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By Dawn's Early Light

1990·Movie
1h 41min·PG
IMDb6.9Rotten Tomatoes–74%

Where to watch

Prime

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

By Dawn's Early Light fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Nerve-racking and thrilling

Fast from start to finish.

  • Tension9
  • Adrenaline8
  • Fast Pace8

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Pathos5
  • Nostalgia5
  • Melancholy4

Humor

Some dark humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor5
  • Satire & Parody4
  • Wit & Wordplay3

World

History, war, and politics

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability5

Craft

Standout performances

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Acting8
  • Intrigue8
  • Complexity8

Style

Standout editing

  • Editing8
  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

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About

Four people... Three minutes... Two choices... One chance for survival.

A nuclear warhead launched by Soviet insurgents protesting the waning Cold War destroys the Ukrainian city of Donetsk. The destruction sets off a race between American and Soviet politicians to prevent a nuclear holocaust. While the U.S. president feverishly works to keep the military and political machine from going into overdrive, various subordinates panic. When the president is believed to be killed in a helicopter crash, zealous advisers take over.
Cold WarNuclear WarheadPolitical IntrigueMilitary ConflictDoomsday ScenarioTensionHistoricalFast-PacedEducational

Crew

Directed by:
Jack Sholder
Written by:
Bruce Gilbert, William Prochnau
Produced by:
Junie Lowry-Johnson, Thomas M. Hammel, Bruce Gilbert
Composed by:
Trevor Jones

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about By Dawn's Early Light

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream By Dawn's Early Light legally?

Prime

By Dawn's Early Light is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is By Dawn's Early Light worth watching?

69
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 69/100 (IMDb 6.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is By Dawn's Early Light rated?

PGViolenceStrong language

It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.

How long is By Dawn's Early Light?

1 h 41 min

By Dawn's Early Light runs 1 h 41 min.

What language is By Dawn's Early Light in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

What tropes does By Dawn's Early Light use?

Guy in BackMy God, What Have I Done?Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right!No Celebrities Were HarmedToo Dumb to LiveSuccession CrisisSanity SlippageDefcon 5Named by the AdaptationDwindling PartyDies Differently in AdaptationActor Allusionand 47 more

TV Tropes lists 59 storytelling tropes for By Dawn's Early Light, including Guy in Back, My God, What Have I Done?, Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right!.