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Jane Alexander, William Devane, Rossie Harris, Roxana Zal, Lukas Haas ... see more see more... , Philip Anglim , Lilia Skala , Leon Ames , Rebecca De Mornay , Kevin Costner , Mako , Mico Olmos , Gary Bayer , Michael C. Gwynne , Wayne Heffley , Lila Kedrova , Rocky Krakoff , Garry Murillo , Martin Rudy , William G. Schilling , Brennan J. Smith , Lurene Tuttle , Lesley Woods , Jamie Abbott , Keri Houlihan , Jesse Wayne , Clete Roberts , Dave Nichols

Director Lynne Littman has created an effective, understated portrayal of the cost of a nuclear war in human terms, in a film as far removed from the fake hyperbole of action and disaster movies as th... read more read more...e natural world is from cartoons. Set in the small California town of Hamlin, the Wetherly family and their everyday concerns open the story. The trivia that fills their secure, ordinary existence disappears when a TV show is interrupted with the announcement that nuclear bombs have exploded in the major cities on the East Coast, and then the entire scene is erased in an increasingly white, blank movie screen -- meant to show that nuclear blasts have been detonated in California as well. Over 1000 people die in the first month from radiation sickness, but the mother in the Wetherly family (Jane Alexander) displays great inner strength as she cares for orphaned children the family has taken under its wing and goes on sustaining those that remain in her own family. At one point, she quietly conveys to her daughter the happiness of intimacy between two adults, knowing her daughter will not live to experience adult love. As these individuals and the children cope with day-to-day existence, there is never any intrusion of overt horrors, the focus remains on the individuals and the way in which they adjust to the inevitable. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Flixster Users

71% liked it

1,099 ratings

Critics

83% liked it

6 critics

PG, 1 hr. 30 min.

Directed by: Lynne Littman

Release Date: November 4, 1983

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DVD Release Date: December 7, 2004

Stats: 107 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (107)

  • DrBenway
    March 14, 2009
    DrBenway
    Very understated drama about the aftermath of a nuclear war. This film is the direct opposite of The Day After and has no flashy special effects, no explosions, scenes of mass devastation and so on. Instead the focus is on an American suburban family which has to contend with th... read moree inevitable effects of World War III.

    Testament shows very effectively the possible reality of what would have happened to any small town in America if a nuclear attack had happened in the early eighties. Jane Alexander does a great job as the mother trying to keep her family together during the beginning of the end. I would recommend this movie for the serious movie watcher who is looking for more substance and drama from a movie rather than action and suspense. Remember to recycle your batteries.
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Critic Reviews

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
April 26, 2008
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies

The film is barely competent, revealing its TV-movie roots in uncertain directorial guidance, technical flubs, [and] a patchwork script. Full Review

MaryAnn Johanson
August 6, 2005
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher

Testament's power comes in all the understatements... Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
March 31, 2005
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Powerful depiction of the psychological terror that grips a California community after New York and other cities in the East are destroyed by nuclear bombs. Full Review

John A. Nesbit
February 26, 2003
John A. Nesbit, ToxicUniverse.com

The film's emotional impact is draining and long lasting without showing close-ups of the initial blast with evaporating bodies and mass destruction. Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Daniel M. Kimmel
February 22, 2004
Daniel M. Kimmel, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

No review available.

Geoff Andrew
June 24, 2006
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

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