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On a U.S. nuclear missile sub, a young First Officer stages a mutiny to prevent his trigger happy Captain from launching his missiles before confirming his orders to do so.

Director:

Tony Scott

Writers:

Michael Schiffer (story), Richard P. Henrick (story) | 1 more credit »
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Popularity
4,022 ( 257)
Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 6 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Denzel Washington ... Hunter
Gene Hackman ... Ramsey
Matt Craven ... Zimmer
George Dzundza ... Cob
Viggo Mortensen ... Weps
James Gandolfini ... Lt. Bobby Dougherty
Rocky Carroll ... Lt. Westergaurd
Jaime Gomez ... Ood Mahoney (as Jaime P. Gomez)
Michael Milhoan ... Hunsicker
Scott Burkholder ... TSO Billy Linkletter
Danny Nucci ... Danny Rivetti
Lillo Brancato ... Russell Vossler (as Lillo Brancato Jr.)
Eric Bruskotter ... Bennefield
Ricky Schroder ... Lt. Paul Hellerman (as Rick Schroder)
Steve Zahn ... William Barnes
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Storyline

When some Russian rebels take control of some ICBM's, the Americans mobilize. Among the vessels sent is the nuclear sub, USS Alabama. But before they leave they need a new X.O. and among the choices is Commander Hunter, who hasn't seen much action. But the ship's Captain, Ramsey, OK's him. While on the way, there was an incident and Hunter disagreed with how Ramsey handled it. It's evident that Ramsey doesn't think much of Hunter because Hunter was college educated while Ramsey worked his way up. They're given orders to attack but when they were in the process of receiving another order, the ship's communications were damaged, so the entire message was not received. Ramsey decides to continue with their previous order while Hunter wants to reestablish contact first. That's when the two men butt heads that ends with Hunter relieving Ramsey. Later when some men die, some of the officers feel that Hunter is not up to the task so they team up to retake control. But Hunter has taken ... Written by rcs0411@yahoo.com

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

In the face of the ultime nuclear showdown, one man has absolute power and one man will do anything to stop him See more »

Genres:

Action | Drama | Thriller | War

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Ryan Phillippe's feature film debut. See more »

Goofs

The captain says to make torpedo tubes 1 and 4 fully ready. When they're fired, they use torpedo tubes 2 and 4. See more »

Quotes

Hunter: Captain Ramsey, under operating procedures governing the release of nuclear weapons, we cannot launch our missiles unless both you and I agree.
Capt. Ramsey: [shouting over Hunter] COB, what're you waiting for?
Hunter: This is not a formality, sir! This is *expressly* why your command must be repeated. It requires my assent, I *do not* give it and furthermore, you continue upon this course, and insist upon this launch without confirming this message first...
Capt. Ramsey: [shouting over Hunter] Son of a bitch. As commanding officer of...
[...]
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Alternate Versions

Additional scenes in the new extended cut:
  • Slightly longer scene at Hunter's daughter's birthday party.
  • We see Zimmer saying goodbye to his wife/girlfriend at the base.
  • A scene with COB getting a haircut and telling a dirty joke.
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Connections

Referenced in Fresh Off the Boat: Persistent Romeo (2015) See more »

Soundtracks

PIANO SONATA NO.14 OP.27 NO.2
Written by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Tatiana Nikolayeva
Courtesy of Olympia Compact Discs Ltd.
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User Reviews

 
Wow! What an adrenaline rush!
3 September 2000 | by doofy51See all my reviews

Crimson Tide is awesome in the way it creates intensity and non-stop adrenaline rushes using scenes full of action, and scenes that aren't. The torpedo attack with the Russian sub was so fast-paced and packed with energy that it makes you bounce in your seat. Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington gave awesome performances, and their growing tension towards each other is enough to keep the excitement at a consistent high through the last half of the film. I don't appreciate how Hackman's character is regarded by most moviegoers as a mad man. He is just simply a seasoned, tough-as-nails military officer who must assume that the US is in danger, and he must stick by the orders that require him to go to drastic measures to protect us. The director did a good job at raising the tension, even though the ending was very predictable. The message at the very start of the film set the perfect tone. The entire film is in a way scary by making us wonder if what would happen in a situation like this, and how could the military establish proper operating procedures for it. However, the message at the end of the film re-establishes some hope. 9/10, and I love the creative title.


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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 May 1995 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Crimson Tide See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$53,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,612,190, 14 May 1995

Gross USA:

$91,387,195

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$157,387,195
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (extended)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1
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