When The Wind Blows DVD, 1986

Released at the peak of the American / Russian diplomatic drama, Raymond Briggs' nuclear story When The Wind Blows focuses on an elderly couple, Jim and Hilda Bloggs (rosy of cheek, forlorn of face and nostalgic for a war when you knew who the enemies were), fighting to survive the aftermath of a nuclear bomb. The characters are given superb voice by John Mills and Peggy Ashcroft.
In contrast to the soft blues and whites of Briggs’ The Snowman, When The Wind Blows is increasingly marked by a muddy brown tone. The film is notable for the delicacy of its cel animation and its often eerie backgrounds. David Bowie contributes a song of great lament and Pink Floyd's Roger Waters provides the arresting score.
The domestic setting heightens the bleakest of outcomes as Hilda and Jim suffer to survive and finally die, with Jim all the while espousing vain hope in the information put together by the 'powers that be' printed in the hopelessly naïve 'Protect and Survive' booklet. The quietness of the film's unfolding drama contrasts powerfully with the high-tech savagery beyond their windows. The film is another of Britain's vital and affecting animated feature output.

James Clarke on 5th September 2005
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