Crimson Tide (1995)

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)

Stars:

Gene Hackman, Denzel Washington, Matt Craven

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 6 nominations.

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

Storyline

When some Russian rebels takes control of some ICBM's, the Americans mobilize. Among the vessels sent is the nuclear sub, the 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 ...

---

Plot Keywords:

submarine | u.s. navy | 1990s | submarine captain | naval base | 

---

Taglines:

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

---

Genres:

Action | Drama | Thriller | War

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 May 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Marea roja

Filming Locations:

Burbank City Hall - 275 E. Olive Ave, Burbank, California, USA

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures, Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min 123 min (extended)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Some of the submarine footage was later reused in Agent Red (2000).

---

Goofs

The opening title card uses the term "Russian Republic", the full official name of Russia is the "Russian Federation".

---

Quotes

Capt. Ramsey: Rickover gave me my command, a checklist, a target, and a button to push. All I had to know was how to push it, and they'd tell me when. They seem to want you know why.
Hunter: I would hope they'd want us all to know why, sir.

---

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.

---

Connections

Spoofed in Command & Conquer (1995)

---

Soundtracks

EBBEN, NE ANDRO LONTANA
from LA WALLY
Written by Alfredo Catalani
Performed by Miriam Gauci, Brussels Philharmonic (as BRT Philharmonic, Brussels)
Conducted by Alexander Rahbari
Courtesy of Naxos of America
by arrangement with Source/Q

User Reviews

Jon Monsarrat review: intelligent and thrilling

Although billed as a film about a deep issue (how much control submarine commanders should have over their nuclear weapons), Crimson Tide is really a straight action flick in my opinion. However, it is intelligent and definitely a cut above the action/thriller stereotype.

Superbly acted by the best -- never fail actors Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman -- they keep the tension at an eerily high peak throughout the film.

Who should see this film:

-- action movie buffs

-- borderline action lovers who won't build false expectations that there's a lot of deep issues and drama going on here

-- Arty types who are refined enough to appreciate the acting, sets, and dialogue even if they don't normally like action films

Suspense plays a large role in the film, so once you've seen it you know what's coming and may not wish to see it again someday. Only this limits it to getting a 7 out of 10 in my book.