Watch Thirteen Days

Thirteen Days is a 2000 historical drama film directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, and Shawn Driscoll. The movie takes place during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 where a standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union almost led to a nuclear war. The film revolves around the actions of President John F. Kennedy and his advisors during those thirteen days in October of 1962. The movie starts with the discovery of Soviet nuclear missile sites in Cuba that can potentially reach mainland America. The President convenes a meeting with his team of advisors to discuss the next steps.

The movie portrays the tension and stress that the President and his team were under while trying to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. Kennedy's advisors, including Attorney General Robert Kennedy, military advisor General Maxwell Taylor, and advisor Kenny O'Donnell, each offer their advice and counsel to the President who has to make the final decision.

The film highlights the political and military standoffs that arose as the US and the Soviet Union tried to reach a compromise. The US demanded the removal of all missiles from Cuba while the Soviet Union insisted on certain guarantees, including the US withdrawing its missiles from Turkey. The US and the Soviet Union kept up the pressure by making tough decisions, such as the US navy's blockade of Cuba, which almost led to a military confrontation.

As the President and his team tried to find a solution to the crisis, they were faced with multiple challenges. They had to deal with the military, which was pushing for an invasion of Cuba, and the Soviet Union, which was threatening to attack if the US launched an attack. The President also had to navigate the complex world of politics, especially in an election year, and manage the concerns of his allies, such as Britain and France.

The film portrays President John F. Kennedy as a calm and rational leader who was able to keep his composure during one of the most dangerous moments in history. He was calm under pressure and listened to the advice of his advisors while making the final decisions himself.

Thirteen Days is a well-crafted film that accurately depicts the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The performances of Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, and Shawn Driscoll are all excellent, and the film is well-directed, with an intense and gripping storyline. The movie is not only a compelling political thriller but also an insightful and emotional portrait of a leader at a defining moment in history.

Overall, Thirteen Days is a powerful and compelling movie that captures the tension, drama, and complexity surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis. The film stands as a reminder of the importance of leadership, diplomacy, and rational decision-making in times of crisis, and a tribute to the actions of President Kennedy and his team in averting a nuclear war.

Thirteen Days is a 2000 history movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 67.