Thirteen Days is a captivating film set in October, 1962 and reveals the true events of the “Cuban Missile Crisis”, accurately depicting scenes set inside the White House.  One of the greatest parts about this movie is its scene creating. Director Roger Donaldson does a great job of putting the watcher inside the White House for intriguing discussion scenes. Donaldson interjects the serious tone of the movie and its subject with many lighthearted lines from minor and major characters.

The main stars of the film, (Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, and Stephen Culp) all do fantastic in their roles as Kenneth O’Donnell, John F. Kennedy, and Bobby Kennedy.  Throughout the film, the watcher becomes more invested in President John F. Kennedy’s decisions and Bruce Greenwood’s portrayal of Kennedy illustrates the nervousness of the president during this anxiety-filled time.  The major threat of a nuclear war is addressed visually multiple times in the film, building a tension that Kennedy’s actions (and the Kremlin’s reactions)could not only destroy the US and the Soviet Union, but also blow up the entire world.

This movie, first released in 2000, is worth many viewings as each time something new stands out.   It is an intense and suspenseful political thriller.  Although at a running time of nearly two and a half hours, Thirteen Days, Director Roger Donaldson holds the viewer’s attention from start to finish by accurately reconstructing the world at a key turning-point in history.

Robbie’s Rating: 5 Stars