I love this movie so much

I wanted to but couldn't!

Don't listen to the negative reviews

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

Russia is suffering political instability as rebels threaten launching nuclear war against US and Japan. The US sends nuclear submarine, the Alabama, off to sea. Captain Ramsey (Gene Hackman) needs a new XO. Commander Hunter (Denzel Washington) is brought on board. The two are cordial at first, but soon differences surface. Ramsey is old-school and doesn't think much of the college educated Hunter. When they receive a disputed order to launch, the two men struggle to get the upper hand.It is a compelling exciting submarine movie. There isn't an easy bad guy although we're meant to empathize with Denzel. The pairing of Hackman and Washington generates a lot of energy and a lot of acting power. They have a great back and forth during the climax. They are backed up by great supporting actors Matt Craven, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, and Rocky Carroll. Director Tony Scott delivers a solid thriller.

There is a lot of ritual in the American military movies from the 90's. More than usual, that is. Crimson Tide is the story of a nuclear crisis when a crippled US submarine receives orders to fire nuclear missiles, then another partial message just before communications fail. The hardass captain (Hackman, of course) is countered in his desire to obey the launch order by the intellectual XO, played by Denzel Washington. And you have ritual in this as well: the speech before submarine launch, the wooden drills that have to happen "just so" with specific phrases and actions to reassure people they are doing the right thing. It's akin to religion and, by the very nature of the film, it makes you understand it was designed as such, transforming people into unthinking and uncaring machines.In truth, there isn't much to this movie in terms of story. The nuclear scenario is not really believable while the individual ideas in the film are simple and few. What makes the whole thing stand out is the great cast and their performance. There is some food for thought, though, because as far as the plot went, they really did receive a nuclear launch order when in all appearance, there was no need for one. That they recanted afterwards is of no relevance and perhaps a movie about that side of the story would be very interesting. Also, the ending shows that, as closed societies and fraternities often do, when a failure in their process or beliefs is found, it is quickly hidden under empty words and dirty bribes. Because even if they try to show the integrity of Hackman's character, the ending of the movie was just that: a bribe for a cover-up.As a conclusion, it is a classic film already, something that is worth watching for the sake of remembering the names of the actors in social situations alone, as James Gandolfini's character proves at the beginning of the film, and it also makes one think, if one is willing. What I found chilling is the joyful exuberance of the submarine troops when destroying the Russian one or the fanatic desire for some to follow the launch order. As Sting said, Russians love their children, too. So often in such movies, this element is completely ignored. That is what starts wars.

First off, id like to say that if you know nothing about the military (or you hate it) you will like this movie. If you know anything about submariners, its an absolute joke. NO WAY ANY OF THIS WOULD EVER GO ON IN A NUCLEAR SUB! I was never in the military myself but I have many friends who were and I can tell you that if you bring up this movie around them they will go on for hours about how silly and contrived all the scenes in the movie are. Denzel was in his usual semi-racist (but not too racist) role. Not to mention Gene Hackman playing his usual role of the "conservative" American who is nothing more than the worst human being imaginable. Arrogant, cocky, and of course, stubborn as a mule. Has anyone else noticed that he almost always plays the same character, just different situations? Bottom line is this movie is nothing more than Hollywood liberal propaganda, using the "manly-man" Gene Hackman as their fall guy for the stereotypical evil conservative who just needs to be re-educated (and usually is) in how to be a good little socialist. If you want to see a good submarine movie, see "The hunt for Red October". Otherwise, avoid this tired piece of liberal propaganda.

Crimson Tide is a must-see for anyone who likes action combined with drama or are big fans of A-list actors. Going into this movie, I expected something along the lines of The Hunt for the Red October. But what I got is a better film. This movie portrays possible real-life scenarios on whether or not submarine commanders should launch nuclear weapons.This is about a naval submarine heading to Russia to launch nuclear weapons on them. But after the radio transmission failed in the middle of the report, the captain and XO go out on each other determining what will be best thing for them to do.The acting is phenomenal. Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington are brand name actors who never do anything wrong. They are marvelous here as the captains.Overall, this is not like most thrillers. This one has a great build-up and a great ending. Also, I must note the score by Hans Zimmer. It is worth listening too. I rate this film 9/10.