Rudeinternet-com
1993 the 10th anniversary of the film's (I believe at the time its only) prime time tv showing. I was working as a bartender at a night club in Washington DC. I told the other bartender I was working with that night that I saw in the news that it was the 10th anniv. of the movie's premier.
Both of us had the same thing to say, was in jr. high, so tough to reconcile your feelings about it at such a young age, it scared the living hell out of me, so glad the cold war was ovet ect. ect. ( pretty much just the same reactions and feelings as the bulk of the reviews here)
Then our barback busts in, "I was in high school when it came out and watched it with my parents while I was on acid."
What? I was dumbstruck! Then as quickly as he chimed in he went back to his business of setting up our bar for us. Just like that, like it was no biggee.
Now I'm not trying to set you up for some big allegory or give some moral speech about how drugs are bad with that story ( though on a side note drugs did eventually cost that young man his life) I've just decided to include it in this review because both the other bartender and I had been so deeply disturbed by seeing the movie that we thought any other reactions to this film other than the ones we (and obviously many others) had were just impossible to believe. Seriously how could someone watch this on acid and not lose their mind?Sorry, I realize that wasn't a very good review of The Day After, in fact I wouldn't call it a review at all. I meant to write a sincere and to the point review after just having re-watched the film for the first time in 34 years. So if you'll bare with me for 2 or 3 more sentences here I'll try to give it my best and shortest shot. I'll skip my opinions on the story, acting, direction ect (all tip top btw, especially working within the constraints of 1983 network television) And just say this: Every time I hear, "This is a test of the emergency broadcast system. If this had been an actual emergency...." I remember The Day After
hellholehorror
When I say that this is unbelievable I mean that it is beyond belief how amazingly shocking this realistic and humane portrayal of the end of the earth is. This has to be one of the most powerful films ever made. Incredible emotional depiction of what could be. The only downside is that it is in America and only shows that side, it's overly patriotic and portrays America as the good guys. They were in the wrong just like everyone else. This amazing and powerful film is the most dramatic film that I have seen to date. Well worth watching but not for those looking for brain fodder. This is emotional and this is real. You will be thinking about your life and yourself when this film ends. I just hope that I never have to experience this for real.
Dan
The Day After 1983 - a highly illuminating and striking simulation of a nuclear war between the USSR and the US. And the events on the international stage at the moment are the prelude to a world war unless active steps are taken to prevent it. It is of course unlikely. However, International incidents have a way of spiraling out of control if left unchecked like before the Second World War. However, there's a part of me that wants to experience it just to see its utter nightmarish awesomeness. Human advancement has now come to the point where we are now capable of our utter destruction. Mindbogglingly amazing. An absolutely grim ending with a radio broadcaster broadcasting into emptiness asking, "Hello? Is anybody there? Anybody at all?"
AaronCapenBanner
Nicholas Meyer directed this landmark TV movie that set ratings records 30 years ago. Story follows the events leading up to and beyond as tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalate out of control for various reasons, which lead to one or the other side launching its nuclear missiles, devastating both sides in nuclear fallout. The lucky ones die immediately(vaporization) the survivors must continue on amidst a ruined landscape and creeping radiation sickness, not to mention rampant anarchy. Set in the town of Lawrence, Kansas, this film is a most thoughtful examination of what could really happen in such a circumstance, even if characterization gets lost in the big picture. Not a masterpiece, but still holds up today.
AD
