When the Wind Blows

1986
16+
1h 24m

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

13K

YOUR RATING

Peggy Ashcroft and John Mills in When the Wind Blows (1986)

Play clip2:49

Watch When The Wind Blows: We Must Look On The Bright Side

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60 Photos

Adult Animation Dark Comedy Animation Drama War

A naive elderly British rural couple survive the initial onslaught of a nuclear war.A naive elderly British rural couple survive the initial onslaught of a nuclear war.A naive elderly British rural couple survive the initial onslaught of a nuclear war.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

13K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 nomination total

Self
(archive footage)
(uncredited)

Bernard L. Montgomery

Self
(archive footage)
(uncredited)

Joseph Stalin

Self
(archive footage)
(uncredited)

Harry S. Truman

Self
(archive footage)
(uncredited)

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
David Bowie was originally slated to record several songs for the film but was only able to contribute the title song due to time constraints regarding his then-upcoming album "Never Let Me Down". Roger Waters contributed to most of the film's songs instead.

Goofs
At the beginning of the scene in which Jim and Hilda are bedridden, Hilda's feet are missing for a few frames as the camera pans across.

Quotes
[dying of radiation poisoning]
Hilda: Shall we... pray, dear?
Jim: Pray?
Hilda: Yes.
Jim: All right then... But... to who?
Hilda: God, of course.
Jim: Oh, oh, oh, I see... Yes, yes... Would that be the correct thing?
Hilda: It can't do any harm, dear.
Jim: Ok, um... Here it goes... Dear sir...
Hilda: No, that's wrong, dear.
Jim: Well, uh... How, how do you start?
Hilda: Our God...
Jim: -our help, in ages past...
Hilda: That's it, dear. Keep it up.
Jim: Almighty and most merciful father...
Hilda: That's good.
Jim: Dearly beloved... we are gathered... unto thee. I shall fear no evil. Thy rod and thy staff comfort me all the days of my life.
[beginning to suffocate]
Jim: Lay me down in green pastures... I... I can't remember anymore.
Hilda: That was nice, dear. I liked the bit about the green pastures.
Jim: Oh, yes, yes. Into the valley of the shadow of death...
Hilda: Oh, no more love. No more.
Jim: ...rode the six hundred.
[they die]

Crazy credits
After the end credits, Morse code can be heard in the background. The code, when translated, means "MAD". MAD is an abbreviation for the term "Mutually Assured Destruction".

Alternate versions
From the Castilian Spanish dubbing, Fernando Rey and Irene Gutiérrez Caba were cast to be the voices of the main characters.

Connections
Featured in Years Ahead: Episode #5.1 (1986)

Soundtracks
When the Wind Blows
Written by David Bowie and Erdal Kizilcay
Performed by David Bowie
Produced by David Bowie and David Richards

User reviews82

Review

Featured review

9/10

Beautiful film with a strong message

I saw this film when i was about 13 and it had a huge impact on me. Everything comes together so well to produce a stunning overall effect. The animation is unique and uses many contrasting styles from soft, cartoony character design to harsh, powerful and sometimes disturbing imagery reminiscent of some of Gerald Scarfe's work in 'The Wall'. The soundtrack is also superb and subtely integrated into the storyline, using both instrumental and vocal tracks from David Bowie, Roger Waters and Genesis.

As you watch the film you are given a 'fly-on-the-wall' perspective of an elderly couple 'preparing' for a nuclear blast. Their innocence and naivety is moving whilst at the same time full of hope. They dutifully follow governmental leaflets firmly believing that the powers that be will never let them down. This viewpoint is harrowing for the viewer as we know that there is no real hope for either of them and yet still they carry on even after the blast, with a quiet dignity and bravery which is very endearing.

This is not a film with a happy ending and nor should it be. For this reason some may call it depressing but the media of film should not always be used to merely entertain.

There are few films out there that truly have the power to make an impact on us that will last the rest of our lives, thankfully When The Wind Blows is one of them. A daring and innovative movie which is so much more than just a cartoon.

It is also now available at last on DVD. I intend to order my copy very soon. Highly recommended.