Fig. 1. When the Wind Blows poster
When
the Wind Blows (1986) is an animated film directed by Jimmy T.
Murakami who also directed The Snowman, it features the story of an old couple
who are preparing for an impending nuclear attack from Russia. The film largely
takes place in the couples house as Jim, the man of the house attempts to
follow a government pamphlet with directions on how to survive.
Fig. 2. Jim and the pamphlet
The film attempts to be humorous throughout as the old
couple are following directions from a pamphlet on how to build a shelter and
survive, they bicker and make funny comments, Hilda was more worried about her
curtains and pillows than her own safety. As the bomb is about to hit Hilda
wanted to go and get the washing in, however at this moment Jim began shouting
and swearing which completely changed the tone of the film. At this point it
all became more real, the comedy then appeared to be more twisted and sinister
as the couple had to carry on trying to survive. It was then that the film
became tense and uncomfortable as the audience was then left to watch the couple’s
health slowly decay.
The film did have some funny moments which made the first
half seem slightly more light-hearted, there was a scene in which Jim was
comparing two pamphlets on how to survive and they both gave different
information, this could be seen as the indication that there wasn’t any hope.
At other times as Jim was talking to Hilda he kept getting the current
situation mixed up with the second world war, a gag that is replayed throughout
the film, it could be said that the similarities of each situation made them
appear as if they were the same, or it could simply be that Jim is old and cannot
remember what is happening, either way the film is clear that hope keeps a
person strong, even though in reality there was never any hope to begin with.
The aesthetic of the film was quite charming and in
scenes of flashbacks it was very beautiful, this made the whole film more
watchable as it was welcoming it its aesthetic. The film arguably most powerful
scene was when the bomb went off, it was monochromatic making it stand out and
feel intense compared to the rest of the film. The film also mixed 2d animation
with stop motion animation which at times worked quite well, however a few
scenes felt a bit clunky such as when they were moving the cover or getting in
the potato sacks.
Overall I found this film quite difficult to watch, it
was emotionally powerful which made it quite uncomfortable at times, watching
someone struggle in a hopeless condition was a challenge however the overall
film was good. The ending was very strong and the build up to it was very
moving, not a film I would recommend for emotionally weak people. The aesthetic
was an enjoyable factor of the film as was the first half with its comedy, it
is focused on a strong subject and it tackles it in a way that sends chills
down your back.
Illustration List:
