be the most disturbing film I have ever seen -- and it is a low budget cartoon with a PG certificate! The movie starts by playing for laughs and introducing us to the daily routine of our elderly couple.They are living in the past and think of war in a kindly way. This is to soften us up for what follows -- and what follows will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Having your emotions manipulated by cinema is nothing new, but this film uses real government information and very real scenarios.

If only more people could see this film and debate the messages it contains we would have a safer and better world.

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more (41 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for When the Wind Blows (1986)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Not endearing, irritating rozanna_2000
Wow... and to think... (SPOILERS) MeZergy
What is the sickness they have? rodolfoul
Govern-mental advice MisterCellophane
few questions Emolian
Remake jus360
more

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