Crimson Tide product reviews

A very interesting movie.

Crimson Tide possesses one of the most intense moments in film: two great actors eye-to-eye, portraying characters absolutely certain of their actions, absolutely convinced that the other's course will lead to disaster. A submarine commander (Hackman) and his second-in-command (Washington) are both shouting at the same time, each ordering the next ranking officer (Dzundza) to arrest the other. Washington believes, with good reason that Hackman is unfit to command because he is disregarding naval procedures. Hackman believes, with good reason, that Washington is disobeying an order and instigating a mutiny. A possible nuclear exchange and the deaths of billions hang in the balance. Dzundza knows that he must make the correct decision, regardless of his like or dislike of each of his superiors.

There are traditional incidents that arise in submarine stories: fires, floods, sinking to the bottom, torpedoes, loss of communication. (After all, what more can you do in such a small set?) Crimson Tide has its share, but does them well: you won't be bored just because you have seen subs in the same situation before. The movie's major conflict arises over a very tense, crucially significant incident, a believable situation that could arise and, unresolved, lead to catastrophe for more than just the boat.

Hackman is always excellent portraying a character with depth. As the captain he can command respect and obedience with a growl, a steely look, an angry shout, or a wicked joke. In contrast, Washington's calm, strong, logical intensity is the immovable rock to Hackman's irresistible force. When his eyes bore into you (as in remember Glory and Philadelphia?) you feel his sincerity and strength in your bones. Crimson Tide has genuine, believable characters, edge-of-your-seat tension, and crackling, intense interchanges between two of my favorite actors. I recommend it as a thinking person's submarine movie.

My husband hasn't seen this yet, so it is a must watch for sometime in the future.

Crimson Tide is a very interesting action movie with a very believable story in today's world. It is not all about the explosions telling the story, the actors play a big part - and amazing actors it has too. Denzel Washington (Courage Under Fire, Remember The Titans) and Gene Hackman (Enemy Of The State, and a lot of westerns) deliver the goods in keeping the viewer interested.
It is also a very intense movie, with a tension that grows the more we learn about the 2 characters, whose opinions are as different as their skin colours.
The backup actors such as Viggo Mortensen (Lord of the Rings) and James Gandolfini (Sopranos) do their jobs well in adding to the onboard conflict when sides must be chosen.
Another good point of the movie is there doesn't seem to be a bad guy, leaving it up to the viewer, in a way, which keeps you thinking right to the end.
This edition of Crimson Tide is an extended version, but I didn't see that the extra footage explained anything of great importance to the movie. I always get a little annoyed when they release extended versions of movies I've already purchased, but that's just me.
To sum it up it's a good submarine/modern-threat movie, that won't grow dust on your dvd shelf.