Crimson Tide
Movie, 1995, The '90s, Set in Choir and synths
Crimson Tide is #4 of 25 in release order and #4 of 25 in chronological order in the Hans Zimmer.
The story
After the Cold War, a breakaway Russian republic with nuclear warheads becomes a possible worldwide threat. U.S. submarine Capt. Frank Ramsey signs on a relatively green but highly recommended Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter to the USS Alabama, which may be the only ship able to stop a possible Armageddon. When Ramsey insists that the Alabama must act aggressively, Hunter, fearing they will start rather than stop a disaster, leads a potential mutiny to stop him.
Crimson Tide recap
Crimson Tide (1995) pits a submarine captain against his executive officer over an order to launch nuclear missiles that may have been cancelled. Tony Scott directs. Russian ultranationalist rebels seize a missile base, and the ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama sails under Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) with a new executive officer, Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington), a Harvard-educated officer who distrusts reflexive force. An order arrives to launch a strike before the rebels can fuel their missiles. A second message starts coming in but is cut off when a rebel submarine attacks and the radio is damaged. Ramsey wants to fire on the first order; Hunter, as the second officer whose agreement is required, refuses until the second message is confirmed. Ramsey tries to relieve him, and Hunter has him confined for breaking protocol. The crew splits, with officers such as Lieutenant Peter Ince (Viggo Mortensen) caught between them, and control of the boat changes hands twice. The theme "Roll Tide" builds a male choir and synthesizers into a hymn of rising tension around the standoff.
Crimson Tide ending explained
Crimson Tide ends with the repaired radio delivering an order to abort the launch, proving Hunter right. Ramsey, who had retaken the control room, hands command back to Hunter and goes to his cabin. A naval tribunal finds both men acted within their duties; Ramsey retires and recommends Hunter for command of his own boat. The film stands alone, and "Roll Tide" won Zimmer a Grammy.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Crimson Tide
Crimson Tide is streaming on fuboTV and Philo in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.4/10, Rotten Tomatoes 89%
Where it fits
- Release order: after The Lion King, before The Rock.
- Chronological order: after The Lion King, before The Rock.
Cast
- Denzel Washington as Lt. Commander Ronald "Ron" Hunter
- Gene Hackman as Captain Franklin "Frank" Ramsey
- Matt Craven as Lt. Roy Zimmer
- George Dzundza as Chief of the Boat Cob
- Viggo Mortensen as Lt. Peter 'Weps' Ince
- James Gandolfini as Lt. Robert 'Bobby' Dougherty
- Rocky Carroll as Lt. Darik Westergard
- Jaime Gomez as Officer of the Deck Mahoney
- Michael Milhoan as Chief of the Watch Hunsicker
- Scott Burkholder as Tactical Supervising Officer Billy Linkletter
- Danny Nucci as Petty Officer Danny Rivetti
- Lillo Brancato as Petty Officer Third Class Russell Vossler
Directed by Tony Scott.