The Hunt for Red October
Tags: mystery, murder, violence, action, claustrophobic, suspenseful

Plot synopsis:
In November of 1984, shortly before Gorbachev came to power, a Typhoon-class Soviet sub surfaced just south of the Grand banks. It then sank in deep water apparently suffering a radiation problem. Unconfirmed reports indicated some of the crew were rescued.But according to repeated statements by both Soviet and American governments, nothing of what you are about to see...ever happenedThe film opens with a pan of a hilly, snow-covered landscape surrounding a bay, which is observed by Marko Ramius- who we see close up on the eyes briefly.Polijarny Inlet,
North of Soviet Sub Base,
Near MurmanskRamius and his colleague Vasili Borodin (Sam Neill) discuss the cold - and hard - morning before an accompanying tugboat sounds a horn. Borodin, using binoculars to scout, notifies Ramius that it is time. The submarine prepares to submerge.The film changes scenes to a room in a building (in London) and scans books and artifacts (as the opening credits roll) as Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) packs for a trip. His daughter, Sally, stands nearby - claiming that Stanley (her stuffed teddy bear) "keeps waking her up". Ryan promises Sally he will buy Stanley a "baby brother" before he and his wife leave for Heathrow airport.Upon arriving at Washington Dulles International Airport, Ryan is met by two CIA agents who escort him to the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. He meets with Admiral Greer (James Earl Jones) who he shows photographs from British Intelligence of the Red October a Typhoon-class submarine which is 12 meters longer than a standard Typhoon sub and three meters wider. He also reveals that he wrote a bio on Ramius during the previous year, who captained the lead submarine of each new class for the last ten years, has fairly good political connections and trained most of the Soviet attack boat skippers. Ramius is known as Vilnius Nstavnic (Vilnius Schoolmaster). Greer notices strange doors on the Red October, which both Ryan and the British do not know the purpose of. Ryan wishes to share the pictures with Skip Tyler (Jeffrey Jones), a sub driver who lost his leg to a drunk driver and is doing teaching at the Naval Academy and consulting with Navy laboratories at Top Secret clearance minimum. Greer calls his assistant and orders a car for Ryan within 10 minutes - revealing that the [Red October[/i] was caught by satellite in Polyarny Inlet.USS Dallas,
Los Angeles Class Attack Sub,
100 Miles Northwest of Polyarny InletThe sub passes overhead and the film a monitor sonar pingings showing on it, scanning around the room where Seaman Jones (Courtney B. Vance) (nicknamed "Jonesy") tutors a younger seaman on the Signal Algorithmic Processing Systems only to find a whale. Chief of the Boat Watson (Larry Ferguson) interjects and persuades Jones to talk about a story about Pavarotti. The story is interrupted by a new contact signal, which Jones reports to the Conn. Captain - Cmdr Bart Mancuso (Scott Glenn) acknowledges.The film switches to the interior of the Red October, where Borodin notifies Ramius that it is time to open the orders and that the Political Officer, Putin (Peter Firth) is in the captain's cabin. Ramius becomes suspicious and hands over Conn to Borodin and investigates to find Putin reading a book about the end of the world, which Putin objects to Ramius owning such a book. Ramius responds that it belonged to his wife and he keeps it for sentimental value. Putin suggests opening the orders. Ramius opens a vault (which requires two keys - which Ramius and Putin carry) and reveals an envelope. The orders are to rendezvous with the Alfa-class submarine Konovalov captained by Tupolev (who was a student of Ramius), where they will test the Caterpillar drive while Tupolev hunts him. They are to return to Polyarny following the test. Putin ambitiously requests permission to post the orders and inform the crew of the mission himself which Ramius reluctantly grants. As Putin turns to leave, Ramius slams him against the table and kills him, telling him that he cannot follow the captain's path. He spills tea on the floor next to Putin's body and calls the doctor to his cabin, while producing a concealed set of orders and burning the original orders.Graving Dock #4,
U.S. Naval Shipyards,
Patuxent, MarylandRyan enters a large bay housing an attack submarine with cranes overhead. A worker nearby tosses him a hard hat before he finds Tyler directing work on a DSRV that is being mated with a generic docking collar that is to mate with any sub from any navy force. Ryan shows Tyler the pictures. Tyler quickly recognizes the doors as the caterpillar drive - a "magneto-hydrodynamic" propulsion system that renders the submarine silent by mimicking seismic anomalies. Tyler reminisces about the Cuban missile crisis and mentions that the sub can launch missiles at Washington and New York without anyone noticing.Dr. Yevgeniy Petrov (Tim Curry) checks on Captain Ramius as crew members carry Putin's body out of the captain's cabin, worried that Ramius is blaming himself for the "accident". Ramius calls a cook