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 ...

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Plot Keywords:

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

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Taglines:

On The Brink Of Nuclear War, Two Men Clash Over The Fate Of The World.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Thriller | War

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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, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$91,400,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$66,000,000

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

Denzel Washington took this role so he would have an opportunity to "be in there jousting with a master."

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Goofs

US Navy attack submarines in the 688 (Los Angeles) class are named after cities. US Navy Ohio Class Trident Submarines, as well as Virginia Class attack submarines, are named after states. The USS Alabama is an Ohio Class Trident submarine.

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Quotes

Hunter: Chief of the Boat.
Chief of the Boat: Sir?
Hunter: Thank you, COB.
Chief of the Boat: Thank you? *Fuck* you! Get it straight Mr Hunter, I'm not on your side. Now you could be wrong! But wrong or right, the Captain can't just replace you at will. That was completely improper! And that's why I did what I did. By the book.
Hunter: I thank you anyway.

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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 Everything Wrong with...: Everything Wrong with Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2018)

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Soundtracks

DANCING IN THE STREET
Written by Ivy Jo Hunter, William Stevenson, Marvin Gaye
Performed by Martha & The Vandellas (as Martha Reeves and the Vandellas)
Courtesy of Motown Records Company, L.P.
by arrangement with PolyGram Special Markets

User Reviews

Intense!

I love this film for it's intensity,particularly the intense relationship of the characters portrayed by Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington.They are two men at odds in the worst of situations;the possibility of war.It all involves an incomplete transmission.It could mean war,it could mean nothing at all.What do you do?You could strike your enemy before he strikes you,but would the strike be uncalled for? It's the not knowing that creates the intensity.Hackman and Washington are excellent actors,which goes without saying since they are both Oscar winners,and they play off of each other extremely well in this film. This fact alone makes it a must see,but the film's content is equally as impressive.