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Raymond Briggs's heartbreaking graphic novel is brought to life in this equally moving animated adaptation of his 1982 book.

The story concerns an elderly couple – James and Hilda – who live in a small village in rural England. As nuclear tensions ramp up internationally, they potter about absent-mindedly, fearful but never quite grasping the growing severity of the global danger. Eventually, the nuclear situation boils over and James and Hilda are forced to deal with a shocking new reality.

While Briggs's character designs and warm British tone are faithfully rendered, director Jimmy Murakami adds small live-action flourishes that complement the gradual disintegration of easy wistfulness. David Bowie lends a potent opening theme song while Pink Floyd's Roger Waters provides the synthy soundtrack.

When the Wind Blows is a tenderly moving triumph that places its narrative focus on a scenario that emphasises the total indifference with which nuclear weaponry treats even the most vulnerable in our society.