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BBC war film so 'realistic and horrifying' it was banned from screens for 20 years

BBC war film so 'realistic and horrifying' it was banned from screens for 20 years

Daily Record23-04-2025

Threads first aired on BBC2 in 1984 and was watched by more than 6m people but was subsequently withdrawn from public view and not broadcast again for 20 years
This 'horrific' film premiered on BBC2 in 1984 but then vanished from the public eye for two decades.
Threads is a chilling apocalyptic war drama that delves into the aftermath of a nuclear war in Britain, portraying its "realistic" medical, economic, and environmental impacts that initially left viewers shell-shocked. Over time, the grim predictions of the film have seemed increasingly plausible.

The script, penned by Barry Hines and direction by Mick Jackson, hauntingly depicts the struggles of families in Sheffield enduring the catastrophic effects of a Soviet nuclear attack. The scale of the calamity is immense, with widespread chaos and countless casualties across Britain.
One viewer said: "I first saw this when it came out – the public were often still fairly innocent about the bomb, and of course the Berlin Wall still existed, a symbol of issues with Russia. 40 years and many disaster films later, all with special effects and everything, and this old TV film still hits extremely hard."
They added that Threads' portrayal of "normal people" renders the film "absolutely horrific". They said: "It's hard watching, but it does what it means to do – underlines that there are no winners in nuclear war. Fantastic film which still holds its own, if extremely depressing. Bring a tissue or two.", reports the Express.
What sets the film apart from other war movies of its era is its unique focus on ordinary civilians caught amidst destruction rather than glorified war heroes. Threads portrays the aftermath of conflict as individuals attempt to navigate their lives in a world scarred by death and devastation.
The chilling impact of the film continues to resonate to this day, cementing its status as a "unique" masterpiece in the annals of British cinema. It has even beckoned a new generation of filmmakers, one of whom is Charlie Brooker, the mind behind Black Mirror.

Brooker shared his poignant experience of the film on Desert Island Discs in 2018, reflecting on the confusion and dread it stirred in him at the age of 13: "I remember watching Threads and not being able to process what that meant, not understanding how society kept going... While the world has changed in so many ways since Threads was first broadcast, it retains its harrowing power."
Despite a period of prohibition, the film managed to garner a staggering seven BAFTA nominations, ultimately securing four wins that included Best Single Drama and Best Design. Critics and viewers alike attribute the film's "realistic and horrifying" quality to the meticulous and deliberate artistic choices made by its creators.
One review reads: "It is bleak to its very final frame and is something I can understand most viewers only watch once. Very well made and a powerful message.
"Though I do debate the accuracy of some of its claims, this is an important film for multiple generations to see."
More than four decades after its debut, amid escalating worldwide tension, movie enthusiasts are encouraging folks to view Threads, currently accessible on BBC iPlayer.

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