over to witness (along with Petrov) the captain removing the political officer's missile key and keeping it for himself. Petrov objects - suggesting that they report to Red Fleet Command (he also thinks Ramius should return to Polyarny to replace Putin - which Ramius objects saying missions are not canceled because of accidents), but Borodin, handing Ramius a set of orders, mentions that is impossible as orders are for strict radio silence. Ramius dismisses the cook and the doctor - who is unnerved and thinks he should carry the second key to prevent Ramius from arming the missiles on his own. Ramius promises Petrov that he will try to forget the doctor's comments when presenting his report. The cook looks on in suspicion.Jones and Mancuso investigate the new sonar contact, which is identified as a new Typhoon submarine. Mancuso calls "Typhoon 7" (They do not recognize that this is the Red October. The captain orders his XO, Lt Cmdr Thompson (nicknamed "Tommy") (Anthony Peck), to work Dallas in closer to the sub.Ramius announces the Red October's orders to the crew - and orders the caterpillar drive engaged and the propeller shut down. Announcing that they will "lay off [the U.S.'s] largest city" before sailing to Havana. The crew sings the Soviet national anthem as the caterpillar engages, resulting in the contact being lost from the Dallas sonar. Ramius orders a course toward 250 and the Sonar officer reports a contact with a Los Angeles submarine. Ramius asks the officer if the sub is attempting to follow to which the officer responds that the sub continues at course 310. Borodin worries about the singing being heard, but Ramius lets the crew enjoy the moment.Mancuso is shocked to find the Dallas lost the Red October and asks for diagnostics on the sonar. Jonesy confirmed that the sonar is working and nervously reports that he thought he heard singing.Red Fleet Political Directorate,
Varposki Prospect,
MoscowA man, Admiral Yuri Padorin (Peter Zinner), walks along a hallway and several Russian military officers stand up to acknowledge as he passes by. He ignores and frustratingly waves them off. His orderly greets him, takes his coat and hat, sets up the tea and notifies him that a letter is on his desk from Marko Ramius. The admiral happily opens the letter and picks up his tea, then slowly drops and spills his tea as he reads the letter.At the shipyard archive, a phone rings until Ryan answers it as Tyler looks on. A quick switch is made to a car dropping Ryan off at the White House where he greets Greer who tells Ryan that the project is no longer about research. Greer reveals he already knows what the doors on the Red October are when Ryan reports the intelligence to Ryan's amazement. He mentions that the captain of the sub (the [/i]Dallas[/i]) reported it disappearing right in front of them. They are heading to an official briefing of Jeffrey Pelt (Richard Jordan), the President's national security adviser, which Ryan is to give. Ryan stands in shock at the assignment, but Greer reassures him that he is the only one that knows the material. Ryan begins the briefing by describing the Red October and that additional Soviet subs and surface ships are preparing to sail at about the time of the Dallas' loss of contact with the Red October. He also talks about Ramius' history. He believed that the Red October is possibly a first strike weapon. Greer believes this may be an exercise but says there the data but a Joint Chief general objects thinking that this may be a move against NATO. Judge Moore reports sensitive information indicating that Ramius posted a letter to Padorin prior to sailing. Ryan recognizes Padorin as an uncle of Ramius' wife. Moore stated that after reading the letter (contents unknown), Padorin ordered the Soviet fleet to sink the Red October. Ryan realizes that Ramius might be trying to defect, but the Army general vehemently objects to this, saying that as an analyst Ryan has no idea what Ramius has in mind. Ryan asserts that because he knows Ramius as a legend and a maverick and that he actually met him. Greer holds him back as Pelt dismisses the Joint Chiefs but asks Ryan to remain. Pelt offers Ryan an opportunity to prove his theory correct and sends him off to make contact with Ramius and capture the Red October while disguising the operation as an inspection.Aboard the Konovalov, Tupolev awaits the arrival of the Red October. He finds a new set of orders and realizes what happened. He orders the crew to set course to intercept the Red October as quickly as possible.Jones listens to sonar recordings to find out what happens to the Red OctoberPetrov is conversing with the Red October's chief engineer in the officer's mess. Ramius glares at him, then silently orders Borodin to escort the talkative doctor out of the room to fetch the latest batch of radiation tests. Borodin locks the door and the remaining officers sit down. Victor Slavin, the Red October's diving officer, requests information on what happened to Putin, but is ignored by Ramius and confronted about his tone. The officers discuss the risk of defecting and what impact on the crew when Ramius announces the letter he dispatched to Padorin announced their intention to defect. The officer's are shocked at this - objecting and realizing that Padorin will hunt down the Red October. Ramius dismisses the officers. Borodin expresses his disagreement about informing Moscow, but Ramius says that it is not Moscow he's worried about, but encountering an American "Buckaroo".Ryan is flying aboard an aircraft encountering severe turbulence that lands on an aircraft carrier while another crewman talks about what happened on a previous flight he had been on.USS Enterprise,
