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• 1 media/Where the wind blows_0001_Layer 2.webp media/red.png media/Review_210_Photo_4_-_When_the_Wind_Blows_(1986)_630_473_90.jpg 2024-07-19T14:51:53+00:00 When the Wind Blows 29 Movie Directed by Jimmy T. Murakami plain 2024-08-05T16:18:24+00:00

  SUMMARY 

  When the Wind Blows depicts the lack of government support during times of need in Britain. The film follows an elderly retired couple, Jim and Hilda Bloggs. Jim could be described as a rule follower who is very proud of his country. After reading the newspaper in the library, Jim sees that a nuclear war is fast approaching. The county as well as the British government release a pamphlet on how to prepare and survive a nuclear attack. Hilda questions some of the preparations such as putting on potato bags before the bomb. Nevertheless, she follows the directions because of Jim’s persistence which turns harsh when the radio announces a bomb will be dropping soon. Following the bomb, Jim and Hilda are at a loss on how to survive. They continuously assume everything will be back to normal and that others have survived. Both have unwavering faith in the beginning that Britain is going to win the war. As days pass on and no one has come to help, they start experiencing symptoms that come with radiation poisoning. Starting to get headaches, diarrhea, bleeding gums, and spots all over them, Hilda and Jim pass away. 

  
  

  ANALYSIS 

  The film explores the balance in being prideful for the technological advancements whilst also being wary. Through the character Jim, watchers are able to see how amazing it is from his perspective to see how much progress in science there’s been. Being mindful of the time period the film takes place in, the Cold War, it makes sense why Jim is a nationalist for Britain. He grew up during World War II where tanks and guns were already progressing. For him to see that scientists were able to figure out how to harness resources to make such a powerful bomb, it gives him a sense of pride. Additionally, Britain and the allies from World War II were on a nationalist high, believing it was their duty to save democracy and be the face of first-world countries. 

  Due to the technological advancements emphasized by the film, it’s easier to understand, as viewers, why civilians did not criticize atomic warfare as much compared to now. Before, civilians sincerely believed that their country would come out as the victors as they have before. This is no fault on the civilians but more so on the government for pushing propaganda around atomic warfare. In recent times, questions around the existence and need for the atomic bomb are common. The main point of critique stems from the catastrophic aftermath of Hiroshima. The world learned what it meant for atomic bombs to actually be used in times of war and how it destroys people for decades to follow. The film explores this as after Jim and Hilda are hit, everything they know and care for is gone. There is no longer the shop down the road or library. Hilda feels a sense to clean her home in the aftermath, but it is a never-ending task because of how much destruction there is. Seeing Jim and Hilda’s descent into death tugs on viewers’ heartstrings because they come to the realization of what the bomb leads to. There is no help to come, and while it is a huge step forward in science, it was one that should not have been taken. Watchers are able to see the mindset of a regular citizen during the Cold War as they grapple with what atomic bombs mean going forward now that science made this leap. 

  The film delves into government responsibility during national emergencies, more specifically, the lack of support from the government. When Jim first hears the rumblings around a nuclear war, he has the most hope in his government. This can be seen by him following the government and county pamphlet to a T. While Hilda remains reserved for some of the preparations, Jim sincerely thinks he must follow everything as ordered. He comes up with an explanation for the government for every concern Hilda brings up. When it comes to building a safe spot, the government pamphlet says to lay two mattresses against the wall at 60 degrees. Jim goes to get a protractor so he can follow that rule exactly. However, some of the rules as the world understands it now are based on nothing but nonsense. Putting a potato bag does not help with radiation. Having citizens follow rules that did not help with their survival and instead fills them with useless hope. Jim and Hilda hold onto each day as the day the government will arrive and help. It never does, and they must continue to survive on rain water. When they eventually run out of necessities, they are left alone. Jim and Hilda are characters who fell victim to believing the government for its word and promises. The film suggests that governments have a responsibility to help civilians in a timely manner. Once governments start to invest in nuclear bombs, they must also invest in support systems for the aftermath of nuclear bombs.

  CONCLUSION

  The film does a wonderful job in portraying the mindsets of civilians during the Red Scare and the shift to realization about their government. The message the film sends in criticizing the government still stands strong today, even decades later. This is because ever since atomic bombs were introduced, the world is at a standstill. Governments around the world understand it to be humane, however, the threats around it are constant. It is us now that have to be wary in government because how does one continue after. We only have one example of it and it should be last. 

  Bibliography

  Murakami, Jimmy. When the Wind Blows. Meltdown Productions, 1986.