Watch By Dawn's Early Light
- PG-13
- 1990
- 1 hr 40 min
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6.9 (4,076)
By Dawn's Early Light is a 1990 action-thriller movie that explores the possibility of a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union. The movie is directed by Jack Sholder and stars Powers Boothe, Rebecca De Mornay, and James Earl Jones in lead roles. The movie's story begins with a group of young US Air Force officers, led by Major Cassidy (Boothe), on a routine patrol mission over the North Pole. Suddenly, their plane receives an order to attack Soviet missile sites. However, the order is incomplete, and the group is not sure whether it's a drill or an actual attack. Nevertheless, they follow their orders and launch their missiles, which triggers a full-scale nuclear war between the two superpowers.
As the political and military leadership of both countries scramble to respond to the crisis, the movie shifts its focus to the crew of a B-52 bomber, codenamed "Alabama", commanded by Major Fargo (Jones). The "Alabama" is carrying a top-secret nuclear device, and Fargo's mission is to deliver the bomb to its target deep inside the Soviet Union. However, as Fargo and his crew enter Soviet airspace, they encounter unexpected resistance and sabotage from rogue Soviet military officers who are determined to escalate the conflict to an all-out war.
Meanwhile, back in the US, the government and military officials are grappling with the consequences of the nuclear exchange. President Baker (Martin Landau) and General Renning (Darren McGavin) struggle to keep the military commanders under control and avoid a devastatingly catastrophic war. Furthermore, they need to make critical decisions that could save or doom millions of lives.
By Dawn's Early Light is a tense and gripping thriller that highlights the risks and dangers of nuclear war. It expertly portrays the military and political chaos that could ensue in the event of such a conflict. The movie is full of suspense and action with real-time news reports and military command center footage that provides a realistic simulation of the global nuclear war scenario.
The movie's superbly crafted action sequences are a highlight, especially those set inside the "Alabama". The film's aerial dogfights and nuclear blasts create a terrifying picture of an all-out nuclear war that paints a compelling tension throughout the film. The script is tight and compelling, offering enough character development to get the audience invested in the film's characters as they grapple with this historically disastrous situation.
The cast of By Dawn's Early Light delivers top-notch performances throughout the movie. Jones, Boothe and De Mornay play their roles with conviction and authenticity, which helps to create a fully immersive experience. They laboriously portray their characters' desperation in a situation that quickly spirals out of control, while their bond as individuals and crew members is put to the test.
In summary, By Dawn's Early Light is a must-watch movie for any fan of political thrillers or war movies. It presents a horrifyingly realistic scenario of a nuclear war and its consequences on the global populace. Its tension-filled scenes, realistic set design, and expertly crafted story make it a timeless classic that continues to be as relevant today as it was in 1990. It is a film that not only entertains but also raises important questions about the consequences of global conflict, the importance of swift decision-making, and the role of humans in avoiding or preventing a devastating nuclear war.
By Dawn's Early Light is a 1990 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.