The North Atlantic,
East of Nova ScotiaThe aircraft touches down on the flight deck. Ryan follows the Enterprise Captain Charlie Davenport who is escorting him to the cabin of fleet commander R. Adm. Josh Painter (Fred Dalton Thompson) and lets him know that the "Gentleman" is here to see him. Ryan apologies for the uniform, explaining that it was Greer's idea of a low profile. Painter asks what all the "hubbub" is all about.Tommy and Jonesy propose an idea to Mancuso aboard the Dallas about something Jonesy heard after the Red October disappeared, what the computer called a "magma displacement". Jonesy plays the sound at ten times normal speed and mentions his belief that the sound is definitely man-made and mechanical. He shows a chart with points on it showing it headed toward Thor's Twins - the entrance to "Red Route One" around Iceland. He convinces Mancuso to plot a course toward the end of the route.Ryan, Painter and Davenport discuss Ryan's plans and idea that Ramius is defecting and Davenport protests heavily. Painter also believes the idea of a few days inspection will not work. He asks what they are to do with the crew and what Ramius' plan is, both of which Ryan doesn't know. Once things settle, Painter offers a place to sleep. After Ryan leaves Davenport protests the idea of Ryan wearing the uniform. Painter responds by explaining that Ryan had been a marine who survived a helicopter accident and ultimately left the corps on a medical discharge. Painter felt the Soviets would find the sub first.The Red October begins its navigation of Red Route One. Borodin calls Ramius to report first turn when Ramius himself enters the control room and orders an increase of speed to 26 knots. A shocked Borodin relays a re-computation order to Kamarov, the ship's navigation officer and Slavin protests quietly to Borodin - who ignores him. The Red October successfully navigates the next turn while maintaining the high speed. An explosion rocks the sub - which turns out to be the cryogenic plant failing. Borodin investigates and orders Lt Melekhin to disengage the caterpillar. He calls the captain and states the ship will have to stop to make repairs. Ramius instead orders main engines started at 20 knots - despite the protests of the lack of stealth movement.Soviet ambassador Andrei Lysenko (Joss Ackland) is confronted by Pelt, and denies any knowledge of Soviet naval activity. Pelt - concerned about a war breaking out - explains exactly what is happening to the Soviet Ambassador - who admits that the Soviets have lost one of their submarines and are trying to find it because several officers are sons of high party officials. Pelt offers assistance, which Lysenko replies to by saying they are in control of the situation.Bear Foxtrot #692,
Soviet Anti-Submarine aircraft,
South of IcelandThe weapons officer of #692 notices a sonar pingback and radios to the plane's captain.Ramius is explaining to Melekhin about the loss of the caterpillar exposing them to the entire fleet (He does not mention which fleet) when the sonar operator interrupts him with the notice of a turboprop (BF692) flying overhead and the dropping of sonar buoys. Ramius order's battle stations be manned. A torpedo is released from BF692 and acquires lock on the Red October. Ramius ignores the turn at the Neptune Massif and uses it as a shield to avoid the torpedo from destroying the sub. Slavin protests all the way, drawing a relief from duty order from Ramius. A scared crew member asks why the BF was shooting at the Red October and has to be held back by Petrov and calmed by Borodin. Ramius looks around to find concerned looks on all crew members in the conn. Melekhin finds out that someone had intentionally sabotaged the caterpillar by tearing out the buffer circuit and reports to Ramius and Borodin. Realizing the presence of a saboteur, Ramius changes his plans for getting the crew off the sub.Aboard the Enterprise, Ryan ponders what Ramius is planning, wondering how he would have to get a crew to want to get off a nuclear submarine. The word "nuclear" gives him his answer. He tells Painter he knows, but Painter is not ready to listen. Davenport, now at ease with Ryan's uniform, explains the situation that is taking place and the deployment of both Soviet and American ships. A line of Soviet attack subs have lined up along the U.S. east coast, ready to intercept the Red October while Soviet ships and planes are trying to drive Ramius to them. Ryan notices a sub off by itself by Iceland - which Painter explains is the Dallas. Ryan realizes that the sub made contact with the Red October and requests transport to it. The request is difficult at best. Painter