Watch Fail-Safe
- NR
- 1963
- 1 hr 52 min
-
8.0 (24,826)
Set during the height of the Cold War, Fail-Safe is a tense and gripping thriller that explores what might happen if the unthinkable happened: a mistaken attack by American planes on Moscow. The film follows a group of characters as they struggle to prevent an all-out nuclear war from breaking out due to a system malfunction. When a single American bomber receives erroneous data that the United States is under attack, it is directed to fly over Moscow and drop its payload, setting off a chain of events that could result in the destruction of the world as we know it.
Henry Fonda stars as the President of the United States, who must make difficult decisions and navigate treacherous political waters in order to prevent a catastrophic outcome. Walter Matthau plays a hawkish nuclear strategist who advocates for a full-scale retaliatory strike, while Fritz Weaver and Dan O'Herlihy give standout performances as a translator working to communicate with the Russian government and the pilot of the bomber, respectively.
Directed by Sidney Lumet and based on the novel by Eugene Burdick and Harvey Wheeler, Fail-Safe is a chilling and thought-provoking film that asks challenging questions about war, politics, and the dangers of technology. With its black-and-white cinematography, restrained pacing, and strong ensemble performances, the movie builds tension and suspense in a way that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Throughout the film, the characters grapple with the implications of their actions and struggle to find a way out of a situation that seems to be spiraling out of control. As the clock ticks down and tensions rise, the audience is left to wonder whether anyone will be able to prevent a disaster that could change the course of human history forever.
Despite being filmed more than 50 years ago, Fail-Safe remains as relevant and thought-provoking as ever. At a time when tensions between nuclear powers are once again on the rise, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the risks and consequences of modern warfare. Whether you're a fan of political thrillers, historical dramas, or thought-provoking films that stick with you long after the credits roll, Fail-Safe is a can't-miss classic that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Fail-Safe is a 1963 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 75.