Crimson Tide (1995)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Ken S

  
  Totally entertaining naval suspense film with great cinematography and fantastic performances.

• Adam K

  
  Enjoyable somewhat, "Crimson Tide" is a classic men's film combined with a beer and shouting at the screen, but it sometimes fails at times as I found myself just getting angry at the over the top gun-ho Americans. Michael Schiffer and Richard P. Henrick provide a… More
  Enjoyable somewhat, "Crimson Tide" is a classic men's film combined with a beer and shouting at the screen, but it sometimes fails at times as I found myself just getting angry at the over the top gun-ho Americans. Michael Schiffer and Richard P. Henrick provide a decent script, snatched up by studios as a box office smash, but they are let down by slightly poor direction from Tony Scott, who I would love to like but have found it hard so far. Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman portray not very deep characters, but you find yourself egging Washington on and I found myself developing a slight grudge against Hackman, who play Executive Officer Hunter and Captain Ramsey respectively. The man who can only be known as Tony and another as Aragon provide good performances. No one steals the show but they are among the decent cast the best. There are interesting shots, moments which capture the fear that sub-mariners must feel in these situations, and at times a gripping storyline, but the film is let down by over the top beats and acting that does drive me to frustration at times. Although not the best film of all time, "Tide" is a decent film, enjoyed by not only the typical man but also many others as well. *** 3 Star

• Jeff "

  
  Crimson Tide is one of the best submarine films that I have seen. Along with The Hunt For Red October, Crimson Tide is one of the most solid sub films. There are a few imperfections, but man is this film entertaining. The cast here deliver strong performances, and it's simply… More
  Crimson Tide is one of the best submarine films that I have seen. Along with The Hunt For Red October, Crimson Tide is one of the most solid sub films. There are a few imperfections, but man is this film entertaining. The cast here deliver strong performances, and it's simply intense to see Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington going head to head. Tony Scott knows how to deliver a wicked action film, and Crimson Tide, though flawed is action packed, filled with thrills and suspense and is basically the perfect film to thrill an audience. Crimson Tide is a top notch action film that definitely delivers the action, and is among the best action films that I have seen. Tony Scott is always able to create something action packed and entertaining, but Crimson Tide though not perfect, is among one of the best action films ever filmed. Hans Zimmer has crafted an epic film score too. Crimson Tide is a pure, entertainment film that shouldn't be dismissed. A well crafted action, Crimson Tide is one of the best action films of the 90's. A well plotted and tense war action film, Crimson Tide is a pulse pounding, thrill a minute action film. Not only that, but the acting is superb and you can forgive the films imperfection due to its good cast. A memorable film and one of Tony Scott's most accomplished directorial efforts. A film not to miss if you're a fan great action. This film delivers it all.

• ♥Robyn

  
  good action thriller!!!!

• Anthony L

  
  Good cast and all round good film but Tony Scott's usual cheese creeps in a little too much

• Lenny M

  
  Tension under sea with an interesting plot where you're not sure who's good or bad, right or wrong. Deals more with respect of the chain of command during extraordinary circumstances. Good cast, Washington vs. Hackman, good directing. Why do submarine movies always have… More
  Tension under sea with an interesting plot where you're not sure who's good or bad, right or wrong. Deals more with respect of the chain of command during extraordinary circumstances. Good cast, Washington vs. Hackman, good directing. Why do submarine movies always have something Red related in the title? Crimson Tide, Hunt for the Red October, K-19 The "Red" Widowmaker. Very Very interesting.

• Ross C

  
  Nuclear submarines make for a good thriller...

• Luke B

  
  Crimson Tide really is a fantastic film. It's one of the most suspense ridden films I've seen due to some brilliant editing and a wonderful score. However the tension mainly comes from the amazing screenplay and flawless performances. The characters here are neither right… More
  Crimson Tide really is a fantastic film. It's one of the most suspense ridden films I've seen due to some brilliant editing and a wonderful score. However the tension mainly comes from the amazing screenplay and flawless performances. The characters here are neither right nor wrong. They both have their arguments and it's just awesome watching everyone start to split into groups. The Chief of the Boat was especially great to see, as he goes by the books despite disagreeing with Washington. The chemistry between Hackman and Washington is blinding. It's friendly, respectful and then spiteful and dark. It's like Heat or The Dark Knight, a great rivalry between the two. The supporting cast do a wonderful job, showing a bunch of young soldiers thrown in the deep end where the wrong decision could mean the end of the world, and the right decision may mean the same thing. The lack of women makes this a real old school manly film, like The Great Escape or Lawrence of Arabia. These days we would have had boring scenes of the wives at home crying or something. The only tears here are at the end, because it's real manly love stuff, respect and honour. Having just found out about an extended edition I know what I'm gonna get my hands on next.

