BBC History of World War II: Hiroshima (2005)

It was the defining moment of the 20th Century - the scientific, technological, military, and political gamble of the first atomic attack. This drama-documentary attempts to do what no other film has done before - to show what it is like to live through a nuclear explosion. Set in the three weeks from the test explosion in New Mexico to the dropping of the bomb, the action takes viewers into the room where the crucial political decisions are made; on board the Enola Gay; inside the bomb as it explodes; and on the streets of Hiroshima.

BBC History - Hiroshima

This BBC title recreates the events immediately leading to the use of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The history of the bombing of Hiroshima is told by use of a narrator with comments from both those who dropped the bomb and those who suffered the consequences. I certainly learned a great deal about the political machinations in both the US and Japan at this time. However, there is little focus on the lingering effects of the bomb related to radiological material released. Moreover, this DVD does not address the question of why Hiroshima was spared bombing for so long (as were the other proposed targets) and why a bomb of this nature was dropped on a city without allowing the population to escape. The military filmed the event and sent investigators to the bomb site to determine its effects. For me this strongly suggests that, in some circles at least, that an experiment of this kind was desired. Questions seem to be raised on the facts, but avoided. I also bought White Light, Black Rain - The Destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in addition to this BBC DVD. White Light, Black Rain is a very moving account which largely focuses on the stories of the victims of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I love this DVD - the victims seem to bear no malice, just a deep sadness and the musical score is superb and adds to the melancholy air. August 3, 2008

A DEFINING MOMENT OF THE 20TH CENTURY

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. WWW.LUSREVIEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM.

July 20, 2008

Great teaching aid

I think this is an excellent film. I use this when I teach 'Hiroshima' by John Hersey. It is perfect for high school students of all capabilities because it uses actual footage, interviews, and GOOD re-enactments to tell the story chronologically. It is keeps their attention and they immediately ask questions of their own. It shows both sides of the experience without grandstanding or being politically biased. May 27, 2008

more powerful than expected

I've been a teacher and a student for a long time. I've read, viewed, studied, and taught about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from a variety of perspectives. I've watched documentaries, read scientific journals, analyzed real and fictional historical acocunts, visited museum exhibits, and participated in ethical debates. I've even visited the Atomic War Museum in Nagasaki. If I had to only rely on one account to tell the story, I would rely on this video. I found it powerful and comprehensive. I was amazed by the power this documentary had to shock and awe and horrify me all over again. The clips I've shown my high school students have prompted articulate, thoughtful discussion. I'm glad this video is a part of my personal library. April 17, 2008

Very Good Documentary

BBC has done a really good job and this documentary makes you actually live this horrible piece of history. Details and personal life accounts of many eye witnesses are given aplenty. Speculations about who and why did it aren't really helpful though, as long as it goes on the line of how many lives were saved by cutting the Japanese army off WWII. Quite an unwelcome short-cut as it was. February 14, 2008

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