Crimson Tide (1995)

Written by Michael Schiffer, Richard P. Henrick

Directed by Tony Scott

Running Time: 120 minutes (approx)

Production Year: 1995

Rating: 15 Certificate

Filmed in Colour

This fast-paced action-thriller, slickly directed by Tony Scott and released in 1995, is superb. It follows the power struggle that erupts on board a US nuclear submarine, dividing the crew and endangering the lives of the entire world.

Captain Ramsey (Gene Hackman, pictured) finds himself at odds with his second-in-command Lt Cdr Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington, pictured) when they are put on red alert. A volatile Russian nationalist rebel has seized control of a nuclear missile base. He threatens nuclear war if either the American or the Russian governments try to stop him.

The submarine is ordered by the US to make a pre-emptive strike on the rebels. However the ship then receives a second, incomplete message, which seems to suggest that they hold off the strike. Ramsey, playing it by the book, is determined to proceed with the attack, but Hunter refuses to agree. The scene is set for a tremendous, nail-biting climax. Highly recommended.

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Cast

	Denzel Washington		Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter
	Gene Hackman		Capt. Frank Ramsey
	Matt Craven		Lt. Roy Zimmer
	George Dzundza		Chief of the Boat
	Viggo Mortensen		Lt. Peter Ince
	James Gandolfini		Lt. Bobby Dougherty
	Rocky Carroll		Lt. Darik Westergard
	Jaime Gomez		Officer of the Deck Mahoney
	Michael Milhoan		Chief of the Watch Hunsicker
	Scott Burkholder		T.S.O. Billy Linkletter
	Danny Nucci		Petty Officer First Class Danny Rivetti
	Lillo Brancato		Petty Officer Third Class Russell Vossler
	Eric Bruskotter		Bennefield
	Rick Schroder		Lt. Paul Hellerman
	Steve Zahn		William Barnes