‘Adaptation’ Film Review

UKWhen the Wind Blows (1986)

Directed by Jimmy T. Murakami

Many will know of Murakami’s work from a Christmas favourite ‘The Snowman’ (1982), with his style of small beady eyes and massive heads. He was nominated back in 1969 for Best Short Subject for his film ‘The Magic Pear Tree’ but since his remake of the Christmas Carol (2001) hasn’t released a film for the last 10 years.

When the Wind Blows is about an elderly couple who were brought up during WW2. When a nuclear attack was announced they did no more then follow the government-issued pamphlets of how to build a shelter, but unaware of the difference between the two kinds of war. It sadly shows how back then this generation simply believed that by building a shelter which consisted of wooden doors leant up against a wall surrounded by pillows would save them.

A film of which started to look to be alright slowly became a horror, at some points were boring as you were watching this old couple die and you felt sorry for them as they had no idea what to do except for a leaflet guiding them. Although saying this the animation was lovely and was different to see used in this context, with the use of 3D and 2D throughout.

Star Rating – 2*