The War Game was my introduction to writer/director Peter Watkins and it certainly won't be my last. Watkins' style is not too dissimilar from other 'what if' documentaries and when viewed in lieu of these more recent imitations, you realise how unique Watkins' was at the time. Watkins' creates a kind of alternate reality in which Britain is hit by several nuclear missiles. The film, using facts from various sources on nuclear weapons then creates the 'reality' or what would be likely to happen; which very often contradicts with the official line from the government. Which then creates a kind of horrifying image that the government is not prepared for a nuclear strike. Indeed as some of the other reviewers have said on this site; it is a genuine horror film as opposed to other Hollywood efforts - the documentary feel of the film adds to the authenticity of the horror. Originally designed during the Cold War as a film to educate viewers on the horrors of nuclear war, the film was seen as too grim by the BBC who originally commissioned the film. Indeed this is grim stuff; some of the most potent images include a citizens uprising which ends in the murder of policemen who were installed there to preserve order, in the name of food and interviews with a group of emotionally-scarred children who, having experienced the horror of nuclear war have lost the motivation to do anything with their lives. The War Game is done in such a realistic way that it can't fail to have a lasting impression on the viewer and it does more for me than any other anti-nuclear film. Although the Cold War has been over for about two decades; nuclear weapons are still very much still an issue and when viewed by the discerning viewer; The War Game will hopefully lead that person to sign up for the CND if they haven't already done so. Essential Viewing and highly recommended!
Review of The War Game
