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Poster for The War Game

The War Game

Seen it?

1966 | 48 min | War, TV Movie

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved Dunkirk, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Harrowing.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 48 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1966: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A hypothetical Chinese invasion of South Vietnam triggers a new world war between East and West. In Rochester, Kent, the anticipation of a nuclear attack leads to mass evacuations. When a stray missile explodes, the ensuing firestorm blinds all those who see it. It's not long before the fabric of society is ripped apart from radiation poisoning, a lack of infrastructure and rioting for food and other necessities.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    93% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.7 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Oscar: Best Documentary Feature Film.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 103K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Peter Watkins

  • Michael AspelCommentator
  • Kathy StaffInterviewee (uncredited)
  • Peter WatkinsDocumentist (uncredited)
  • Peter GrahamCommentator
  • Dave BaldwinSchoolmaster / Interviewer (uncredited)