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Crimson Tide

Play trailer Poster for Crimson Tide R Released May 12, 1995 1h 55m Mystery & Thriller Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 54 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
After the Cold War, a breakaway Russian republic with nuclear warheads becomes a possible worldwide threat. U.S. submarine Capt. Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) signs on a relatively green but highly recommended Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) to the USS Alabama, which may be the only ship able to stop a possible Armageddon. When Ramsay insists that the Alabama must act aggressively, Hunter, fearing they will start rather than stop a disaster, leads a potential mutiny to stop him.
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Crimson Tide

Crimson Tide

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Critics Consensus

Boasting taut, high energy thrills and some cracking dialogue courtesy of an uncredited Quentin Tarantino, Crimson Tide finds director Tony Scott near the top of his action game.

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Critics Reviews

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Duane Byrge The Hollywood Reporter Simpson/Bruckheimer have plunged to the ocean's depths to reach the heights of commercial, big-movie filmmaking. May 12, 2020 Full Review Dolores Barclay Associated Press Crimson Tide is a whale of a movie, an intense and a heartstopping adventure played out against the unnerving threat of nuclear annihilation. Feb 19, 2020 Full Review Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Rated: A- Sep 7, 2011 Full Review Adrian Turner Radio Times This is riveting stuff, an achievement that is even more remarkable in view of the movie's restricted setting - a submarine's claustrophobic confines. Rated: 4/5 Feb 2, 2024 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...the picture’s compulsively watchable atmosphere is heightened by its emphasis on the fascinating nitty-gritty of submarine life and its surfeit of magnetic, charismatic performances... Rated: 3.5/4 Jul 19, 2023 Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Neither Scott nor Schiffer seem worried about the deeper details of the crisis or the geopolitics at its center. That’s a good thing as it keeps the narrative tighter and more focused. Rated: 4/5 Aug 19, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Wayne K One of the many Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer collaborations that helped make the 90s such an incredible decade for movies, Crimson Tide is an action film with brains to match the brawn. Somewhat based on a real life incident, the story follows a nuclear submarine that gets caught up in a difficult situation, and a divided crew that each believe themselves to be taking the right course of action, a judgement that’s left up to the viewers to decide. What’s so compelling about the story is the power dynamic between the leads, played brilliantly by Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington. They’re 2 professionals, one more academic and introspective and the other more hardnosed and experienced. The scenario that plays out tests both of them in different ways, and the film is smart enough to never paint them as entirely right or wrong, its just how they approach the situation and their ability, or inability, to see the big picture. Much like the subaquatic masterpiece Das Boot, the film makes great use of the inherent claustrophobia that comes with being on a crowded submarine, with narrow corridors, low ceiling and something to bang your head on round every corner. The camerawork and directing, with lots of long shots and Dutch angles, constantly keeps you uncomfortable, as do the close ups of sweaty, panic-stricken faces. It’s a perfect example of a slow escalation of tension, a raising of stakes and a ticking clock that the film constantly reminds you of. We get to know our characters through the simplest of exchanges, and in smart little moments that are woven throughout the narrative, such as Ramsey’s liking of classical music, or Hunter’s discussion of comic book characters. There’s never a wasted moment, and whichever team you end up agreeing with, you’ll come out the other side feeling like you just watched one Hell of a film. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/06/24 Full Review Max W Tony Scott delivers a pinnacle of action and drama, with Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman’s brilliant on-screen chemistry elevating the film’s tension to an entirely new level. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/28/24 Full Review ChrisCSH H Crimson tide is a riveting, claustrophobic, action packed adventure of a film. The brilliant direction putting the viewer inside the submarine along with all the characters as everything plays out in real time is fantastic writing and directing. Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman play off each other throughout the entire film is truly entertaining. This film has a lot going for it , Great acting , fantastic pace, Great story definitely puts this film at the very top with a lot of other war movies. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/17/24 Full Review Audience Member This has gotta be one of the best war movies out there. The acting, story, pace, etc. All of it is unreal. This movie is a 10/10. 11/10 considering they yell “Go Bama, Roll Tide!” Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/27/24 Full Review Joseph C One of the best submarine movies ever made. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/11/24 Full Review Blu B The performances are excellent across the board with some really good dialouge throughout. The cinematography can be a bit on the style side but there is tons of substance as well. A very tight script that balances thrills with brains very well. There really isn't much else to say. Also really liked the neon/blue/red colors at times as well. It gives it a surreal feel for a crazy high stakes thriller. All Time Classic. Everyone should give it a try. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/08/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Crimson Tide

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Movie Info

Synopsis After the Cold War, a breakaway Russian republic with nuclear warheads becomes a possible worldwide threat. U.S. submarine Capt. Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) signs on a relatively green but highly recommended Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) to the USS Alabama, which may be the only ship able to stop a possible Armageddon. When Ramsay insists that the Alabama must act aggressively, Hunter, fearing they will start rather than stop a disaster, leads a potential mutiny to stop him.
Director
Tony Scott
Producer
Don Simpson, Jerry Bruckheimer
Screenwriter
Richard P. Henrick, Michael Schiffer
Distributor
Image Entertainment Inc., Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co
Hollywood Pictures, Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films
Rating
R
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 12, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 10, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$91.4M
Runtime
1h 55m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo
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