Apollo 13

Apollo 13

Year: 1995

Runtime: 140 min

Language: English

Director: Ron Howard

AdventureDramaHistory

During the Apollo 13 mission, an oxygen tank explodes, crippling the spacecraft and leaving astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise struggling to survive 205,000 miles from Earth. With limited resources and facing extreme conditions, the crew and the dedicated team at Mission Control must work together, using their skills and ingenuity, in a tense and heart-stopping race against time to bring them home safely.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Apollo 13 (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Apollo 13 (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1969

The movie is set during a pivotal year in the space race, particularly surrounding the famed Apollo 11 landing on July 20, 1969. This period marked significant technological advancements and huge national pride as the United States pressed forward in exploration beyond Earth. However, it also served as a backdrop for the challenges faced during the Apollo 13 mission, accelerating the stakes in the race for space.

Location

Earth, Moon

The movie predominantly takes place against the backdrop of Earth and the surface of the Moon. Earth is where the Mission Control operations are conducted, while the Moon represents humanity's greatest aspiration for exploration and discovery. Together, they highlight the vastness of space and the pivotal moments in the Apollo 13 mission.

🌏 Earth 🌕 Moon

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:20

Main Characters – Apollo 13 (1995)

Meet the key characters of Apollo 13 (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jim Lovell

Jim Lovell is a determined astronaut whose lifelong dream of walking on the Moon becomes a tumultuous journey during Apollo 13. He displays leadership and resilience amidst crisis and uncertainty, guiding his crew through immense challenges. Lovell's emotional depth is revealed as he navigates personal fears while prioritizing the mission's success.

🚀 Astronaut ⏳ Resilience 👨‍🚀 Leadership

Jack Swigert

Jack Swigert is the new addition to the Apollo 13 flight crew, showcasing his quick wit and adaptability. Faced with the pressure of an unexpected situation, he transforms from a nervous rookie to a reliable team player, effectively supporting Lovell amid the tension. Swigert embodies the courage required to face the unknown.

🧑‍🚀 Rookie ✨ Courage 💡 Adaptability

Ken Mattingly

Ken Mattingly is portrayed as an experienced astronaut who faces an emotional rollercoaster due to his withdrawal from the mission. His intellect and technical skills shine through as he plays a key role in Mission Control, developing crucial solutions to assist the crew. Mattingly's character reflects the themes of resilience and sacrifice.

🚀 Astronaut 🧠 Intellect 💔 Sacrifice

Fred Haise

Fred Haise is a dedicated astronaut preparing for the moon landing, showcasing camaraderie with his fellow crew members. He balances courage with the reality of facing danger, contributing to the mission's survival while expressing his worries during the crisis. Haise's character represents the human spirit’s resolve in times of trial.

👨‍🚀 Courage 🤝 Camaraderie 💪 Determination

Gene Kranz

Gene Kranz is the authoritative mission control leader whose quick thinking and determination are crucial in navigating the crisis. He embodies the perseverance and tactical brilliance needed to work under pressure, rallying his team to devise solutions for the stranded astronauts. His character is a symbol of leadership in times of adversity.

💼 Leadership 🔧 Problem-Solver ⚡ Tactician

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:20

Major Themes – Apollo 13 (1995)

Explore the central themes of Apollo 13 (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🚀 Exploration

The theme of exploration is at the heart of Apollo 13, showcasing humanity's spirit to reach beyond the confines of Earth. It exemplifies the dedication and bravery of astronauts who risk their lives for discovery and knowledge. Their journey symbolizes a collective aspiration for adventure and the challenges faced along the way.

🛠️ Ingenuity

Ingenuity shines through the crisis faced by the Apollo 13 crew, where innovative thinking and teamwork are crucial for survival. The engineers and astronauts demonstrate remarkable resourcefulness under pressure, highlighting how the ability to adapt and think creatively can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This theme underscores the human capacity for problem-solving in dire situations.

🤝 Teamwork

Teamwork is a central theme in Apollo 13, illustrating how collaboration between the astronauts and Mission Control leads to their survival. The film portrays the synchronization of efforts amidst chaos and danger, emphasizing that unity and communication play vital roles in overcoming challenges. It showcases that together, they can achieve extraordinary feats.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:20

Unlock the Full Story of Apollo 13

Don't stop at just watching — explore Apollo 13 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Apollo 13 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Apollo 13 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Apollo 13, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Apollo 13 Summary

Apollo 13 Timeline

Track the full timeline of Apollo 13 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Apollo 13 Timeline

More About Apollo 13

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Apollo 13: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Apollo 13

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