The Cuban Missile Crisis may have happened nearly 40 years ago, but those who lived through it will never forget it.

However, those born after the events of late 1962 and after the 1974 made-for-TV movie "The Missiles of October," which dramatized this harrowing, nearly two-week period of American history, probably have no idea what all the fuss was about, which is why "Thirteen Days" may be crucial viewing for them.

And as far as dramatizations go, it's a pretty good one, and director Roger Donaldson manages to make his version thrilling and suspenseful, though so many of us already have at least an inkling of what happened.

In fact, of the film's few (and certainly not insurmountable) flaws, perhaps the biggest one is the decision to look at the events through the eyes of one specific character (and actor). That would be producer and star Kevin Costner, who plays a sort of "everyman" protagonist, Kenny O'Donnell.

He's a trusted, longtime friend to the Kennedys, particularly President John F. Kennedy (Bruce Greenwood) and U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy (Steven Culp). And as special assistant to the president, he's privy to inside information, which is why he's terrified at what's going on in Cuba.

To be more specific, flyovers by U.S. spy planes have uncovered evidence that suggests Russia may be stockpiling ballistic missiles and warheads on a neighboring island, and military leaders are now pressing the president to fire back with airstrikes.

However, JFK and his Cabinet have balked at that idea, believing it would instead pave the way for World War III. But even to them, it becomes clear that a diplomatic solution may not be feasible without some sort of strong, decisive action by the United States, and time is running out.

Admittedly, that's a very simplistic plot recap, and one that doesn't really do justice to the smart script (by "The Haunting" screenwriter David Self), which is refreshingly free of plot sensationalism and "speechifying."

Again, the only mistake may be trying to follow its source material, Ernest R. May's novel of the same name, too closely by concentrating on the character of O'Donnell rather than the (obviously) more fascinating Kennedys.

That puts the performance burden on Costner, who's better than usual, though he is hampered by an overly broad New England accent.

Fortunately, co-stars Greenwood and Culp (who bears an eerie resemblance to RFK) both wisely avoid that temptation, and their excellent, more subtle performances help humanize their now-legendary characters.

"Thirteen Days" is rated PG-13 for occasional strong profanity (including use of the so-called "R-rated" curse word) and wartime action and violence, as well as use of some crude expressions. Running time: 135 minutes.

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E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com