In late October 1962 the world was as close to a nuclear war as it has ever been. The island nation of Cuba, 90 miles off the coast of America, was armed with nuclear weapons which could destroy hundreds of American cities with only five minutes warning. President Kennedy (Bruce Greenwood), his brother and advisor Robert Kennedy (Stephen Culp) and advisor Kenny O'Donnell (Kevin Costner) find themselves in a crisis where even those on their own side seem to want to start a war.
The Cuban Missile Crisis is only a dim memory today, so it's hard to appreciate the sheer panic that the events bought about. This film shows a vivid portrait of the time, and brings a strong sense of tension - always difficult when you know how it will all turn out. Culp and Greenwood give excellent performances as the Kennedy brothers. Although they don't look a lot like them, they do capture the mannerisms and way of speaking excellently. My only minor quibble is that Costner seems out of place in his role, and the film may have been better off with some slightly different casting. But overall an excellent film that brings to life a piece of history that many have forgotten.