“JFK”, 1991
Director: Oliver Stone
Directed by Oliver Stone, this political thriller investigates the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It follows New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison as he digs deep into a complex web of conspiracy theories surrounding the event.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Bacon, Sissy Spacek, Joe Pesci, Jack Lemmon, Laurie Metcalf, Donald Sutherland, Michael Rooker;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: thriller, drama, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 181 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “JFK” on the website imdb.com
“Thirteen Days”, 2000
Director: Roger Donaldson
This historical drama portrays the tension of the Cuban Missile Crisis from the perspective of the Kennedy administration, showcasing the strategic and diplomatic efforts by President Kennedy and his team to prevent a nuclear war.
Starring: Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Steven Culp, Dylan Baker, Bill Smitrovich, Ed Lauter, James Karen, Shawn Driscoll, Drake Cook, Lucinda Jenney;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: thriller, drama, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 140 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Thirteen Days” on the website imdb.com
“Bobby”, 2006
Director: Emilio Estevez
Focusing on the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, this drama intertwines multiple stories of fictional characters at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on the day Kennedy was shot.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Shia LaBeouf, Brian Geraghty, William H. Macy, Christian Slater, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Freddy Rodríguez, Lindsay Lohan, Elijah Wood;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Bobby” on the website imdb.com
“The Kennedys”, 2011
Director: Jon Cassar
Although technically a mini-series, “The Kennedys” deserves mention for its dramatic portrayal of the personal and political lives of the Kennedy family over multiple decades, focusing on John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Jacqueline Kennedy.
Starring: Greg Kinnear, Barry Pepper, Katie Holmes, Tom Wilkinson, Diana Hardcastle, Kristin Booth, Rothaford Gray, Janelle Hutchison, Rachel Wilson, Serge Houde;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, melodrama, history;
Age: 16+;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “The Kennedys” on the website imdb.com
“Jackie”, 2016
Director: Pablo Larrain
This biographical drama stars Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy and follows the First Lady in the days after her husband's assassination, offering a deeply personal view of her grief, resilience, and dignity.
Starring: Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, John Hurt, Richard E. Grant, Caspar Phillipson, John Carroll Lynch, Beth Grant, Max Casella;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
“Chappaquiddick”, 2017
Director: John Curran
Titled “The Senator” in some markets, this film explores the controversial incident in which Senator Ted Kennedy was involved in a fatal car accident that resulted in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne. It delves into the aftermath and Kennedy's struggle with his conscience, family legacy, and political future.
Starring: Jason Clarke, Kate Mara, Ed Helms, Bruce Dern, Jim Gaffigan, Olivia Thirlby, Clancy Brown, Taylor Nichols, John Fiore, Gillian Mariner Gordon;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: thriller, drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Chappaquiddick” on the website imdb.com
“The Irishman”, 2019
Director: Martin Scorsese
While not exclusively about the Kennedys, this Martin Scorsese crime film includes segments that depict alleged mob connections with the Kennedy family, particularly focusing on the election of John F. Kennedy and the alleged involvement of the mob in his assassination.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Stephen Graham, Harvey Keitel, Stephanie Kurtzuba, Kathrine Narducci;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: crime, drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 209 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Irishman” on the website imdb.com
These films, through their varied lenses, craft a multifaceted portrait of the Kennedy family's enduring impact on American history and culture.
In the realm of cinematic exploration, films about the Kennedys have undeniably etched an indelible mark, weaving together the complex tapestry of one of America’s most storied families. Through a diverse assortment of lenses—ranging from the haunting allure of tragedy and the relentless scrutiny of public life, to the intimate moments of courage and discord within a family bound by ambition and legacy—these movies offer a multifaceted portrayal that captivates and challenges audiences. By delving deep into the heart of American history, political aspiration, and the human condition, they not only immortalize the Kennedy family's pivotal moments but also reflect on the broader American experience. As the curtains close on these captivating narratives, viewers are left to ponder the intricate interplay of destiny, power, and the personal toll of greatness, ensuring that the Kennedy legacy continues to resonate within the collective consciousness and the annals of film history.
