Watch Atomic Journeys: Welcome to Ground Zero

Atomic Journeys: Welcome to Ground Zero is a 1999 documentary film that explores the history of nuclear weapons testing in the United States. The film is directed by Peter Kuran and features narration by William Shatner. The documentary begins by examining the early days of nuclear weapons testing during the 1940s and 1950s, when the United States conducted numerous above-ground explosions in the Nevada desert. The film shows rare footage of these tests, including the famous "Trinity" test that took place on July 16, 1945, and the subsequent tests that were carried out in the aftermath of World War II.

As the film progresses, it delves deeper into the history of nuclear weapons testing, exploring the devastating effects that these explosions had on the environment and the people who lived nearby. The filmmakers interview scientists, military personnel, and residents of nearby towns to understand how these tests affected their lives, and they highlight the stark contrast between the government's public statements about the safety of nuclear weapons testing and the reality of the situation on the ground.

Despite the dangers posed by nuclear weapons testing, the United States continued to conduct tests throughout the 1950s and 1960s, both in the Nevada desert and on the remote Pacific atolls of Bikini and Enewetak. The film shows how these tests grew increasingly sophisticated over time, culminating in the development of the hydrogen bomb, which was tested for the first time in 1952.

Alongside this exploration of the history of nuclear weapons testing, Atomic Journeys also provides a window into the broader cultural context of the Cold War. The film shows how nuclear weapons became a symbol of American power and how the government used them as a tool of deterrence against the Soviet Union. This context is made clear through archival footage of speeches by President Truman and other high-level officials, as well as interviews with historians and other experts.

Throughout the film, the filmmakers also emphasize the sheer scale of these explosions, both in terms of their physical impact and the psychological toll that they took on those who witnessed them. The footage of the actual tests is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, showing the power unleashed by these weapons and the devastation they left in their wake.

As the film draws to a close, it reflects on the legacy of nuclear weapons testing in the modern era. The filmmakers argue that these tests were a critical turning point in human history, marking the dawn of a new era in which humans had the power to destroy themselves and the planet. The film ends on a note of caution, warning viewers of the continued threat posed by nuclear weapons and urging governments around the world to work together to eliminate them once and for all.

Overall, Atomic Journeys: Welcome to Ground Zero is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that provides a comprehensive overview of the history of nuclear weapons testing in the United States. Through its archival footage, interviews, and expert analysis, the film illuminates the true costs of these tests and the profound impact that they had on American society and the world at large.

Atomic Journeys: Welcome to Ground Zero is a 2000 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.