and Ryan witness an F-14 crash into the carrier's flight deck after a confrontation with a Bear Foxtrot that damaged the F-14. A helicopter - which was stripped down and turned into a "flying gas can" carries Ryan toward the Dallas.The Dallas reacquires contact with the Red October using Jonesy's theory and follow it. Aboard the Red October, Borodin reports to Ramius in the captain's cabin that they emerged from the turn and have reactivated the caterpillar. The crew now knows of the saboteur and is afraid. Routine clearing of the baffles (also known as Crazy Ivans) are initiated, causing the Dallas to go into silent running. Borodin and Ramius converse plans for their future after handing over the sub to the Americans while both crews endure the first Crazy Ivan. Ramius orders Guards posted in engineering to protect against the Saboteur. Mancuso orders end of silent running after the Red October reemerges in front of them. The radio officer hands orders to him notifying of Ryan's arrival.The Dallas surfaces to meet the helicopter, which lowers Ryan to the sub, but the high wind and rain prevent an easy transfer and injuring Tommy as a result of a collision between him and Ryan. As the helicopter aborts, Ryan disconnects from the tether and falls into the water. Mancuso dispatches a diver to recover himLysenko demands audience from the U.S. President requesting assistance to destroy Red October saying that Ramius suffered a mental breakdown and the letter he sent to Padorin announced his intention to fire missiles upon the United States.Mancuso learns from Ryan that what he found is the Red October before receiving orders to sink her from central command. The Dallas rigs for red and orders battle stations manned - and reacquires contact with the Red October. Ryan realizes that the Soviets invented the story because they couldn't sink the Red October without any assistance and attempts to convince Mancuso otherwise, nearly being taken prisoner for it. Ryan guesses that the next Crazy Ivan will be to Starboard because he knows Ramius always does so in the bottom half of the hour. Ramius does exactly that, and Mancuso orders a reversal of the engines despite protests from Jonesy that the Red October will hear them. Now that they have "unzipped their fly", Mancuso orders weapons ready and outer tube doors open. The Red October responds equally, except for opening the tube doors. The Red October heads up to Periscope depth. The Dallas follows alongside.Both captains look through their periscopes. Mancuso sends a message to Ramius crafted by Ryan that the U.S is notified of his "intentions" according to Soviet officials and that he should not approach the U.S. or risk attack. Ryan offers the opportunity to discuss options. This confuses Ramius, who orders a single verification ping sent toward Dallas. Mancuso realizes Ramius' true intention and awaits Ryan's next message. Ryan suggests that if Ramius intends defection he should plot a course to south of the Grand Banks. Ryan also admits he didn't know that Ramius would Crazy Ivan to Starboard. Mancuso also bluffs Ryan by saying his Morse is so rusty that he might be sending dimensions on the playmate of the month. Ramius slams the periscope arms in shock - realizing that the Dallas has discovered his true intent. He orders another ping. Mancuso asks what this is about, to which Ryan responds that they will have to ruse the sinking to get the soviets off the Red October's back. Ramius orders a course to the Grand Banks.The Grand Banks, Just north of the Laurentian Abyssal, 20 Hours laterRed October's alarms sound and vents spew gas into every room. Melekhin explains that a leak in the primary coolant tube forced shutdown of the caterpillar and ventilation has been disabled. Petrov strongly suggests getting the men outside. Ramius tries to deny sabotage until Borodin agrees with the doctor. Ramius orders surface and evacuation. Borodin stands watch with Binoculars and spots an American frigate to the west of them. The frigate orders the Red October to not submerge or risk being fired upon. Ramius orders Petrov to join the crew while he and the officers dive and scuttle. The frigate fires a warning shot, then launches a helicoptor which drops a torpedo into the water. A hand presses the self-destruct button for the torpedo 300 yards behind the Red October. Greer informs Lt Cmdr Mike Hewitt (William Bell Sullivan) that the torpedo hit Red October and he was never present. Tyler orders Dallas to get the DSRV over to the Red October.As Mancuso mutters about the CIA being involved and pointing out "a contradiction in terms", he boards the DSRV, joining Jonesy and Ryan - who gives Mancuso a deadpan look as Mancuso asks how the coffee was. The rescue sub transfers to the Red October while the Ruben James rescues the Red October's crew. After docking, Mancuso, who had readied his own sidearm en-route, offers a gun to Ryan, who reluctantly accepts, believing that Ramius won't change his mind about defecting. Anatoli, the Red October's sonar chief, greets Mancuso and welcomes him, Jonesy and Ryan into the sub's interior, escorting them to the Conn, where Ramius and his officers await them.Borodin orders