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Threads (Mick Jackson 1984 TV)
Peace Speaker at anti-nuclear demonstration: This time they are playing with at best the destruction of life as we know it and at worst total annihilation. You cannot win a nuclear war!
I was nine years old and fast asleep when this was originally shown on UK television. For once I'm glad my mum used to send me to bed early, because if I'd seen this at such a tender age I'd most likely have been scarred for life.
Threads is an ultra-realistic docudrama following the lives of two Sheffield families leading up to, during, and (for those who survive) years after a nuclear war. The film covers everything from the characters interpersonal relationships to local government contingency plans, hard statistics and scientific facts concerning the effects of a nuclear holocaust. Threads pulls no punches, seamlessly blending these elements together into a gritty, disturbing, highly informative and ultimately terrifying film.
Watching Threads I couldn't decide if showing such a television programme back in 1984 was deeply irresponsible scaremongering, or one of the bravest decisions in the history of the BBC. It really is masterful stuff with expertly drawn characters and early scenes of family drama that could've been plucked straight from Ken Loach's best work. Once we get to know, like and relate to these people the impact of nuclear war on their lives is unbearably distressing to watch. Threads may be twenty five years old, but let me assure you, it's lost none of its impact, with powerful graphic scenes more disturbing than anything made today. Most importantly though Threads has actually got something important to say and carries a nuclear warning that's just as relevant now as it was during the cold war. I won't say this is the best film ever made about nuclear war as I haven't seen Nicholas Meyer's 1983 film The Day After. One thing's for sure though, if it's anywhere near as good as Threads, then I don't think I want to. Essential viewing.
Threads (Mick Jackson 1984 TV)
Peace Speaker at anti-nuclear demonstration: This time they are playing with at best the destruction of life as we know it and at worst total annihilation. You cannot win a nuclear war!
I was nine years old and fast asleep when this was originally shown on UK television. For once I'm glad my mum used to send me to bed early, because if I'd seen this at such a tender age I'd most likely have been scarred for life.
Threads is an ultra-realistic docudrama following the lives of two Sheffield families leading up to, during, and (for those who survive) years after a nuclear war. The film covers everything from the characters interpersonal relationships to local government contingency plans, hard statistics and scientific facts concerning the effects of a nuclear holocaust. Threads pulls no punches, seamlessly blending these elements together into a gritty, disturbing, highly informative and ultimately terrifying film.
Watching Threads I couldn't decide if showing such a television programme back in 1984 was deeply irresponsible scaremongering, or one of the bravest decisions in the history of the BBC. It really is masterful stuff with expertly drawn characters and early scenes of family drama that could've been plucked straight from Ken Loach's best work. Once we get to know, like and relate to these people the impact of nuclear war on their lives is unbearably distressing to watch. Threads may be twenty five years old, but let me assure you, it's lost none of its impact, with powerful graphic scenes more disturbing than anything made today. Most importantly though Threads has actually got something important to say and carries a nuclear warning that's just as relevant now as it was during the cold war. I won't say this is the best film ever made about nuclear war as I haven't seen Nicholas Meyer's 1983 film The Day After. One thing's for sure though, if it's anywhere near as good as Threads, then I don't think I want to. Essential viewing.