In VIRUS (1980), a Japanese (English-language) apocalyptic movie, a germ is accidentally created that amplifies the effect of any other germ with which it comes into contact. The result is a pandemic that ends the world. It’s up to a group of scientists living in Antarctica, whose freezing temperatures render the virus inactive, to produce a cure and save humanity.
The movie is based on the novel of the same title by Sakyo Komatsu, which is on my reading list. It stars George Kennedy, Robert Vaughn, Chuck Connors, Olivia Hussey, Edward James Olmos, Ken Ogata, Glenn Ford and Sonny Chiba.
Watch is in its entirety below:
This is an often overlooked film from the 1980s. Its actually a pretty good film about a viral pandemic and when you consider some of the aspects of the virus, flu like symptoms, it makes you think that maybe Stephen King was inspired by that for his work in The Stand.
Don’t forget Henry Silva as the psycho general who takes control of the emergency command bunker under the White House. His performance is pretty cool to watch in that role. Bo Svenson is another actor who has a role in this film as well.
Virus is pretty much a who’s who 80s film.
Thanks Craig…was looking for a movie to watch tonight!
Ha, saw this on cable in 1983, I think. “Life is beautiful!” Well, except for when you have Chuck Connors playing a British sub commander…