# Movies you've seen recently (Part 2)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Tags:** movies\
**Created:** [August 27, 2024, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288 "2024-08-27T05:10:46Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 3712

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**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2025, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/3712 "2025-10-27T20:43:40Z")

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> [@msmith537](#):
>
> Like why was it critical to decide on a response before the missile hit (other than it provided a convenient countdown)?

The thinking must be that you can’t allow your enemies to think you will always wait to see how things turn out in the aftermath of the attack. MAD only works if they are convinced that you are capable of making the irrational decision to commit suicide to “win”. That’s really the whole plot of the film; smart people being forced by circumstances to choose from a playbook only filled with stupid options.

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