• xGary X

  
  When an American nuclear submarine is cut off from the chain of command, the captain decides to launch his missiles causing the first officer to mutiny. This is a pretty run of the mill submarine thriller elevated once more by the presence of veteran character actor Gene Hackman and a… More
  When an American nuclear submarine is cut off from the chain of command, the captain decides to launch his missiles causing the first officer to mutiny. This is a pretty run of the mill submarine thriller elevated once more by the presence of veteran character actor Gene Hackman and a good supporting cast including Viggo Mortensen and James Gandolfini. The suspense is contrived and the direction by Tony Scott is rather mechanical but thankfully free of the kind of irritatingly gimmicky camera work that has since become his trademark. The gratuitous Tarantino-isms also stand out like a sore thumb. But by far the biggest handicap for this film is the usual Old Glory salutin' militarism that plagues American thrillers of this type; it even bottles out of showing the captain as the villain of the piece even though he basically was trying to start WW III. Paths Of Glory this is not; in fact it's own contemporary The Hunt For Red October is a lot better.

• Al S

  
  A full-throttle, first-rate edge of your seat action-thriller. Tension loaded and packed with excitment. Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington are at the top of their game.

• Curtis L

  
  Gene Hackman sure likes to play angry old men. Isn't it great?

• Cindy I

  
  I didn't think it was all that bad, but my brother, who was stationed on a Navy sub for several years, said it was the biggest pile of crap he'd seen -- totally unrealistic and stupid.

• Tim B

  
  I thought this was a good analogy about how the hero has changed over time. Gene Hackman played a character who would have been considered a hero in his day, but is a villian, compared to Denzel Washington's more thoughtful and ethical approach.

• Dean !

  
  A tense war thriller with 2 great actors.

• Steve K

  
  Total guy flick, with one of the most macho musical scores ever written.

• Aliyanto L

  
  See how your leadership be tested by watching this movie!

• danny d

  
  fantastic, maybe the best sub movie ever made

• Aaron N

  
  Hunter: Do you understand? Petty Officer First Class Danny Rivetti: Yes, Sir. Hunter: You have to set an example even in the face of stupidity. Everybody who reads comic books knows that the Kirby Silver Surfer is the only true Silver Surfer. Now am I right or wrong? Petty… More
  Hunter: Do you understand? Petty Officer First Class Danny Rivetti: Yes, Sir. Hunter: You have to set an example even in the face of stupidity. Everybody who reads comic books knows that the Kirby Silver Surfer is the only true Silver Surfer. Now am I right or wrong? Petty Officer First Class Danny Rivetti: You're right, Sir. Hunter: Now get out of here. Petty Officer First Class Danny Rivetti: Yes, Sir. It's nice to know that Tarantino did some dialogue additions, giving more life to some of the characters in a real sense, because it's fun to see. I'm not a big fan of Submarine movies, they are pretty predictable, but in a movie like this, it shows once again that it is not what a movie is about, but how it is done that makes the difference. Tony Scott directs a well crafted thriller made for summer audiences. A well rounded cast led by Denzel and Hackman do a good job. Some neat sub effects, mixed with great sound effects and a good score by Hans Zimmer, that will be used again in years later. Scott gives his visual touch here, which works well in a sub combining the movements with the claustrophobic nature. Good stuff.

