When the Wind Blows

When the Wind Blows

Year: 1986

Runtime: 84 mins

Language: English

Director: Jimmy T. Murakami

WarScience FictionAnimationMoving relationship storiesPowerful stories of heartbreak and suffering

A bleak, prophetic tale set in post‑Cold‑War Britain, where an elderly couple follow outdated government pamphlets to construct a fallout shelter and stockpile supplies for a nuclear strike. Their preparations, rooted in the romanticized memories of WWII, clash with the harsher reality of modern war.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen When the Wind Blows yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – When the Wind Blows (1986)

Trace every key event in When the Wind Blows (1986) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Morning of escalating crisis

Jim travels to the local town to read newspapers and keep abreast of the deteriorating international situation regarding the Soviet–Afghan War. A radio report warns that war may be days away, prompting him to prepare for worst-case scenarios. He discusses with Hilda the likelihood of a nuclear crisis and their need for shelter.

Daytime, before shelter Cottage, rural Sussex
2

Building the fallout shelter

Jim follows Protect and Survive instructions to build a fallout shelter. He covers the windows with white paint and readies sacks to lie down in during a strike. Despite anxiety, they believe they can survive as they did in World War II.

Evening, before the strike Cottage
3

Imminent strike and shelter dash

A radio transmission warns of an imminent ICBM strike. The couple rush to their shelter and narrowly escape as distant shock waves batter their home. They settle inside as the blast hits remnants of the house.

Just before attack Outside cottage; near the shelter
4

Post-strike isolation

They emerge after a few nights to find that all utilities, services, and communications have been destroyed. Jim misreads the situation, speculating that wartime measures have caused the outages. They try to resume some routines despite the catastrophe.

A few nights after strike Cottage and surrounding area
5

Attempting to live on the edge

The couple attempts to resume daily life using a camping stove to prepare tea and dinners. They collect rainwater to replenish evaporated supplies. Fallout dust fills the air inside the house, reminding them of the ongoing danger.

Early crisis Inside cottage
6

Outside world revealed

They venture outside and see radioactive ash blocking the sun and a heavy fog. They are oblivious to the dead animals, destroyed buildings, and scorched vegetation outside the cottage. The isolation and radiation begin to take a toll on them.

Daytime, early crisis Outside their cottage
7

Hope fades

Their initial optimism gives way to fear as food and water run low and radiation sickness intensifies. They wait for emergency instructions or rescue that never comes. Communications vanish, deepening their sense of isolation.

Days into crisis Cottage
8

Hilda's health deteriorates

Hilda's symptoms worsen with bloody diarrhea and bleeding gums, and she experiences fear and despair. Jim clings to the idea that a chemist might supply medications someday. The couple's morale deteriorates as comfort and normalcy vanish.

Mid crisis Cottage
9

The rat and despair

A rat in the dried toilet traumatizes Hilda, underscoring the collapse of ordinary life. Her condition worsens as the days pass and she begins to lose her hair. Jim remains hopeful but the situation remains hopeless.

Mid to late crisis Cottage
10

Final plan and prayers

Near death, Hilda suggests lying down in the paper sacks for rest. Jim agrees and tries to comfort her. He recites prayers, but forgets some lines, choosing instead to read The Charge of the Light Brigade, whose martial tone disturbs Hilda.

Final hours Shelter
11

The last breath and dawn

Jim's voice fades as he reaches the end of The Charge of the Light Brigade. Outside, the sky begins to clear and the sun rises through the gloom, offering a fleeting sense of renewal. The ending suggests a grim and ironic aftermath tied to nuclear war.

End of crisis Outside shelter area
12

Final signal

As the credits roll, a Morse code taps out MAD, signaling mutual assured destruction. The signal underscores the film's bleak meditation on the futility of survival in nuclear war. The couple's fate is sealed by the larger political catastrophe.

End credits Outside shelter

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:27

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of When the Wind Blows

Don't stop at just watching — explore When the Wind Blows in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what When the Wind Blows is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

When the Wind Blows Summary

Read a complete plot summary of When the Wind Blows, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

When the Wind Blows Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in When the Wind Blows

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape When the Wind Blows. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in When the Wind Blows

More About When the Wind Blows

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about When the Wind Blows: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About When the Wind Blows

Similar Movies to When the Wind Blows

Discover movies like When the Wind Blows that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.