Watch No Nukes

The film No Nukes is a documentary released in 1980 that captures the voices and performances of musicians, activists, and celebrities as they oppose the use and proliferation of nuclear energy. The film shows footage from the 1979 No Nukes concerts held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The film opens with a voiceover narration warning about the dangers of nuclear power and the potential for catastrophic accidents. Then, we see a montage of shots of protesters marching in the streets, carrying signs and banners that read "No Nukes." The film takes us to the Madison Square Garden concerts in which an all-star cast of musicians performed for the crowds.

We see performances from artists including Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Bonnie Raitt, and Graham Nash, among others. Each artist performs their own songs, but they all share a common message of peace, love, and opposition to nuclear power. In between the performances, we hear interviews with the artists, where they share their thoughts on the nuclear arms race and the dangers of nuclear energy.

The interviews and performances are interspersed with footage of protests and demonstrations, as well as speeches from activists like Ralph Nader and actor Jane Fonda. The film also includes footage of the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster, which took place just a few weeks after the Madison Square Garden concerts.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of urgency and a call to action against nuclear power. A sense of fear pervades the film, as those interviewed and performing express their concern that a nuclear war or disaster could happen at any moment. The performances are powerful, with the artists playing with great emotion and conviction.

Despite the documentary's political message, the music remains at the forefront. The songs performed by the artists are not just about nuclear power, but also about love, freedom, and social justice. Jackson Browne performs "Before the Deluge" and "Running on Empty," while Bonnie Raitt sings "Angel from Montgomery" and "Runaway." Bruce Springsteen performs "The River", while Tom Petty sings "Cry to Me." These songs, and others, provide a balance to the political message of the film, providing a sense of hope and calling to action amidst the fear and urgency.

The documentary No Nukes is an important historical document of the anti-nuclear movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. It captures a moment in time when fear of nuclear disaster was at an all-time high, and when musicians and activists were using their voices to call for change. The film is a powerful document of this movement, capturing the emotions and energy of the time in a way that still resonates today.

Overall, No Nukes is a film for anyone interested in the history of the anti-nuclear movement, or for anyone interested in the power of art and music to effect change. The documentary provides a glimpse into a moment in time when artists and activists came together to use their voices to demand a safer, more peaceful world. The film is a powerful reminder that collective action and the fight for change are still as important today as they were in 1980.