“A TERRIFYING QUANDARY”
Narrated by: Gary Oldman
Directed by: Lucy Walker
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic material, images of destruction and incidental smoking.
Genre: Documentary
Running time: 1hr 30min
By John Delia
Here is a good documentary that will scare you to death knowing what a nuclear bomb would do if those in possession have a desire to end the world as we know it. It’s called Countdown to Zero and although it may be a fairytale in getting all the countries to agree to nuclear disarmament, it’s an eye-opener. Much like The Cove that actually got a country to stop killing dolphins, this at least is a step in the right direction.
The documentary shows the impact that nuclear weapons would have on our planet if a country decided to use them in a battle for supremacy over one country or the world. It traces nuclear bombs from their inception to today’s devastating amount available to controllers of the destructive instruments of global death. With nine nations having the capabilities, one fatal act of terrorism or even a simple accident could destroy the earth.
Countdown to Zero is very succinct in putting all the facts obtained by the producers on the table. It does get a little unnecessarily political at times, but not enough to make the production a chastisement against any one political party. I was amazed by the facts and the progress third world nations have made in getting the objects of mass destruction. But with so many ifs and the fact that one world body does not oversee this problem, getting the countries to disarm may be just wishful thinking.
Recent reports by AP make things even scarier with the mention of China’s capability to send a nuclear payload from land 900 miles atop their Dong Feng 21D missile with pinpoint accuracy. Although the weapon has not been completely readied for defense or combat, the possibilities in my opinion of use against their foes can elicit global retaliation.(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100805/ap_on_re_as/as_china_us_carrier_killer).
The importance of the film comes with it’s content and not the opinions of the producers. It returns the fears of the Cold War era where ‘duck and cover’ became a household phrase and fallout shelters were being built around the nation. Hopefully with enough impact that the film may provide around the globe, something can be done.
Countdown to Zero is rated PG for thematic material, images of destruction and incidental smoking.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â An interesting look at a possible nightmare. (4 of 5)