Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Crimson Tide was a great movie to watch. It would be hard to go wrong with this team. Gene Hackman (Enemy of the State) plays Captain Ramsey, Commander of the U.S.S Alabama. A U.S. Nuclear submarine equipped with twenty-five nuclear warheads. Danzel Washington plays Lt. Commander Hunter, second in command of the U.S.S. Alabama and (XO) Executive Officer. Directed by Tony Scott (Top Gun).

Captain Ramsey is an old hand when it comes to Submarines. He is one of the few men left in the Navy that has seen combat. His hard line tactics and general outlook on life has made it difficult for him to keep a second in command on his boat.

He can't stand save asses or kiss asses, so Lt. Commander Hunter has to find this fine line that Captain Ramsey demands.

Now a corps (60,000 men) of rebels break ranks in the Russian military. They seize several Mobile nuclear warheads and a navel base. There are four AKULA class Russian nuclear submarines that have fallen into the rebel's hands.

The US sets defcon 4. A state of emergency not seen since the Cuban missile crisis.The U.S.S. Alabama and her crew are immediately dispatched for a possible preemptive strike against the Russians.

Captain Ramsey seems to be a little intimidated by Commander Hunter. Hunters intelligence, education and accomplishments are remarkable. Captain Ramsey constantly test's Hunter's wit, while he searches for his stance on issues.

Captain Ramsey speaking in the officers
mess, War is a continuation of politics
by other means,Von Clausewitz. What do you
think Clausewitz was trying to say Hunter?
Hunter replies, what I think Clausewitz
was trying to say is a little more, Ramsey
interrupts,"Complicated",
Well that's the way the Navy wants you,
on the other hand they wanted me simple.
Then Hunter tries to answer the question.
Sir the purpose of war is to serve a
political end but the true nature of war
is to serve itself. Ramsey replies,The
sailor most likely to win the war is
the one most willing to part company with
the politicians and ignore everything but
the destruction of the enemy? Yes sir
Hunter replies, I'd Agree that's what
Clausewitz was trying to say.
But in my humble opinion in the nuclear
age the true enemy is war itself.

Incoming EAM (Emergency Action Message).The rebel forces have began fueling nuclear missiles, launch codes have been compromised. The launch of your nuclear weapons have been authorized. This is not a drill. Captain Ramsey is like a machine, Spin up missiles one through five and twenty through twenty-five, Raise to launch depth. The release of nuclear weapons have been authorized.

Out of the blue a AKULA class Russian submarine fires two torpedo's at the U.S.S. Alabama...

Tony Scott has put together a must see thriller with his Crimson Tide. Hackman and Washington deliver some very intense and intelligent acting.

I most definitely recommend everyone see this one.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older