The read
Critics rate it 13 points higher than audiences do. It runs a compact 48m.
Synopsis
A hypothetical Chinese invasion of South Vietnam triggers a new world war between East and West. In Rochester, Kent, the anticipation of a nuclear attack leads to mass evacuations. When a stray missile explodes, the ensuing firestorm blinds all those who see it. It's not long before the fabric of society is ripped apart from radiation poisoning, a lack of infrastructure and rioting for food and other necessities.
Ratings
IMDb8/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Critics rate it 13 points higher than audiences do.
195 audience votes
Key crew
- Peter WatkinsDirector
- Peter WatkinsWriter
Cast
- Michael AspelCommentator
- Kathy StaffInterviewee (uncredited)
- Peter WatkinsDocumentist (uncredited)
- Peter GrahamCommentator
- Dave BaldwinSchoolmaster / Interviewer (uncredited)
Stills
Themes
post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)nuclear warcold warnuclear radiationnuclear missilestate of emergencyriotsurvivalnuclear holocaustnuclear bombblack and whitedocudrama