“Crimson Tide” reminded me of “The Hunt For Red October” with its intense submarine warfare. This film might even be a little better; it’s faster and more intense but also improves on the acting and the dilemma is just as grand. I loved nearly every moment of “Crimson Tide” because it’s an effective thriller from director Tony Scott (“Top Gun”).

In “Crimson Tide”, we find out that terrorists in Russia may have nuclear capabilities so the U.S.S. Alabama submarine goes out to defend America. Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman “Superman: The Movie”, “Behind Enemy Lines”) will do anything to defend his country but first officer Lt. Commander Hunter (Denzel Washington “Inside Man”) thinks a little more philosophically about things. A fragmented message arrives after an order to launch nuclear weapons, now personalities clash as Hunter and Ramsey dispute over whether to fire or not.

The performances from Hackman and Washington are outstanding, Oscar-worthy. It’s an interesting relationship full of respect of each other yet also personality conflict spliced with a desire to preserve order and the code of conduct. Every one of their conversations is fascinating to say the least. There are other cast members too but these two guys make the movie.

“Crimson Tide” is just amazing! It’s a real race all the way through but it’s a smart race. Submarine warfare films usually force movies to be a little smarter than most other kinds of thrillers and “Crimson Tide” exceeds expectations. If you liked “The Hunt For Red October” then you have to see “Crimson Tide”, if you like smart thrillers with strong performances then you have to see “Crimson Tide” and if you like movies that’ll truly keep you on the edge of your seat then once again, you must see “Crimson Tide”. If I haven’t convinced you yet then I’m not sure that anything will.