Tight and gripping drama....but

Rating: Null/10 (14 November 2004)

Watching this movie about the Cuban missile crisis and the processes of government that could have resulted in a world wide nuclear war, produced a number of mixed reaction in me.
Like some other reviewers, I like this movie, but found there were some short comings.
Firstly, I was gripped. Obviously no nuclear war was going to happen, but how it would be prevented was what I wanted to find out. The truth of what really happened has only come to light recently so in fact, much of the story is news to most people. The script is tight, the drama enthralling, the acting credible (including Kevin Costner who is a brilliant actor for a limited range of characters and a terrible actor when he goes beyond that).
Secondly, I felt the story was too pro the Kennedys. In fact the story was mostly constructed from interviews done with Kenny O'Donnell, the White house aid to the Kennedys.
Thirdly, I was torn between the idea of the story being told in a one sided way, which it was, to one which lets you know more about what the Russians and Cubans were thinking and doing. However, the process was justified by time and by representing the experience of the American command. I think a complete story should be the subject of a documentary or a good book, not a movie.
Fourth, the direction was a little weak, using black & white worked in concept, but was more or less thrown in randomly, rather than used well. The movie has a tele-movie feel about it, partly because of the characterisations of the Kennedys.
Lastly, I want to recommend this movie to everyone. It is well worth watching for its insight behind processes, its overall tension and drama and despite its failings, it is a good movie to sit at home on an evening and watch. It is not pro-American at all. It is not anti-Cuban or anti-Russian, because all we have are the guesses that are being made about what is happening at the time, not historical analysis of the events. Probably the best part of the movie is that it tries not to judge anyone, condemn any bodies actions, just try to show the razor edge which the world worked, while men tried to act in the best way that they could.