[dunewalker]

We saw On The Beach last night, from Neville Shute's novel of the same name. It was set in Australia after global nuclear war in 1964. Interesting to see an oil-starved urban culture relying on bicycles, electric trains and horse-drawn carriages. In the face of the threat of global warfare focusing on the Iran tensions, the movie seems more relevant than ever. The story contrasts the reactions of various individuals to the inevitability of the future, from complete denial, to panic, to adaptations, resignation and acceptance of death.

[cynthia]

Thanks for the tip. My honey and I are going to make some popcorn and watch it tonight!

[Heineken]

It's an excellent flick, with great relevance to today. Four stars. Has a strangely beautiful, tragic tone that is maintained throughout. And what an ending.

[Tanada]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('woodcutter', 'W')e saw On The Beach last night, from Neville Shute's novel of the same name. It was set in Australia after global nuclear war in 1964. Interesting to see an oil-starved urban culture relying on bicycles, electric trains and horse-drawn carriages. In the face of the threat of global warfare focusing on the Iran tensions, the movie seems more relevant than ever. The story contrasts the reactions of various individuals to the inevitability of the future, from complete denial, to panic, to adaptations, resignation and acceptance of death.

[crapattack]

Of course "On the Beach" is relevant Tanada. Are you 100% sure that we aren't facing a nuclear war in the future? Are you 100% sure that given the cluster threats of climate change, water depletion, oil peak, population growth and pandemic, we aren't facing the most serious threat to human survival we've ever faced? Because if you are 100% sure we aren't you're a zealot, because only a zealot could be that sure. Most rational people would admit some probablity and if there is some chance, than sure, of course the film is relevant.

[Heineken]

We've already come perilously close to an "On the Beach" scenario several times in our history. So to dismiss the film as irrelevant to today, or to any era still marked by the presence of thousands of nuclear warheads, is a strange attitude indeed. Perhaps what Tanada is really expressing is an inability to accept the prospects depicted so realistically in the film. That I can understand.

[crapattack]

I'm actually really surprised no one in Hollywood hasn't done a "Day After Tomorrow" type treatment with Peak Oil.

Heineken you're right. The reality of the movie was too close to home, denial is a perfectly valid option when you're not able to face the naked truth.