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Thirteen Days
2000 145 min United States of America PG-13 16+
★7.3
History, Thriller
Director: Roger Donaldson
🎭 Based on
«The Kennedy Tapes»
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
The story of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962—the nuclear standoff with the USSR sparked by the discovery by the Americans of missile bases established on the Soviet-allied island of Cuba.
Budget:
$80M
US Gross:
$34.59M
Worldwide:
$34.57M
Starring
Kevin Costner
Actor
Bruce Greenwood
Actor
Shawn Driscoll
Actor
Awards
3 wins & 8 nominations
Key opinion
Thirteen Days is widely regarded as a gripping and intellectually stimulating political thriller that effectively captures the high-stakes tension of the Cuban Missile Crisis. While the film is praised for its historical focus and strong performances, it remains a divisive watch due to its dialogue-heavy, documentary-like approach and debates over its political accuracy.
| Acting | Bruce Greenwood delivers a definitive and highly convincing portrayal of President John F. Kennedy. | |
| Theme | The film avoids simplistic, cartoonish depictions of Soviet adversaries, choosing instead to present a more nuanced view of the global conflict. | |
| Screenplay | The focus on diplomatic negotiations and internal EXCOMM deliberations provides a compelling, educational look at historical crisis management. | |
| Acting | Kevin Costner's performance is polarizing, with some viewers finding his involvement distracting and his accent unconvincing. | |
| Pacing | The deliberate, dialogue-driven pacing rewards history enthusiasts while frustrating viewers who prefer traditional dramatic momentum. | |
| Culture | Opinions on the film's perspective are split, with some critics appreciating its anti-war message while others perceive it as pro-American propaganda that glosses over complex geopolitical causes. |