Crimson Tide MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +4 Content: -2

From the producers of TOP GUN, CRIMSON TIDE is one of the most exciting, action packed military dramas to come to the screen in recent years. Most of the action takes place aboard the USS Alabama, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine which can launch nuclear missiles at land based targets. The setting is the fall of 1990 when a volatile Russian fanatic, along with his force of rebel Soviet soldiers, has seized control of a Russian intercontinental missile base. The USS Alabama, commanded by Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman), is rushed to the waters off the coast of the Soviet Union. After a few days, it receives startling orders to launch a preemptive strike against the Russian missile base. But the orders are soon followed by an incomplete message which may have meant to negate the previous order. However, the Captain prepares to launch his missiles. But his second in command, Lt. Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington), objects and demands that an attempt be made to clarify the last order. The two clash in a violent encounter and the crew finds itself caught in their mortal duel. Meanwhile, their sub is being stalked by a Russian submarine which is trying to blow them out of the water. The tension in CRIMSON TIDE is incredible, and audiences will be spellbound as this intense drama unfolds.

Although Ramsey and Hunter clash violently, they have respect for each other. And when their mission is over and a Navy Commission investigates the conflict, Ramsey's comments about Hunter are surprising. Hunter is a sensitive, intelligent young officer and a dedicated family man. His principal concern is to avoid a WW III nuclear holocaust. The principal objectionable elements in this drama are a crude suggestive remark by Capt. Ramsey and the many obscenities and profanities shouted out by the crew in the heat of battle. Although a real life submarine crew would have used similar language, their cursing is offensive. In its earlier days, Hollywood made exciting action films without foul language and it could still be done. The violence in the submarine involves some striking and rough treatment, harrowing gun threats and one drowning. But none of it is excessive and constitutes a legitimate part of the drama. CRIMSON TIDE dramatically reminds us that the world is still vulnerable to a nuclear war.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Buena Vista Distribution Co, 3900 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, CA 91521-0021