The Most Compelling Real Life Stories Brought To Film

Apollo 13

Director: Ron Howard

If Thirteen Days was so white hot that we almost can’t embrace the success, then Apollo 13 is its counterpart, the ultimate example of intense heat ignited to glory. This account of NASA’s finest hour, of its most successful failure, endures as one of cinema’s most dazzlingly satisfying endeavors. Exhaustion and endorphins imminent.

In April 1970, the Apollo 13 spacecraft took off destination moon, helmed by Jim Lovell and manned by Fred Haise and Jack Swigert (taking over for a grounded Ken Mattingly). Hours into the mission, the craft found itself crippled and the crew imperiled, as the three watched helplessly as the oxygen drained into space. Thus began a world-class collaboration comprised of hundreds of mission controllers, four clever and courageous astronauts, and the uncompromising leadership of Flight Director Gene Kranz.

Apollo 13 is a story of astonishing obstacle, unflinching resolve, undying optimism, and model-worthy valor. Failure to see it is not an option.

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