Thirteen Days (2000)
Roger Donaldson's tense political thriller brings the Cuban Missile Crisis to life with gripping performances and nerve-shredding historical authenticity.
Thirteen Days - Movie Information
- Original Title: Thirteen Days
- Release Year: 2000
- Directed by: Roger Donaldson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Russian, English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 25, 2000 (United States - PG-13), March 16, 2001 (United Kingdom - 12), March 22, 2001 (Germany - 12), October 10, 2001 (France - U), August 3, 2001 (Brazil - 12), March 23, 2001 (Spain - 7)
- Alternative Titles: 13 jours (FR), 13 วัน ปฏิบัติการหายนะโลก (TH), 13 Days (US), 13デイズ：2000 (JP), 13 dager (NO), Tredici giorni (IT), Treze Dias que Abalaram o Mundo (BR), 驚爆13天 (TW)
- Production Companies: New Line Cinema, Beacon Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Thirteen Days - Plot
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.
Thirteen Days - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension of the Cold War unfold:
You'll never believe how close we came.
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Thirteen Days - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Roger Donaldson
Main Cast
- Kevin Costner
- Bruce Greenwood
- Steven Culp
- Dylan Baker
- Michael Fairman
- Henry Strozier
- Frank Wood
- Kevin Conway
- Tim Kelleher
- Len Cariou
Writers
- David Self
Producers
- Kevin Costner
- Peter O. Almond
- Armyan Bernstein
- Lope V. Juban Jr.
Thirteen Days - FAQs
Is Thirteen Days based on a true story?
Yes, Thirteen Days is based on actual events. It dramatizes the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, drawing on historical accounts and the memoir 'The Kennedy Tapes.' The film closely follows real figures including President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and presidential aide Kenneth O'Donnell.
Where can you stream or watch Thirteen Days?
Thirteen Days is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current options in your area.
Who are the main actors in Thirteen Days?
The film stars Kevin Costner as presidential aide Kenneth O'Donnell, Bruce Greenwood as President John F. Kennedy, and Steven Culp as Robert F. Kennedy. The supporting cast includes Dylan Baker as Robert McNamara, Kevin Conway as General Curtis LeMay, and Len Cariou as Dean Acheson.
What is Thirteen Days about?
Thirteen Days depicts the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, when U.S. reconnaissance revealed Soviet nuclear missile installations in Cuba. The film follows President Kennedy and his inner circle as they navigate intense diplomatic and military pressure to prevent a catastrophic nuclear war with the Soviet Union.
How long is Thirteen Days?
Thirteen Days has a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes (145 minutes). The film's extended length allows it to build sustained tension across the thirteen days of the actual crisis, immersing viewers in the deliberations and decisions that shaped the outcome.
What is the age rating for Thirteen Days?
Thirteen Days is rated PG-13 in the United States. The rating reflects intense dramatic tension, some strong language, and the weight of nuclear threat themes. It is generally appropriate for teenagers and adults, though younger viewers may find the political subject matter challenging to follow.
Who directed Thirteen Days?
Thirteen Days was directed by Roger Donaldson, the New Zealand-born filmmaker known for taut, character-driven thrillers. Donaldson brings a documentary-like urgency to the material, grounding the political drama in intimate human performances while maintaining the escalating tension of the historical crisis.
Did Thirteen Days receive positive reviews from critics?
Thirteen Days earned broadly positive reviews, praised for its gripping recreation of historical events and strong ensemble performances, particularly Bruce Greenwood's portrayal of JFK. Critics highlighted its ability to generate genuine suspense despite the audience knowing the outcome, though some noted its length and narrow American perspective.
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