Melekhin to disarm the flashing lights in the radiation alarm. Ryan asks for a cigarette from Melekhin and smokes it, drawing the ire of both the Soviets and Mancuso. Ramius realizes his worry of a buckaroo after glancing at Mancuso's sidearm - Ryan laughs, explaining to Mancuso such. Ramius asks Mancuso why he fired on the Red October despite no such mention in the message. Ryan explains that this was necessary to maintain the illusion for the Red October crew. He realizes that Ryan sent the signal but asks how Ryan knew that the reactor accident was false. Ryan said it was a logical guess. Tensions relax a bit between the Soviets and the Americans and Ramius requests asylum for him and his officers which Mancuso accepts. A torpedo flies overhead, interrupting them. A Soviet officer believes that the Americans are shooting again, but Jonesy says that the torpedo is Russian because the pitch is too high.Tupolev wonders why the missile did not detonate, and orders adjustment and another torpedo launch. Beaumont reports aboard the Dallas the presence of the new contact, an Alfa-class Soviet submarine (The Konovalov. Ramius engages power on the Red October and the DSRV off the hull. Jonesy and Borodin discover the Konovalov 8000 yards to starboard. Tupelov launches another torpedo. Tommy, now in command of the Dallas, orders battle stations manned of the COB, his acting XO. Aboard the Ruben James, Steiner explains what happens to Greer and Tyler. Ramius orders the Red October to turn into the torpedo's path, closing the distance to prevent arming and eventual break-up. Ramius orders a firing solution, but the saboteur, which stowed aboard during evacuation, shot at and destroyed the fire control, killing Borodin in the process (Borodin took a bullet meant for Ramius). Mancuso returns fire to drive off the traitor. The Saboteur enters the missile bay and begins to rig a missile for self-destruct. Ramius leaves Mancuso in command and goes to intercept. Mancuso offers his sidearm to Ramius and sends Ryan with him.Ramius is injured by the saboteur and Ryan continues his advance to intercept the traitor in the missile bay.Tupolev orders safety ranges set to zero and fires another torpedo. Jonesy recognizes that the torpedo will hit, but the Dallas intercepts the missile and does an emergency surface to save the Red October and drive the torpedo off course.Ryan finally finds the saboteur, discovering him to be the same cook Ramius encountered during the Putin investigation. The cook has no intention of surrendering and Ryan kills him.Ramius and Ryan return to the Conn as the torpedo reacquires the Red October. Mancuso plots a collision course with the Konovalov and plays "chicken" with her, turning just in time to allow the torpedo destroy the Konovalov.Back in Washington, Pelt explains to Lysenko that recovery is difficult and return of the crew to the Soviets. Lysenko explains that the Soviets lost a second sub (The Konovalov). Pelt responds with mock surprise at the news.Penobscot River,
North of Searsport, MaineRamius, Ryan, Mancuso and Melekhin stand on the Bridge of the Red October reminiscing about the past and future and hide the Red October in the Penobscot River, 100 miles from the nearest base. It was in an area that Ryan grew up. Ramius queries Ryan on why he didn't ask why this happened. Ramius intended to take away a first-strike weapon from the Soviets.Ryan flies back to London, having bought Stanley's "brother" and sleeps peacefully despite the turbulence.

Review: This story of a Soviet sub commander who is trying to defect to the U.S. adds a unique twist to the suspense normally associated with submarine films.John McTiernan, who is building an enormous reputation in the action/adventure genre did a fabulous job as director.
McTiernan is very effective in keeping up the pace and giving the viewer riveting suspense as smart torpedos chase subs through the murky deep.As always, Sean Connery was powerful as the defecting captain, determined not to allow this first strike weapon to start a nuclear holocaust.
Unlike Harrison Ford who made Ryan into an action hero in other Tom Clancy adaptations, Baldwin seemed better cast as the CIA nerd who was thrust into a field situation without any real experience.
In this way, I felt he was a better representation of the character as Clancy originally wrote him.This is a highly entertaining and engrossing film that will keep most action and suspense viewers on the edge of their seats.
Second is the high caliber of actors: James Earl Jones, Alec Baldwin (I'm a Harrison Ford fan, but I still think Baldwin was far better for the role), and - last but certainly not least - Sean Connery.
The myriad of supporting actors (including current TN Sen. Fred Thompson) that appear on screen subsequently all have distinct but nonetheless crucial roles to the plot.Baldwin, in what is and will probably be his career best role ever, shines as the intelligent and patriotic Jack Ryan, a thinking man's hero.
I wish he had stayed on as this character in 'Patriot Games' and 'Clear and Present Danger', because although I like Harrison Ford better as a movie star/actor, Baldwin just seemed better for this role.
