Featured Audience Ratings

• Emil K

  
  Crimson Tide is a film directed by Tony Scott and anyone who has seen films by Scott knows that they are over stylized, hyper-edited and just plain patriotic films with corny dialogue and overblown music. Crimson Tide is no different. At times it feels like an ugly military… More
  Crimson Tide is a film directed by Tony Scott and anyone who has seen films by Scott knows that they are over stylized, hyper-edited and just plain patriotic films with corny dialogue and overblown music. Crimson Tide is no different. At times it feels like an ugly military propaganda-film that is cloaked as a statemet against nuclear guns. It also does not help that Crimson Tide is a film whic is cheesy as hell. There moments so corny that i had to roll my eyes while watching it. While there are actors as capable as Denzel Washington, Viggo Mortensen, Gene Hackman and James Gandolfini involved here, they still cannot escape the weakness of Michael Schiffer's screenplay. The dialgoue is mostly very bad and the twists just plain ridicilous with all the typical cliches of this kind of film. It all gets coated with seriously terrible and overblown score by Hans Zimmer. There is nothing wrong in Zimmer as a composer but here he just shoots for the money with big and patriotic score. Basically Crimson Tide is like a Top Gun but this time underwater. It is a film made by men for men who like to see men fighting against another men and like Top Gun, it all just ends up being something closer to an unintentional comedy than really thrilling thriller. Don't waste you time or money for this. Instead go and see The Hunt for Red October.

• Phil H

  
  Where would we all be without the good US of A to save the world at the drop of a hat huh. This time its the proud US Navy that gets to show us their stuff and stop those pesky Russians once again, darn pesky Russians. A Bruckheimer/Simpson production and boy can you tell, a… More
  Where would we all be without the good US of A to save the world at the drop of a hat huh. This time its the proud US Navy that gets to show us their stuff and stop those pesky Russians once again, darn pesky Russians. A Bruckheimer/Simpson production and boy can you tell, a veritable feast for the eyes with the standard graphic novel-like adaptation imagery that looks glossy, sharp and always exciting (with the assistance of some guy called Michael Bay). All together these three guys created some memorable action flicks that really are the true meaning of blockbuster. 'Crimson Tide' is no exception, well maybe one small exception, and that's the fact this film is probably the most sensible, realistic action flick they've created. Now if you will, this is my little videogame analogy of these flicks. Most of the Bruckheimer/Simpson flicks are what I would call 'arcade' type action flicks, they're big, loud, flashy and give plenty of bang for your buck. 'Crimson Tide' is more of a 'simulator' action flick in the simple fact its more realistic with deeper tension. This of course would be down to the brilliant direction of Ba...errr Scott who knows his way around a good looking military action flick. So in short the visuals here are crisp, smoky and sweat inducing in nice shades of green, blue and red. Life aboard a sub has been created seriously well and you really get that tight feeling as the camera peers down steel tubes and stairwells. Despite the fact almost the entire film takes place in the sub you never once lose interest as we go from action stations against Russian subs to one mutiny after another as Washington faces off against Hackman. This of course leads me to the cast which is really superb here. Even the small fry roles played by small fry character actors are decent. The big guns naturally fire on all cylinders, Hackman is pretty intimidating as the sub Captain whilst Washington easily gains your support as the 'good guy' of sorts. Supporting roles are also solid with Gandolfini in his usual slightly nasty persona, the guy who likes to make his presence known, and Mortensen as the guy torn between his captain and friend. Nice early build up into the film as we gather the crew and see what each are like. There isn't too much in special effects either as most of the action is simply viewing the crew and sub innards as each suspenseful situation looms, kicks off and passes. Brave move that pays off as you would expect lots of fancy CGI sequences. Finally a stirring moving bold musical score to really bring home the seriousness and heroism of the story...less you forget this is an AMERICAN military thriller damn it!! So end of the day yes you know how it will all end, pretty obvious of course. You know which man will stand tall and victorious by the end credits. You know there will be a change of character by the loser and you know there's bound to be a scene where men get trapped in the bowels of the sub and must be sacrificed to save the rest of the crew. Many typical scenes where the crew must decide who is in charge and if they're doing it the right way, the Navy way, the American way...cue rousing musical score and close ups of sweaty stern jawed faces. I like to think of this as Scott's grown up follow up to 'Top Gun' (had to mention it). All the hallmarks of a slick military action flick but much more sensible without 80's pop music and male posing. I saw this opening night at the cinema (ye olde 'Warner Village' cinema's) back when I was a young teen and liked it, I still like it now, what more can I say!?.

• 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.

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