HIROSHIMA

HIROSHIMA - 2005

RATED - NR

RATINGS - 10 Amazon (5/5), 2,447 Netflix (3.7/5), 179 IMDB (8.6/10)

THEMES - ATOMIC WAR

AWARDS - International Emmy Award for BEST DOCUMENTARY UK.

STORY - This BBC docudrama uses a combination of archival footage, recreation of scenes, eyewitness testimony and state of the art visuals to replay the three weeks leading up to the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima. It adds greatly to the feel and understanding of the emotions in play as you hear testimonies from the crew of the Enola Gay as well as survivors of the blast interspersed with the actual films and created visuals. The BBC has a history of great documentaries and this is no exception. Probably the defining moment of the 20th century, the world has not been the same since the creation of atomic and nuclear weapons. This unique retelling of that story reminds us of the grave consequences of a nuclear attack, a memory we should always keep in the forefront of our country's foreign policy and international relations. While the merits of the decision to drop the bomb will likely be debated forever, this excellent documentary provides the context, politically, militarily and morally to add to an intelligent discussion. Whether this is your first film about Hiroshima or your 10th, I think you will be glad you took the time to watch. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 7/19/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMDB, NETFLIX

DAY ONE

DAY ONE - 1989 (Made for TV)

RATED - NR but probably PG for mature themes (war, atomic bomb)

RATINGS - 9 Amazon (5/5), 120 IMBD (7.5/10)

STARRING - Brian Dennehy, David Strathaim, Michael Tucker

THEMES - War, nuclear warfare, justice.

AWARDS - Primetime Emmy

STORY - This is a fascinating story of 'The Manhattan Project', maybe the best version out there. It begin with Leo Szilard, the Hungarian physicist, leaving on the last train out of Hungary. He believes an atomic bomb is possible and wants to help the U.S. develop one. Many of the scientists who became involved in the project were Jews who were motivated to build a bomb that would end the war. So begins the incredible Manhattan Project. The movie transitions back and forth among the scientific, military and political factions involved and how they all play with AND against each other. The film does a wonderful job of making the dialogue seem real and authentic not just slick speeches by actors. A couple of interesting points. Eisenhower was passionately opposed to dropping the bomb on Japan. Along with Fleet Admiral Leahy, he believed the Japanese were ready to surrender and the bomb was unnecessary. The Jewish scientists had a different view of how the bomb should be used after Germany surrendered and Hitler was dead and tried to make their views known to the military and administration. It is still amazing that Truman was kept in the dark until Roosevelt died and he became President, especially when you consider there were 100,000 persons working on the project and two BILLION dollars had been spent. Since it was made for TV, this film hasn't received the exposure it deserves. The story of the atomic bomb may be the most important story of the 20th century - it changed our world forever - and this movie tells it well. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 12/1/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD