Very timely, well crafted film....

Rating: 10/10 (3 February 2002)

I feel this is an excellent film. It stands out particularly because it is so timely as we sit through an incredibly incompetent administration, which is not only unable to protect its citizens, but is launching us head first into a "war without end."
The phrase "hopefully cooler heads will prevail" which is uttered often in this film is a statement that both sides need to privilege at this time.

There is sufficient depth in this film. It consistently makes me cry, which says a lot for a film. The characters are personable, understandble, reasonable, intelligent, thoughtful, contemplative; it is a wonderful film for learned people to enjoy.
It is an historical document which much like "Amadeus" by Milos Forman, which is an excellent vehicle for learning about classical music. "Thirteen Days" is a also a wonderful laboratory for examining the operations of democracy, diplomacy, teamwork and leadership at its best.

There are also relatively subtle, but unmistakable statements that speak to the nature of our military, its attitude and the extraordinarily (yet unappreciated) fragility inherent in our rich democracy.

It is very hard for me to find flaw with this film. It is exceedingly obvious that the cast, director and crew really believed in this film and without ever over acting or indicating, they convey these events with convincing authenticity, familiarity and agency.
I only wish there were more films like this for our young people to make American History and civics "come alive". FDR, Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Jefferson films could all emerge from essentially using this model of paintstaking authenticity and sensitive craft.

Articulating the special cares and concerns of our great figures in history.