Although I never read the Tom Clancy novel on which it is based, this is an engrossing submarine thriller with a Cold War storyline.
The plot follows the gripping maiden voyage of the new Soviet typhoon class submarine Red October. This new sub is intended as a first strike weapon, equipped with propulsion systems that enable it to travel silently and undetected. It is skippered by the most respected Russian naval commander, Captain Marco Ramius. His plans to defect result in the entire Russian navy seeking to destroy the Red October. Meanwhile, the Americans fear that Ramius has become a rogue captain intending to launch his sub's nuclear missiles on the cities of the American Eastern Seaboard. Only CIA officer, Jack Ryan, believes that Ramius' intent is defection, and he has very little time indeed to persuade the American navy that his assumptions are correct.
For me the movie is made by the masterful performance of Sean Connery in the role of Captain Ramius, the widowed submarine captain born and raised in Lithuania. Nicknamed the Vilnius Schoolmaster, Ramius has trained many Soviet naval officers during his years of teaching at the Vilnius naval academy. Connery ages like a fine wine and has never looked more appealing than in the naval uniform of the USSR. He depicts the character of Ramius well, a commanding officer at ease with his authority, both unfailingly competent and unflinchingly cool under pressure. He appears to be a man of integrity with a conscience regarding the USSR's new first strike weapon submarine. However, he's also an enigmatic character that keeps the viewer a little unsure as to his intent, whether it is defecting or launching missiles. What exactly is that Ramius up to?
The other roles are also well cast. Alec Baldwin with his boyish charm is convincing as Jack Ryan, a CIA officer leery of flying. Sam Neill especially gives a brilliant and sympathetic performance as Captain Vasily Borodin, the second in command of the Red October. Scott Glenn plays the gruff Commander Mancuso of the American submarine Dallas. My only complaint is the disappointing minor role of James Earl Jones (normally one of my favourites) as the authoritative CIA director Admiral James Greer. With his magnificent deep voice, it's a shame his dialogue seems to consist of barking orders, unfortunately often swearing as he does so.
All the underwater submarine cinematography and the Oscar winning sound effects make for a convincing tale. I loved the dramatic launch sequence of the Red October at the beginning of the movie when it puts out to sea from Murmask in northern Russia. Also, the accompanying musical scoring is fabulous, the rousing Russian background music. It's quite touching when at one point the submarine crew breaks into the majestic Russian National Anthem. The language issue is well addressed, usually English but at appropriate times Russian with subtitles. The Soviet captain's Scottish brogue didn't bother me in the least!
The submarine tension here is a little reminiscent of Das Boot, but interspersed with international intrigue. Throughout the movie but especially during the closing submarine battle scenes, there is gripping action to keep you on the edge of your seat. It's an intense Cold War thriller unlikely to disappoint.
The plot follows the gripping maiden voyage of the new Soviet typhoon class submarine Red October. This new sub is intended as a first strike weapon, equipped with propulsion systems that enable it to travel silently and undetected. It is skippered by the most respected Russian naval commander, Captain Marco Ramius. His plans to defect result in the entire Russian navy seeking to destroy the Red October. Meanwhile, the Americans fear that Ramius has become a rogue captain intending to launch his sub's nuclear missiles on the cities of the American Eastern Seaboard. Only CIA officer, Jack Ryan, believes that Ramius' intent is defection, and he has very little time indeed to persuade the American navy that his assumptions are correct.
For me the movie is made by the masterful performance of Sean Connery in the role of Captain Ramius, the widowed submarine captain born and raised in Lithuania. Nicknamed the Vilnius Schoolmaster, Ramius has trained many Soviet naval officers during his years of teaching at the Vilnius naval academy. Connery ages like a fine wine and has never looked more appealing than in the naval uniform of the USSR. He depicts the character of Ramius well, a commanding officer at ease with his authority, both unfailingly competent and unflinchingly cool under pressure. He appears to be a man of integrity with a conscience regarding the USSR's new first strike weapon submarine. However, he's also an enigmatic character that keeps the viewer a little unsure as to his intent, whether it is defecting or launching missiles. What exactly is that Ramius up to?
The other roles are also well cast. Alec Baldwin with his boyish charm is convincing as Jack Ryan, a CIA officer leery of flying. Sam Neill especially gives a brilliant and sympathetic performance as Captain Vasily Borodin, the second in command of the Red October. Scott Glenn plays the gruff Commander Mancuso of the American submarine Dallas. My only complaint is the disappointing minor role of James Earl Jones (normally one of my favourites) as the authoritative CIA director Admiral James Greer. With his magnificent deep voice, it's a shame his dialogue seems to consist of barking orders, unfortunately often swearing as he does so.
All the underwater submarine cinematography and the Oscar winning sound effects make for a convincing tale. I loved the dramatic launch sequence of the Red October at the beginning of the movie when it puts out to sea from Murmask in northern Russia. Also, the accompanying musical scoring is fabulous, the rousing Russian background music. It's quite touching when at one point the submarine crew breaks into the majestic Russian National Anthem. The language issue is well addressed, usually English but at appropriate times Russian with subtitles. The Soviet captain's Scottish brogue didn't bother me in the least!
The submarine tension here is a little reminiscent of Das Boot, but interspersed with international intrigue. Throughout the movie but especially during the closing submarine battle scenes, there is gripping action to keep you on the edge of your seat. It's an intense Cold War thriller unlikely to disappoint.