A documentary series, Atomic People and What Happened at Hiroshima, sheds light on the survivors’ experiences of nuclear bombs dropped in 1945. The 90-minute film, featuring nonagenarians recounting their stories, provides a unique glimpse into the lives affected by the bombings.
The series marks significant anniversaries, including the 80th anniversary of the bombings, but one documentary feels short-sighted. Atomic People is a harrowing and delicate portrayal of survivors’ experiences before the bombs fell. In contrast, What Happened at Hiroshima is rushed, prioritizing emotion over storytelling.
With only 30 minutes dedicated to the topic, the film barely scratches the surface of history and the survivors’ stories. The documentary touches on surrounding events but ultimately fails to deliver a meaningful account. One commenter expresses frustration with the lack of depth, feeling that it panders to younger audiences rather than delivering a thoughtful narrative.
These documentaries serve as a reminder of nuclear devastation’s lasting impact. As time runs out for those who have lived through this traumatic event, their stories become increasingly important. While some may find Atomic People more impactful, What Happened at Hiroshima falls short in its execution, leaving viewers with a sense of urgency and concern about the need to educate new audiences while avoiding emotional manipulation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/aug/04/what-happened-at-hiroshima-review-this-rushed-flimsy-look-at-a-world-changing-atrocity-isnt-good-enough