User Reviews

A fascinating view into the cold war era, and the price that societies paid in the name of national security. It highlights trade-offs that a government and its people made for the security of a country. Sound familiar? The issues certainly are still relevant today. And while the film focuses on a few cities in Russia, these are global issues.

The story was presented in a balanced way. The information is eye opening. I enjoyed the interviews, which were personal, relatable and human. And there is some beautiful cinematography in there too! I especially recommend this to those with an interest in history, politics, war, peace, human rights, or the environment.

Saw this at the Movies That Matter film festival 2017 in The Hague. The first half of the documentary presents a good overview of the purpose of City 40, what is happening there, what binds its inhabitants to the city, and what urges them to stay there. All this is perfectly understandable, despite the fact that the people living there have a restricted life and cannot tell anything about it to the outside world. But its infrastructure and provisioning is far better than elsewhere in the country, and luxury goods as well as cultural events are available, also much better than in the rest of the country. And as one of the talking heads said: "scientists are busy with splitting atoms, and the rest does not interest them as long as they can continue with splitting atoms." Having a scientific background myself in physics, I fully recognize the truth in this statement.

The second half was more worrying and made us aware of hidden side effects, particularly considering environmental issues with nuclear waste and accidents, of which Chernobyl is just an infamous example. Same applies to the people living in the city, who must sustain radiation and related dangers much more than at other places. Though not proven, there were suspicious effects on offspring due to genetic problems, probably becoming worse in future generations. I would not be surprised when there are many more of such places, hidden for us in the interest of National Security, and certainly not in former communist countries alone, but also in "our" part of the world.

Goetschel's inventive use of narrative to describe human rights violations in Ozersk and the exploitation of its citizens is singularly successful in describing the reach of the Russian nuclear machine and the affect it has in very human terms. Choosing to put a face - intelligent, courageous - on the nuclear culture of City 40 is perhaps the only way which those of us not directly impacted can relate to an unimaginable covenant. The film classically exposes the deal that has been struck, trading health and freedom for dying and imprisonment, and demands a response from its audience. It artfully raises the question of what would be worth the sacrifice of your life? Your children's lives? Your freedom? Your children's freedom? Beautifully shot, with a score subtle and evocative, City 40 is both a history lesson and a warning about our future.

Everyone should see this film. It's a reminder of how people who live in comfort will turn a blind eye to injustice until they are in a survivalist situation themselves. Extremely eye opening and full of information, history, and heart. The main character was an inspirational figure to follow. After watching, I am in awe, disgust, and also full of hope. Environmental and social justice change is not an option anymore, it's a necessity.

Fascinating footage. The present time outdoors images show a world well behind, very much like the poor countries of the Eastern Europe some 15-20 years before. And this is the pampered population of the special city. Outside the city gates the life is much much worse.

The stories are fascinating too. It is amazing to see how primitive is the "elite" mind of the Soviet Union, the old wives tales and the conspiracy popping up at every phrase.