Firtsly let me say I think this is a fine movie. The acting is first class especially Jane Alexander & Lucas Haas. The basic premise of what happens to those who aren't caught up in the blast is also commendable, and I will say that the film does some moments of genuine impact as well as being thought-provoking. But, I cannot believe some of the comments on this site about how the film has left them emotionally drained and in floods of tears. I say this as a father of two young children I found it to be a little too glossy. The film doesn't show any of the true horrors of watching your children slowly die from radiation sickness as you continue to look after them. On only one occasion do we get any sign of illness from any of the children (Lucas Haas). His bathtime scene is one of the better moments (along with his funeral & Costner carrying the drawer). What simply happens is the daughter just isn't alive one day. No warning. One day comfortably playing the piano, next day wrapped in a blanket. Where's the horror in that? I found it impossible to gain any emotional impact from this. Jane Alexander does her best to give the film an emotional core, as does director Lynne Littman, but it just didn't work for me. Also some of the script is clichéd and far too close to soap opera material at times. The continued use of home video clips was somewhat heavy handed in places. We know what has been lost as the first 1/3 of the film shows us. Some of that made me cringe slightly.
I feel this film will have far more impact on a U.S. audience as like 'The Day After' this film shys away from showing any gritty reality and instead opts for a sanitised and TV friendly feel which tends to be easier acceptable to mainstream audiences in the U.S.A. whereas the British made films like 1963's 'The War Game' and 1985's 'Threads' are much darker affairs are are done deliberately in a documentary style to avoid allegations of emotional manipulation. They simply say: this is how it would be. 'Threads' itself is the single most disturbing thing (not just film) I have ever experienced. It is unflinching, gritty, repulsive and genuinely nightmarish. Watch, but don't watch it alone. As for 'Testament' a good movie, a well intentioned movie and a must see film for all those interested in this genre but not the best. Incidentally my wife's opinion is even lower than mine on this film and originally I thought it was because of the films feminine feel that I didn't connect, but I don't believe that to be the case.
I feel this film will have far more impact on a U.S. audience as like 'The Day After' this film shys away from showing any gritty reality and instead opts for a sanitised and TV friendly feel which tends to be easier acceptable to mainstream audiences in the U.S.A. whereas the British made films like 1963's 'The War Game' and 1985's 'Threads' are much darker affairs are are done deliberately in a documentary style to avoid allegations of emotional manipulation. They simply say: this is how it would be. 'Threads' itself is the single most disturbing thing (not just film) I have ever experienced. It is unflinching, gritty, repulsive and genuinely nightmarish. Watch, but don't watch it alone. As for 'Testament' a good movie, a well intentioned movie and a must see film for all those interested in this genre but not the best. Incidentally my wife's opinion is even lower than mine on this film and originally I thought it was because of the films feminine feel that I didn't connect, but I don't believe that to be the case.