Customer Reviews

When the Wind Blows [VHS]

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Please watch this film. I'm a horror film fan entertained by the likes of Fulci, Argento, D'Amato, Lenzi, et al, but the ending to this movie is shocking beyond anything those guys could produce. The movie portrays an 'English' take on the survival of a nuclear detonation by a ageing couple in a setting anyone will recognise. The first half is almost a public information film on how to survive an atomic blast, but the last half will leave you shocked, saddened and despairing beyond belief. I've seen this movie once and I was moved to tears; its funny, disturbing, hypnotizingly watchable and ultimately soul destroying. Prepare to moved by a movie like you have never been moved before.

I'll admit, the only reason I checked out this movie was because the soundtrack was done by Roger Waters. The people they got to play the main characters were amazing. They pegged naive British folks to a tee. Especially as they were nostaligizing about WWII in face of WWIII. If you must see a movie about nuclear war and its effects, see this one.

My only complaint is that the Alphabet Song isn't on the soundtrack.

This is -not- a CD we're reviewing here, folks. It's a movie that, at first, appears somewhat superficial: we're introduced to an elderly ("pensioners") couple living in the backwoods of England. When a nuclear attack occurs, they take their government's advice a bit too literally. That's the rough-and-tumble summary, but what it really is is an introspective, ironic look at nuclear war, its propaganda, politics, and, finally, the ultimate cost. One could, in a sense, compare it to Calvin and Hobbes: a comic strip drawn crudely, but whose characters address deep issues on a regular basis. While the Cold War is over, this -- along with _The Day After_ -- is probably one of the best reminders of what it was like for those of us who lived through it, and a taste for those who were not yet aware of it.

I cannot recommend this film highly enough. Sobering, thoughtful, and just terribly well done.

I rented this film from Blockbuster several years ago, and the film has haunted me ever since. Today, I was determined to purchase it on DVD so that I could share it with some friends. I was very disappointed to find that the only DVD version here on amazon is Region 2. I do solemnly swear that if you release this in the US, I will buy at least 3 copies - one for myself, one for my dad, and one for the friend I originally watched this film with years ago, who is similarly haunted by it.

I am a heretic. My favourite track on this rare doomsday soundtrack is not by my hero, Roger Waters, but by Genesis. The instrumental shows Phil Collins' superior drumming and is a powerful mood piece. Surprisingly, Hugh Cornwell almost comes across as Roger's disciple in "Facts and Figures," the other good song that Roger didn't do. (David Bowie is probably now embarrassed by his title track. His heart was not in it.) So, we come to Roger's pieces, which aren't quite as strong as the music he would do on the similarly themed "Radio KAOS," at least not without the film. Yet there is a surprising undercurrent. If nothing else, "Towers of Faith" (his duet with the ever amazing Clare Torry) is worth the price of admission. As for the rest, well, my suggestion is to turn your CD player up rather loud. Then tell me if it doesn't give you the chills. Then, when Roger declares (in "Folded Flags) that his life is "in the hands of a second-rate actor" who was then a United States president whose finger was at least metaphorically on the button, tell me if it doesn't make you think twice

I must have seen this film a hundred times since it's original release in 1986. Every time I see it I am moved to tears, the only film that has ever done that to me. There is nothing to fault this film. The style of animation changes throughout to match the mood at the time, the music fits the images exactly (perfectly composed by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame). The characters are so believable, everybody knows a couple just like them. The dialogue is perfection, sometimes you don't know whether to laugh or cry. When the picture finishes I have to take a moment to compose myself each and every time. Everybody should be made to watch this film at least once in their lives.

If I added up the total amount I have paid to rent this movie over the years, it would make an accountant break down and weep in disbelief at what has become of the youth of today (and that's NOT counting late fees). When I saw this film for the first time I CRIED. This is a truly classic, Paddington Bear-esque cartoon rendition (interwoven with stinging, disturbing pop-art perspective shots) of a brutally upsetting event that makes you want to run to Mum and give her a hug.

With Roger Waters' songs on this album clocking in at under half an hour, it is hard for for much filler to exist. But exist it does in what appears to be more background soundtrack than actual songs. The two real songs, Towers of Faith and Folded Flags, are top notch Waters solo efforts. I would place them in ranks with his best stuff on Amused to Death and better than anything on Radio K.A.O.S. , or at least equal to The powers that be or home. Folded Flags should have taken the place of The Tide is Turning on KAOS, I think it suits the darker mood of the album better. The two Waters songs are relatively easy to obtain by digital piracy. I am not saying you should go download them, that is simply a fact. Oh, and the bowie song is good too.

When the Wind Blows was based upon an English novel about an elderly English couple who survives a nuclear war only to face dire consequences. The book was turned into an animated feature with an all-star soundtrack fwith music from the likes of Roger Waters and Phil Collins (to name a few). It's a heart wrenching film because the characters are flesh and bone instead of some dull cookie cutter figures. I highly recommend this film. A true classic in every since.

Track down a copy of this must see classic. Tied with Graveyard of the Fireflies for the best animated full length feature I have ever beared witness to,

After I saw the Berlin Wall come down, I thought for the first time in my life that I wouldn't die by nuclear fallout. With all that is going on in the world, I realize it still might be a possibility, but I figure the chances are less than before. This movie should still be seen, and felt as a reminder to the power elite of the very real consequences of their actions. The message in this movie is presented is such a way that even the idoits running this country and other contries should be able to get it.

NOW RELEASE THIS ON DVD!!!!!!!!!