I don't know when to start praising the gem that is When the Wind Blows. It is absolutely wonderful in every aspect, in the characters, in the dialogue, in the story, in the animation, everything. Raymond Brigg's(The Snowman, Father Christmas and The Bear) book is very chilling, and as well as being well adapted, the story to When the Wind Blows is superbly told. Not only that it is heart-breaking and disturbing especially in the final fifteen minutes. The animation is beautifully done and quaint and begs the question "it can't happen here, could it?", and the music is very haunting, and David Bowie's title song compliments the film perfectly. The dialogue is moving, clever and intelligent, the pacing and direction are right on the money and the characters Jim and Hilda are sweet and wonderfully voiced by John Mills and Peggy Ashcroft. Then there is the fact that few of us knew how to conduct ourselves should there be a nuclear winter, which is powerfully brought to home. All in all, poignant and clever and definitely a must see, also deserves to be better known. 10/10 Bethany Cox

A fantastic little movie. I read an article which said that the first five feature-length British animations were ANIMAL FARM, YELLOW SUBMARINE, WATERSHIP DOWN, THE PLAGUE DOGS and this one. None of them are meant for kids, certainly not in some instances, and yet all have a streak of quality running through them and perhaps say something about the British character or the tastes of the British public. I came to WHEN THE WIND BLOWS as a huge fan of both Raymond Briggs and his book, with THE SNOWMAN an ever-present favourite since childhood, and this is another sterling adaptation. Murakami uses cutting edge animation technology to keep this single-location black comedy involving and entertaining throughout, the voice performances and animation are excellent, and the juxtaposition of knowing humour and touches of working class life with nuclear annihilation is untouched.

"When The Wind Blows" is an animated movie, adapted from the marvelous repertoire of Raymond Briggs, about an unexceptional retired couple who are about to live through a hugely exceptional event. Undoubtedly you've seen many terrific animated movies before. Most likely you've also watched many great dramas dealing with the horrible effects of (nuclear) warfare before. But surely you haven't seen anything like "When The Wind Blows", as it's the most totally unique and original take on the tragic & horrific effects of war ever accomplished. You don't expect the story and the atmosphere to be disturbing, but they are! You don't expect the animated characters to move and affect you, but they do! And you honestly don't expect a movie like this to haunt your thoughts for so long after finishing it, but IT DOES! Everything about this 'cartoon' is downright astonishing; from the peculiar & dared narrative structure (Jim and Hilda are the only two characters),the constant atmosphere of overpowering menace (the feeling of war is literally present),the moody soundtrack (including David Bowie and Roger Waters) and – last but not least – the detailed character drawings of the adorable protagonists. Jim and Hilda are unique in their naivety. When increasingly alarming news bulletins warn people about the outbreak of war, they obediently follow government-distributed pamphlets and 'build' a bomb shelter out of wooden doors and bedroom pillows. The couple lives completely isolated, so they have no real idea about the horrific seriousness of the situation, but they're not really worried as long they got their security brochures, each other's company and their (fond) memories of the last time this happened during WWII. Even after the bomb has fallen, when Jim and Hilda appear to be the last remaining souls in England (but physically suffering as well),the extremely amiable couple simply carries on preparing grocery lists and drinking tea. It's nearly impossible to accept, but these drawn and animated figures are far more moving and identifiable than real actors and actresses. Probably everyone who watches this film will recognize his/her own grandparents whilst observing Jim and Hilda. They're a bit unworldly – aren't all elderly folks – overly caring, friendly, calm and often downright frustratingly ignorant! The second half of the film, when acid raid and dusty clouds tumble down, is almost unbearably saddening and emotionally devastating. The drama elements are sincere and effective and, even more importantly, they never once feel exploitative. And, in case it isn't obvious just yet, "When The Wind Blows" definitely isn't a film for young children or even overly sensitive people to watch. It's a criminally underrated and unforgettable masterpiece that courageously illustrates the unstable ambiance of the cold-war era and I can only insist admirers of true cinema to track it down.