Further, he believes the Russians don't want to admit this for fear of losing their best submarine.The film is directed by John McTiernan, who brought us "Predator," "Die Hard," "The Thomas Crown Affair" (remake) and "Die Hard with a Vengeance." All of the preceding films are very good, most of them great, and "The Hunt for Red October" qualifies as "very good."Sean Connery gives a commanding performance as the leading character, Ramius.
But if you look past the book persona, you will enjoy the performances in all the films much more.I don't tend to like military thrillers most of the time.
The acting is what holds the film together, with a charismatic performance from Sean Connery,(in one of his best post-Bond roles) and a career best from Alec Baldwin.
Movie Review: "The Hunt for Red October" (1990)The very first Tom Clancy (1947-2013) Hollywood movie adaptation is a rocking blast of a motion picture.Director John McTiernan fully focuses on bringing the essence of an 387-page strong novel from 1984 to the screen, righteously turning down the job at "20th Century Fox" concerning "Die Hard 2" starring Bruce Willis.Thanks to leading actor Sean Connery as Russian submarine Captain Ramius and sublime supporting cqst from Sam Neill, Scott Glenn to James Earle Jones as U.S. Admiral, "The Hunt for Red October" is motion picture entertainment throughout.Actor Alec Baldwin pushes pencils and envelopes as soon-after iconic character of C.I.A. clerk turning operative Jack Ryan gets his moments of suspense in central usually interior meeting room ambience.Then Jan de Bont as director in charge of photography, including magnificient intense submarine interiors, when Hollywood major "Paramount" gratefully thanks producer Mace Neufeld of creating a modern action-thriller classic.Copyright 2018 Cinemajesty Entertainments LLC.
We get great actors like Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, James Earl Jones, and Tim Curry!I knew that was Sam Neil.
The best among all of the Tom Clancy movies still stands up despite the fact the Cold War is long gone and Russia isn't a viable military threat.
Virtually everyone who was casted in this movie was excellent, from the likes of Alec Baldwin, Sean Connery, Sam Neill, Tim Currie, Stellan Skarsgard, Joss Ackland and Scott Glenn.
A truly great movie that is suspenseful, and casts stars before they were really big (Sam Neill in Jurassic Park, and Alec Baldwin)..
The first novel and the first screen adaption of a Tom Clancy novel is the thrilling and fast paced The Hunt For Red October about a Soviet submarine and her captain and Clancy's intrepid hero Jack Ryan.That particular submarine is a stealth submarine equipped with a new technology that will allow to creep up to the USA shoreline without barely a trace of sonar contact.
The book was written beforehand, but the movie came out just when this was happening.The action proceeds on two levels, a cat and mouse diplomatic game involving the Russians through their ambassador Joss Ackland disseminating a lot of disinformation about Sean Connery.
The second level is the military one with Admirals James Earl Jones and Fred Dalton Thompson trying to divine Connery's intentions and Alec Baldwin as Jack Ryan offering an alternative view.
Maybe Tom Clancy is solely responsible for that and maybe he isn't (I've still never read the book), but I must've watched this movie over a dozen times since I bought it a few years back, and it keeps getting better every time I see it.It's the subtle touches, really.
...For a time I really admired director John McTiernan, because this film, along with "Die Hard" and "Predator" did such an excellent job of creating a real literary world, with tension and compelling action/character, and if there were any holes, he did such a great job of covering them that you never noticed.
The casting is generally superb (the casting of James Earl Jones as Greer is one of the all time actor/character match works of genius) and the film is pretty faithful to one of the best books of its genre..
The story revolves around the Red October's captain (played by Sean Connery) who essentially goes rogue and takes his submarine on its way to the United States.
As regards to the film adaptation of Tom Clancy's 'The Hunt For Red October', it represents itself as a flawed, but competent Cold War thriller that both thought provokes, and stimulates the viewer with well directed action scenes thanks to the production guidance of the venerable John McTiernan of Die Hard fame.However, as a viewer who represents the minority of voters who have actually read the novel and now viewed the motion picture, I am left feeling slightly disappointed that the film's producers chose to allow the film to pursue its own path in storyline, rather that following the firmly trodden tracks of Clancy's brilliant novel.For instance, in the film adaptation the United States Navy steal most of the limelight in the pursuit and rescue of the crew of the Red October, whereas in the novel it is in fact the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier - HMS Invincible - that undertakes the pursuit at the request of the United States Government.