• Cameron J

  
  That's right, the USS "Alabama"; roll tide, y'all! Actually, I am in no way a sports fan, though I certainly know enough about football to you people that if I'm gonna be on anyone's side, in terms of sports, then I'm sure proud to be an Alabamian. I… More
  That's right, the USS "Alabama"; roll tide, y'all! Actually, I am in no way a sports fan, though I certainly know enough about football to you people that if I'm gonna be on anyone's side, in terms of sports, then I'm sure proud to be an Alabamian. I love how I shamelessly boast Alabama's great football-playing abilities, as if I'm credibly reinforcing my stance that Alabama's not being full of useless, ignorant rednecks by emphasizing that hardly anyone is better than us at throwing stuff and bashing into each other. Hey, as much as I hate us Alabamian's being stereotyped, at least our stereotypes are consistent, because if Quentin Tarantino is supposed to be a reflection of Tennessee, I don't know if they're actively offensive, a tiny bit ghetto, film buffy, big Japanese-stuff geeks, or crazy, self-abusing dare devils with an immature, but still admittedly funny sense of humor, if Johnny Knoxville is supposed to be Tennessee's testament. I actually have a Tennessee-born friend who's into just about all the stuff Tarantino's in to, so I'm going to have to guess that ol' Quentin's the big stereotype here, though I can at least tell you that Tennessee is certainly not big in the submarine industry, because Mr. Tarantino is getting no love in the writing credits. Now that is quite the shame, because if snappy dialogue writing is another potential Tennessee stereotype, then I'm all the way behind them actively offensive, ghetto, film buffy, Japanese-stuff geek self-abusers. Still, neither Tarantino's underappreciated contributions nor the other sharp stuff in this film can completely blow the missteps out of the water. As much as I give Ridley Scott trash for keeping his films just too quiet and dull, there are points in this film where I wish his brother, Tony, would just turn down the music. Don't get me wrong, I can never get enough Hans Zimmer, yet the way Tony Scott manipulates it leaves a deal of should-be quiet scenes to overbear, though not as much as the sentimental scenes, which are rare, but when they snap on, oh man does Scott pump it full of sap with his misuse of the great Hans Zimmer's work. Still, contrary to how I make it sound, the film quiet itself down, yet there's still too much freneticism in the air during plenty of those quiet moments, making the exposition and resonance within them to fall a touch limp, to a certain degree, while further diluting the film's level of intelligence. Sure, as political as this film gets here and there, it's still somewhat of an action film about a bunch of manly men hanging out, spouting off military banter and occasionally engaging in some fairly brutal battles, so I'm not asking for Shakespeare here, though the film still touches on many intriguing pieces of subject matter that, in the hands of a more competent filmmaker - perhaps one that's experienced in effective action-dramas -, could have been prominent, though not to the point of drowning out tension. Still, as it stands, Tony lives up the Scott name by presenting us a sharp production, with talented and clever writers and performers, while still not being skilled enough (Or rather, smart enough) as director to have the film truly live up to its potential. Still, while Tony Scott is still not as competent as his still overly workmanlike, fellow director brother, I wasn't just blowing smoke when I said that he has put together quite the team. Again, his production isn't as top-notch as those found in Ridley Scott's should-be excellent films (Seriously Ridley, wake up as director, because I'm dying to actually love one of your films), but Tony Scott still knows how to assemble a crack team of talents that are just strong enough to really bring this film to surface; and yes, that was a cheesy submarine reference. Even with its moments of manipulative misuse, come on, it's still a Hans Zimmer, so of course it's still awesome. On top of just plain sounding good, Zimmer's score has a subtle sweep to it, giving the film some scope, but still plenty of intimacy with the situations within the sidelines, giving the film consequence to juice it up in various deparments, particularly the action department, during which, Zimmer isn't the only one who shines. Tony Scott is so wildly improvable as a storyteller, but as far as action goes, he really knows how to summon tension, intrigue and, yes, at times, even emotional resonance in the heat of battle, whether it be through manipulation of Dariusz Wolski's excellent cinematography or simply manipulation of atmosphere, and that really gives a lot of weight to this film, not just stylistically, but even as far as substance goes. Still, although most of the whole second half of the film is unrelenting intrigue and meditative action, weighty action still can only supplement already existing resonance, something that goes heavily diluted by Scott's all-too workmanlike, if not rather weak handling of exposition, yet never fades, because what really brings this film to life is not simply the execution of Michael Schiffer's and Richard P. Henrick's screenplay, but Schiffer's and Henrick's screenplay, itself, which sets up everything in an occasionally conventional fashion, but, on the whole, really understands its characters and situations, setting them up in a very lively and human way, with intelligence that dilutes in execution, but is still there enough to appeal. Also, props to an uncredited Quentin Tarantino for his punch-up of the dialogue, which further intensifies the human feel, as it glows with Tarantino's believable, yet ever-so entertaining and memorably machismo-rific snap, though without all the dragging that plagues the screenplays of his own films. Still, no matter how great a screenplay is, it still has to be well executed to some degree, and while Scott doesn't bring much to the table, in terms of executing the humanity and charm of the screenplay, his performers really step up, boasting crackling chemistry, charisma and individuality between them, making for a colorful cast of charmers, those ones that bring plenty more than just charm during some of the heavier moments. The problem with the film is the fact that Tony Scott is just too much of an action director, leaving the film to not as much as it really should have, yet the components behind the substance all but make up for Scott's messy execution and leave the film not as rewarding as it should be, but pretty satisfying from as much of a substance standpoint as a stylistic standpoint. In conclusion, the film's substance goes diluted by Tony Scott's unintelligent and occasionally manipulative storytelling, as well a few moments in genericism, yet the film powers on, given some pretty sharp kicks when Scott's fine taste in tense action comes into play and goes intensified by Hans Zimmer's amazing score and Dariusz Wolski's fine cinematography, which isn't to say that the substance body of the story doesn't boast enough snap, charm, wit and humanity in the screenplay and colorful performances to ultimately leave "Crimson Tide" to roll tid-I mean, roll "on" as a thoroughly entertaining and somewhat rewarding - in terms of story - blockbuster. 3/5 - Good

• Deb S

  
  At the height of the Cold War, a battle of wills erupts between the captain of a US nuclear submarine (Gene Hackman) who wants to make a retaliatory strike on Russia, but his second-in-command (Denzel Washington is adamant about getting more information before setting such a drastic… More
  At the height of the Cold War, a battle of wills erupts between the captain of a US nuclear submarine (Gene Hackman) who wants to make a retaliatory strike on Russia, but his second-in-command (Denzel Washington is adamant about getting more information before setting such a drastic move into play. The problem is to launch BOTH the captain and 1st officer must simultaneously use their launch keys. The conflict between Hackman and Washington shows that even among very specific and clear orders, there can be some ambiguity.Overall this works well because the cast keep the tension high while the camera zooms round the confined space while the launch countdown continues. Crimson Tide is an excellent, intelligent thriller that is very enjoyable, mainly because of Washington and Hackman.

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