Fail Safe
Fail Safe

Fail Safe

2000Movie86 minEnglish

Cold War tensions climb to a fever pitch when a U.S. bomber is accidentally ordered to drop a nuclear warhead on Moscow.

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IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes74%
Metacritic63/100
Google Users85%
Director: Steve BoyerGenres: Drama, Thriller, War

Plot Summary

During the Cold War, a technical malfunction causes American bomber planes to be mistakenly ordered to drop their nuclear payload on Moscow. The President of the United States must desperately try to prevent nuclear war as American and Soviet forces scramble to avert disaster.

Critical Reception

This made-for-television film adaptation of Eugene Burdick and Harvey Wheeler's novel "Fail-Safe" was highly acclaimed for its tense atmosphere and stellar performances, serving as a stark reminder of the Cold War's ever-present dangers.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful narrative and faithful adaptation of the source material.
  • Lauded for the strong ensemble cast and their compelling performances.
  • Recognized as a chilling and relevant portrayal of nuclear brinkmanship.

Google audience: Viewers appreciated the film's intense suspense and thought-provoking themes, with many commending the effective tension-building and the cast's strong performances. It's seen as a powerful and relevant examination of nuclear policy.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in black and white, intentionally mirroring the aesthetic of its 1964 predecessor and enhancing its dramatic and serious tone.

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