It is this act of plot devolution by the film's producers that I cannot forgive and therefore cannot enjoy this movie as much as I would have with a bit more British involvement, rather than having to endure the usual American all-singing all-dancing, save the world jingoism that you get in this slightly average film adaptation of the brilliant Clancy novel.If you are going to do something, it pays to do it properly I'm afraid.
I find this movie to be one of John McTiernan's best for many reasons.It is a political thriller which still shakes us today, it is a masterpiece of story telling and portrays very powerful performances indeed.I doubt that any other sub-film reaches its standards (Crimson tide comes pretty close) and I believe that it will take much more than fancy special effects to do so in the future.
He believes that it's very likely that Ramius and his fellow officers actually plan to defect.Many familiar faces play roles big and small - among them, Scott Glenn, Sam Neill, James Earl Jones, Joss Ackland, Jeffrey Jones, Fred Dalton Thompson, Courtney B.
The film got me hooked to the book (like most movies based on novels, the book is better) and now I'm a Tom Clancy fan.
"The Hunt for Red October" is a superb thriller that's just in time for the end of the Cold War and the USSR.
Sean Connery stars as Soviet Union submarine captain Marko Ramius in this action film, a story about Ramius captaining his country's newest sub but violating Russian orders, heading for the United States instead.
As a result, U.S. officials attempt to track down the sub and discover the captain's true intentions.Though this is an action film, much of the movie's entertainment and intrigue stem from the built-up tension, character development, and suspense - from Alec Baldwin's Jack Ryan character trying to help the U.S. sub communicate with Captain Ramius to the subject of defection and warfare.
The film has an all-star cast including Connery, Baldwin, James Earl Jones, Sam Neill, Scott Glen, Tim Curry, Stellan Skarsgård, and Fred Thompson.
usually, i don't watch military movies; I can't stand Baldwin, Skarsgard; I find that Neill has never been so tight ass than here; As in the novel, i find that it's stupid that a desk-man can guess all the plot and that this best soviet silent submarine is not that much against American witty; However this is a great movie: it doesn't happen often but this time the visual impact leaves the words far behind!
A slow-burn, sure, but between the cast (solid), the overall visual (the movie looks great) and the tense underwater gambit, this is one entertaining film.As far as Jack Ryan goes, Alec Baldwin has always been my favorite.
Captain Marco Ramius of The Red October is a brilliant Captain, strategist and tells of a game they'll play "getting close to the American fleet undetected" The action heats up as Americans realize that the ship has a quiet propulsion system that makes this possibleCIA Analyst Jack Ryan is thrust into this when he has a theory, but he has to prove it in a world of uncertainties.
Plot twists and turns heighten the action as the USS Dallas joins in the chase.Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin play Ramius and Ryan in a movie based on a book so realistic, both the Americans and the Soviets swear that it never happened.The book of course is better, and I couldn't put it down.
Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) is the captain of the new innovative Soviet nuclear submarine Red October with an almost-silent drive.
My rating: 7.5 out of 10 (I really liked it) I've read so many reviews of 'The Hunt for Red October' that argue over whether or not it portrays submarine operations believably, that criticize the actors for their inability to speak Russian or mimic the accent; but to focus on these things is, in my opinion, to really miss the point of going to the movies.The point of movies is fantasy, not realism.
Forgive the ignorance of a non-Tom Clancy reader but I never knew "Patriot Games" was in fact the second opus of a series that started with "The Hunt for Red October" and where Alec Baldwin played Harrison Ford's part as Jack Ryan.
And how "Red October" will get away from torpedoes coming from each side is one of the most exhilarating premises of the film which turns into a fascinating cat-and-mouse thriller and race against the clock with the Cold War as the perfect backdrop.And considering the political content, I feel like the title could have been "Patriot Games" as well.
Sean Connery is perfect as the leading, charismatic, yet enigmatic Captain, he exudes that kind of intimidating presence which makes you keep your guard up all through the film, but it's Ryan who really shines, as the average bureaucrat who conveniently knows better than anyone.Ryan is a former Marine, but from the way Baldwyn underplays him, he becomes an office worker, an analyst, whose intelligence and capability to anticipate Ramius' moves, are the only tools he can provide, and they are perfect within a military chess-game like this.
Now, as much as I appreciate Harrison Ford, I'm pretty sure Alec Baldwyn would have been terrific in the second film, because he made that rookie-thing more believable, and his heroic involvement more appealing.The secret of "The Hunt for Red October" is to keep the right balance of darkness and enlightenment; enough to leave a complex plot with multiple layers of conflicts clear accessible to us.
