Rating: 
Summary: COMPARE THE CUBAN CRISIS WITH IRAN-CONTRA
Review: "Thirteen Days" re-created the Cuban Missile Crisis, elevating the Kennedys to virtual sainthood while painting Curt LeMay as an advocate for nuclear holocaust. It was a fantastic picture, like many of them, but in it is an interesting scene in which Kenny O'Donnell, played by Kevin Costner, tells a Navy plot to lie to LeMay about being shot at, because LeMay would supposedly have ordered a strike if he had been. The film paints this lie as the right thing to do because it advocates the Kennedy's position, which was to maintain level heads and a calm demeanor. However, in 1987 Ollie North was excoriated by the Left for lying about the funding of anti-Communist guerrillas, which was Reagan's position. Funny about that.STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM
Rating:
Summary: Captures the tension
Review: Recently my teenage son asked me if the horror of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks was the most significant event of my lifetime. Of course, the answer is "yes," overshadowing such monumental events as JFK's assasination, the space shuttle explosion, Armstrong setting foot on the moon and the crisis depicted in this movie ... the Cuban Missile Crisis. Nontheless, the Missile crisis was a monumentally significant event and this movie captures the tension that I remember so well. Some reviewers have critcized Kevin Costner's characterization of Kenny O'Donnell, noting that the movie assigns him a greater role than O'Donnell actually played and also noting that Costner's "Havad" accent was overplayed. This is a minor concern, however, since docudramas often need a protagonist from whose eyes we view unfolding drama. Costner helps provide those eyes, for us, the viewers. What is striking about this film is that it captures the tension felt in October 1962. I remember that there was indeed a concern that we might go to war; that the unthinkable might happen ... a nuclear conflict with the Soviet Union. In this movie, the tension is captured from the point of view of President Kennedy, his brother Bobby, the military leaders, and others in the seat of power. It starts with a report of a possible missile buildup in Cuba and the tension mounts as these reports crystalize into a confirmed fact. The Kennedy administration used both the carrot and the stick in negotiations as they were willing to make a few concessions to the Soviet Union while standing firm as to the consequences if the Soviet Union did not remove her missiles from the Carribean Island just 90 miles from our shores. The movie tends to lionize JFK and his brother Bobby. They were certainly less than perfect human beings but, their conduct during this crisis may have well been their finest hours. Accordingly, the glowing portrayal of them in this movie is justified. Also, I was not aware, until seeing this movie, that Adlai Stevenson was sought for advice but that ultimately, Stevenson could not be relied on, that JFK had to stand and make his own decisions. Of course, Stevenson did stand tall in his conduct on the floor of the United Nations (to the delight of a jubilant Kennedy Admisistration which had it's doubts) but the new generation of leadership, not Stevenson, had the forsight and resolve to get us through the perilous times. I remember well that as a nation, we put our trust in JFK to get us through the crisis and avert a launching of a nuclear attack by or against us. I was only 11 at the time but, I remember that despite the fears and rumors that we were at the brink of war, there was a confidence that things would work out despite Kennedy's earlier failure at the Bay of Pigs. This movie shows we were indeed at the brink of war and that there was indeed much pressure by military leaders and others in the administration for us to launch a first strike. In the end, the nation's trust that JFK would get us through the crisis was well placed.
Rating: 
Summary: Boring
Review: I saw this film in a history class I was taking and it definitely was not viewed for the sake of accuracy, more as a comparative piece to an actual historical documentary and I must say I found the documentary of still pictures & voice overs more entertaining. I struggled to stay awake during this drag of a movie.
Rating:
Summary: RIVETING! GREAT STORYTELLING! A FINE POLITICAL THRILLER!
Review: I had never thought that a film that's dubbed a "Political Thriller" could be this intense and exciting. WRONG! This is by far Kevin Costner's best work to date. I don't base my favorites on box office gross, but by the acting and storytelling. This film has it all: Awesome Special Effects, great storytelling by writer David Self, and superb acting performances by Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Steven Culp, Kevin Conway, and all the others. I believe that this film should be shown in history classes. Dramatic license aside, this is a superb account of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and John F. Kennedy's struggle to prevent a catastrophe from taking place. The DVD features exciting behind the scenes footage, historical background, an Historical Commentary track featuring John F. Kennedy and Kenneth P. O'Donnell, film commentary track with director Roger Donaldson, actor and producer Kevin Costner, and other members of the production team who brough this dazzling film to the screen. The infinifilm feature allows you to access the historical background features while watching. This film is for anyone and EVERYONE who likes watching historical films! Grade: A+
Rating:
Summary: Great Extras
Review: The film itself is a good, fairly accurate (for Hollywood) recreation of the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The screenwriter relied heavily on actual audio recordings from meetings of ExCom, as well as statements made by the major players (JFK, RFK, McNamara, Stevenson, etc.) to give the script as much authenticity as possible. In addition, real footage from the 60's, including public reaction to JFK's statements, people "on the street" and some of the shots of now-obselete military equipment, was restored, colorized and seamlessly inserted into the movie, adding to the accurate historical feel.
The real draw of this DVD is the bonus material. There are historical biographies, interesting information about how the movie was made, as well as a 48 minute documentary on the Cuban Missile Crisis with interviews of top professors and the son of Nikita Krushchev. All in all, a great package for any fan of history/political drama.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting but flawed
Review: This film tells the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 60's from within The White House.
Brilliantly acted by the 3 main leads (once you get over Costners irritating voice - which I assume was accurate), the film is a very interesting look at the 13 days that nearly changed the face of the world we live in now. Its interesting to see exactly how close 'we' came to nuclear war.
