Towering Inferno of our times: My quick take on Netflix’s ‘Chernobyl 1986’
Steve McQueen and Paul Newman starting Towering Inferno was probably the first disaster movie I had watched way back in 1975-76 (Roxy cinema, Aurangabad) and till date, it remains as one of the best ‘disaster’ movies on my list. In 1986 the world witnessed what can be termed as the worst nuclear disaster mankind has ever witnessed when the nuclear reactor at Chernobyl went crazy. This Russian movie is a love story set against the backdrop of a nuclear disaster.
What I loved about the movie is as follows
A) it's a Russian production, hence it adds a certain kind of credibility to the plot. Else a Hollywood production would have been very critical of the event. (in fact, there are some web series and documentaries available on HBO)
B ) a beautiful love story of an estranged couple forms the plotline and the horrid nuclear mishap takes place in the background, else the movie would have garnered a documentrish sheen.
C) Not sure if the movie was shot on some existing reactor site or was it a movie set, whatever it was, they have recreated the era beautifully.
D) As they say that real Superman doesn't wear capes, the story has several characters who go on to perform extraordinary acts. The characters shown are very ‘human’ with their fears and anxieties.
E) the English language dubbing of this Russian movie is very good.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, however, I would have loved to see how the disaster was ‘capped’ and ‘curtailed instead director chose to end it with a typical Romeo Juliet-type ending.
Overall, like the promised ‘clean’ energy by Chernobyl authorities the movie is indeed very clean as can be watched with kids. I was not born when Fat boy and little man exploded, but this disaster happened in front of us hence it will be nice to show your kids how a man can invite disasters.
P.S: During my recent visits to Kyiv, Ukraine, I came across many tour operators offering a 1-2 days tour package to Chernobyl. Not sure if the radiation level in the region has come down now, if yes, it will be worth a visit.
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