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The Day After (1983)

Rate: 9
Viewed: 10/15, 7/20

DayAft
10/15: Being similar to Night of the Living Dead, The Day After presents a scenario of what it's like to deal with a nuclear holocaust.

To this day, it remains the highest rated telefilm, having registered over 100 million viewers on November 20, 1983. It's because the subject is fascinating and can happen for real, giving them something to think about.

The aftermath as shown seems realistic, but the censors of the time wanted the impact toned down. Therefore, we'll never know the true effects until it actually happens. At the same time, people shouldn't expect immediate help because of federal government incompetence (see Hurricane Katrina).

All in all, The Day After is a remarkable picture by presenting a side of reality that nobody wants to deal with.

7/20: The Day After is still impressive as ever.

I don't think fallout shelters will succeed. First of all, the plumbing has to operate smoothly for the toilet to work; eventually, it'll clog because there are too many people using it. Second, food and water will run out at some point. Third, electricity won't come on anymore because of the electromagnetic pulse. Four, cabin fever is real. Five, however polluted the air is outside, everybody inside will breathe it, regardless.

So, can The Day After happen for real? Yes, I do. The United States and Russia have over 7,000 nuclear weapons apiece. The third-place country has about 300. Explain this to me: why do we need them? Just to feel powerful? It only takes one launch, and there will be no end for retaliation. People aren't that intelligent or moral; look at how the leaders screwed up during the COVID-19 pandemic because they're mostly interested in money...always have been and always will be. Hence, the aftermath isn't pretty. Don't count on the FEMA, either, when disaster strikes.

All in all, The Day After is exactly what the title says: dealing with the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust.