An American submarine is set out to sea after instability in Russia leads to the possible threat of a nuclear attack. Nuclear devices aboard, the crew is suddenly poised to launch the missiles after an emergency message advises of an imminent Russian strike. Unfortunately, the last message received is cut off halfway, so the crew is suddenly unsure of their mission. The Captain of the ship believes that they should launch the missiles, while the XO thinks they should wait for confirmation.
Tensions rise and mutiny abounds.
Thrilling, entertaining, claustrophobic, interesting, tense, are only a few of the words that I can use to describe this successful submarine thriller solidly anchored by the superior performances from two of today's top actors in the prime of their form, Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. The buildup of the film was also managed quite dramatically with a burgeoning tension as it moved along at a rapid pace. Credit goes to director Tony Scott for this accomplishment and the effectiveness of the story. This film is not about action either, it's basically about being in a situation where two people may be right, but a decision has to be made, and the fate of a billion people may lie in its wake. Schroder's character has to follow one of the grimmest orders in the entire film.