On 15 January 2009, the world witnessed the 'Miracle on the Hudson' when Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger glided his disabled plane onto the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 souls aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and career.
Acting
Hanks' trembling hands say everything his mouth won't.
Direction
Eastwood's spare style lets silence do the heavy lifting.
Editing
Nonlinear structure weaponizes doubt against certainty.
Director
Clint Eastwood
Tom Hanks
Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger
Aaron Eckhart
Jeff Skiles
Anna Gunn
Elizabeth Davis
Holt McCallany
Mike Cleary
Mike O'Malley
Charles Porter
Jamey Sheridan
Ben Edwards
Valerie Mahaffey
Diane Higgins
Delphi Harrington
Lucille Palmer
Ahmed Lucan
Egyptian Driver
Laura Linney
Lorrie Sullenberger
Onira Tarés
Reporter #2
Gary Weeks
Reporter #3
Katie Couric
Katie Couric
Jeff Kober
LT Cook
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Sullenberger suggested Hanks for the role specifically because of his 'nice-guy' reputation—then spent weeks teaching him how to actually fly.
The NTSB publicly disputed the film's portrayal of investigators as antagonistic, noting the real board immediately supported Sully's decision—Hollywood needed villains.
US
