Nuclear Nation

Nuclear Nation is a documentary film directed by Atsushi Funahashi that explores the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. The film presents a moving and heartbreaking account of the lives of the residents of Futaba, a small town located within the 20-kilometer exclusion zone around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

The movie opens with the evacuation of the town after the nuclear meltdown, as residents are forced to leave everything behind and are relocated to a government-funded residential complex located in a remote area of Saitama Prefecture, about 250 kilometers away from their homes. The majority of the film takes place in this complex, where the residents have been living for several months.

Through the eyes of the residents, the film portrays a vivid image of the psychological trauma and sense of loss that follows such a traumatic event. The residents express their grief and sadness at having lost their homes, their belongings, their jobs, and their way of life. Many of them have lost loved ones or been separated from their families, and they speak of their fear and uncertainty about the future.

The film also documents the daily struggles of the residents living in the government housing complex. The apartments are small and cramped, lacking any personal touches or comforts of home. The residents are subjected to strict rules and regulations and are monitored by officials to ensure they do not return to their contaminated hometown. They are also plagued by health concerns, wondering if they have been exposed to radiation and if their food and water are safe.

Despite the difficulties they face, the residents of Futaba are shown to be resilient and resourceful, finding ways to adapt to their new reality. They form a tight-knit community, supporting each other and finding solace in their shared experiences. The film also captures their efforts to raise awareness about their plight, organizing protests and demanding accountability from the government and the power company responsible for the disaster.

Overall, Nuclear Nation is a powerful and poignant documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the human cost of nuclear disasters. Through its intimate portrayal of the lives of the residents of Futaba, it highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the nuclear industry, and the importance of putting people's safety and well-being above profits and politics.

If you are interested in understanding the effects of nuclear disasters on people's lives, Nuclear Nation is a must-watch documentary that offers a sobering and thought-provoking perspective.