It features also obligatory heart-pounding moments, whether when the attacks against Ramius came from the outside, with the torpedoes' attack, or from his own crew, when he has to deal with the questioning of fellow officers, challenging his authority, and more seriously, some bits of sabotage that might undermine the mission.The visuals magnificently restored the ambiance of submarines' interiors (although the exterior shots were too blurry), maybe in a too perfect way, but it's easy to overlook these little details, the film again isn't a Cold War "Das Boot", it's plot-centered, made of human interactions and conflicted situations.
It does however confirm that the best military films are set in the Navy, for only a boat, or a submarine, can convey that claustrophobic entrapment inevitably leading to situations where life-and-death situation aren't all provoked by the enemy.Like "The Caine Mutiny", "Mutiny on the Bounty" or "Crimson Tide", "The Hunt for Red October" benefits from an intelligent writing, great casting (Peter Firth, Sam Nell are names to be mentioned too) and impeccable special effects, it's one of these entertaining thrillers to watch on TV during a stormy Sunday night..
There is a cat-and-mouse game in here with five good actors involved: Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones and Sam Neill.I enjoyed the story but had two complaints: a dozen uses of the Lord's name in vain and the DVD transfer was disappointing.
This film portrays the defection of a group of Russian naval officers who move to the American side of the Cold War aboard one of the most powerful Soviet submarines.
Alec Baldwin was also well on his character, as well as most of the actors involved in the film, and it is full of well-known stars (Sam Neill, James Earl Jones, Tim Curry or Stellan Skarsgård are good examples).
John McTiernan directed this adaptation of the Tom Clancy novel that stars Sean Connery as a veteran Soviet submarine commander in charge of a new type of sub when it appears that he may be defecting, as he seems to have violated orders and is heading straight for the U.S.A., or does he have ulterior motives?
Easily the best film ever about a Russian sub captain with a Scottish accent.Actually he's of Lithuanian ancestry, but still...The first movie adaptation of a Tom Clancy novel, an adaptation of his very first one, this is also the first to feature his regular protagonist, Jack Ryan, played here by Alec Baldwin, who plays him quite well as the out-of-his-depth intelligence analyst.It is Sean Connery who dominates the film however as Red October's captain, Marko Ramius.
Tom Clancy was almost a sleeper hit, in the novel world, anyways, back in the 1980's, and this first film in the Jack Ryan movie adaptations, is a true wonder.
Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Sam Niell, James Earl Jones, and more big stars fill the screen in good, sometimes great performances that just enhance the experience.
"The Hunt For Red October" is a 1990 film directed by John McTiernan and stars Alec Baldwin and Sean Connery.
The film is adapted from the 1984 Tom Clancy novel about a Soviet nuclear submarine which drops off U.S. scanners, prompting a young CIA analyst (Baldwin) to scramble to find out what the captain's (Connery) motives really are.
Well, that's rather like saying that anyone who knows anything about the fine-details of cartoon animation or the biology of rodents will be disappointed by 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'.'Red October', an emaciated version of a chunky Clancy novel, is a tight, sweaty thriller supported by a sterling cast;I mean, with the exception of maybe 'Beetlejuice' where else can you watch Alec Baldwin without wanting to slap his fat mug?
Well, that's rather like saying that anyone who knows anything about the fine-details of cartoon animation or the biology of rodents will be disappointed by 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'.'Red October', an emaciated version of a chunky Clancy novel, is a tight, sweaty thriller supported by a sterling cast;I mean, with the exception of maybe 'Beetlejuice' where else can you watch Alec Baldwin without wanting to slap his fat mug?
as the first of the Jack Ryan movies Alec Baldwin will always be jack in my mind, red October on the big screen was as i remember as big as the cinema screen, with the cynical American approach to the matter in hand, the Russians hoping they can pull it off, and keep their crew safe at the same time, whilst knowing they will be hunted by their own people to the death, when this movie comes on its one of them movies thats always watched by me, its still full of tension and even though you know the story you still wait for the twists and turns and love em.
This movie is awesome for two reasons: Alec Baldwin and Sean Connery!Both these actors prove to play the parts very well and show how they are such great actors, but they are also well supported by James Earl Jones, Sam Neil, and Scott Glen.
First, let me say I'm biased in my review, in that I'm a huge Tom Clancy fan.You can read the breakdown of the movie/book all over the 'net, so I'll just give a very brief breakdown:Marko Ramius (Connery), a disgruntled Soviet Submarine commander, decides to defect with his officers to the United States.
I won't say Alec is the best Jack Ryan, since I've only seen 2 Tom Clancy Films (Red October and Sum of All Fears) but he does a great job in the role.An often overlooked aspect of this film, that is truly outstanding, is the soundtrack.
The Hunt for the Red October is probably one of Tom Clancey's best novels turned into a movie.