Crimson Tide

When I saw The Crimson Tide in the cinema in the mid-90s, it made a very good impression on me and that is why I am giving it four stars today. However, I'm not sure if I would be equally satisfied upon rewatching it, after all, I have seen several "submarine" movies since then, and compared to them, this one is only slightly above average. The Hunt for Red October is, I'm afraid, better by more than just one class difference. This decently directed thriller with a highly unlikely plot relies on the acting skills of D. Washington and especially G. Hackman. Overall impression: 70%. (04/29/2007)

Crimson Tide is a Hollywood attempt at cinematic psychology between characters that won’t insult your intelligence and you will be delighted by the spectacular visuals (Tony Scott’s typical camera filters) and Hans Zimmer’s brilliant music, as well as by the excellent actors. (04/25/2003)

Someone wanted to write a story “like Tom Clancy", but he wasn’t able to do it. Crimson Tide has a barren, unsurprising script, but it's well filmed and, as always, the perfect Gene Hackman plays in it, which makes it all worth seeing. The character of Denzel Washington did not impress me in any way, and I could write the same about the music of Hans Zimmer, because (this time) it is nothing special. A slightly above-average submarine film - about on the level of U-571. (01/20/2019)

Watching Hackman and Washington's rivalry is actually far more interesting than the actual mission of the entire crew. In fact, Crimson Tide is very predictable in terms of the script, and if it weren't for the excellent performances of the central duo, it would have dropped into the mists of mediocrity. On the other hand, the knowledge that the fate of the planet can often be decided by who can piss farthest is slightly disturbing. But all the psychological and geopolitical aspects aside, this is through and through a sure-fire directorial one-off from Tony Scott that doesn't really have much to offer except for the aforementioned performances. (11/04/2018)

A wonderfully played game of battle subs under the baton of Tony Scott with a soundtrack by Zimmer which is legendary today. Fresh-faced Washington as the man at the moral helm fights over command with Hackman’s old sea dog. Themes of justice and arguments against mindless obeying of orders and violence are basic, but they work. The atmosphere of impending nuclear holocaust is almost tangible. But better submarine thrillers exist. P.S.: I bet the conversation about the Silver Surfer is Tarantino’s contribution to the script. (05/20/2022)