Only a couple of criticisms of the film is that (for me) the tension didn't build. Thats partly because we 'know' the end result, however i feel it could still have been cranked up a bit. And it would seem everytime the director introduces another historical figure, it all goes black and white??? The first time this happened, I assumed my dvd was faulty.
As for accuracy - who knows, Hollywood has a knack for 'exaggeration' during historical retellings, and it did feel a little 'too' pro-US (the Russians cant have been COMPLETELY to blame surely?) but either way, this is a very interesting, well acted and enjoyable movie.
Rating:
Summary: Boring
Review: I had seen this movie only in bits before on TV but had never seen the whole thing. I recently purchased it and within the last week have literally watched it again and again. I can only vaguely remember hearing the words "Cuban Missile Crisis" when I was 8 years old and had no idea just how close we came to WWIII. This is an excellent, attention holding film. I loved Kevin Costner in this and also "JFK - a must see also". Both Greenwood and Culp did a wonderful job of portraying the Kennedy brothers. I would highly recommend this movie. Use both this and JFK to educate your children, if you can get past the foul language somehow.
Rating:
Summary: "Edge of your seat" history.
Review: Credit must be given to Roger Donaldson and Kevin Costner for bringing the suspense and tension of the Cuban missile crisis onto the silver screen. `Thirteen days' is an excellent introduction into what life was like during the cold war for those who weren't around during the 60s. It may not be as in-depth as a book devoted to the subject but it whets the appetite of those who would not otherwise have cared. Those reviewers, who argue that the movie overemphasized O'Donnell's role, should remember that this is a movie and not a documentary and as such the director has the right to choose to highlight the role of some of the characters if he feels this would make the film more interesting. What was particularly interesting for me as I watched this film was the fact that this would be a gold mine for a game theorist, and I'm pretty sure there have been books or articles examining this issue using game theory.. It is also interesting as a study of decision making under great uncertainty, and one cannot help but admire J.F.K's cool head and desire to be as certain as possible before making a decision. Comparisons could probably be drawn between the hawkish `men-of-war' back in Kennedy's day and the current kettle of hawks in the white house today. But politics aside, this movie should be watched for its own sake, because it really is a thriller and it does keep you on the edge of your seat throughout its duration. I was certainly spellbound throughout and I came out of it learning something and desiring to know more. I don't think any rational person gets their whole history from a movie, so don't expect this to answer all your questions about the Cuban missile crisis. The extras on the DVD are excellent; there are interviews with Khrushchev's son, Sergei as well as with professors from Havard and the Brookings Institute which examine the origins of the missile crisis. There are also short film-clips about the main players in the film, McNamara, J.FK, O'Donell etc... even some prominent journalists are included. I highly recommend this movie, not because I am a fan of J.F.K (I'm not) but because it is a great film in its own right and also as an introduction to the events of 1962.
Rating:
Summary: Suspenseful cinematic experience...
Review: Aerial photos taken by a U-2 spy plane reveal that the Soviets have moved nuclear long range missiles into Cuba, which is against the agreement between the U.S.A and Russia. This becomes an upheaval for the United States government as they realize that they might be on the brink of World War III. President John F. Kennedy (Bruce Greenwood) must decide what plan of action that US must take as he gets help from his brother Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy (Steven Culp) and Political Advisor Kenny O'Donnell (Kevin Costner). During the governmental negotiations it becomes apparent that some want to bomb Cuba without hesitation or consideration of what it might lead to. In the shadows of the scheming politicians and military personnel O'Donnell must take action and find a way to avoid any military conflicts as they might lead to the end of the world. Thirteen Days is based on the real events that took place in the US and Cuba in October, 1962, and even if the audience knows the outcome of these events the film offers a suspenseful cinematic experience. Donaldson decided to film in color and intermittently shoot in black and white, which enhances the realism of the story. In addition, the use of archived films from the time when the events took place adds support to the film's realistic feel, which in the end offers a good cinematic experience.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertainment yes! History no!
Review: Since I am a history buff I tend to eventually get around to most of the films that are history based. I am old enough to remember the Cuban Missile Crisis very well. I also tend toward the conservative side in political views. Thirteen Days is a good movie. From a dramatic standpoint it is a success. Bruce Greenwood I thought did a particularly good job as JFK. I think the speech and manners were well done and his general bearing and tone are convincing. The supporting cast, for the most part, is good to very good. I was particularly impressed with Len Cariou, in a minor role as Dean Acheson. I had not been previously aware of this actor. Kevin Costner has been criticized for a bad accent and a stiff performance. I thought that the script overplayed his role in the Crisis. Perhaps this was because his star status demanded more lines? And I am not able to accept the almost saint-like image that the role gives to his portrayal of JFK assistant Kenny O'Donnell. At times the camera time seems to give the impression that Costner/O'Donnell is the focus of the film. This was all a bit distracting but not serious enough to wreck a good dramatic effort. The characters and the script are all well delivered and believable. Even though you know the outcome the tension and suspense work. It is good cinema. As for historical accuracy the overall effect gives JFK a hero aura. In one sense he deserves this. It was a serious crisis and he got out reasonably clean without war. On the other hand all that he he had previously done badly, which undoubtedly contributed to Kruschev's willingness to take the risks, were simply not mentioned. In addition Hollywood consistently portrays the military in the poorest light. They didn't fail us here. General Curtis LeMay is portrayed as little short of an overbearing, arrogant savage. Admiral George Anderson comes across as a pompous man who fails utterly to understand the geopolitical aspects of the naval blockade action. A good show if you are looking for entertainment. If you looking for history read the relevant history first. So armed this film will help bring it to life for you.
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