Synopsis: A new, technologically-superior, made
for surprise attack, Soviet nuclear sub is heading toward the
United States, either to start a war, or to defect to the Americans.
Story Description: When a superior, brand new
attack Soviet sub, "The Red October," with Captain
Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) at the helm, is reported to be making
a beeline to the eastern coast of the United States, the great
alarm among military and government authorities, both American
and Soviet, starts a great sub hunt, because all but one lone
agent, Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin), in the United States government,
believe the Soviet's story that Capt. Ramius has had a breakdown,
and wants to attack the U.S. This one, lone agent, Jack, has
only a few hours to prove his theory that Capt. Marko Ramius
and his crew merely want to defect, and give this awesome, attack
submarine to the United States, so that all have the technology,
which is the true reason why the Soviets want the U.S. to help
sink "The Red October," as they also have sent out
their entire naval and air commands out to stop the Captain's
defection.
Thanks to a riveting script, by Larry Ferguson,
great direction, by John McTiernan, great ensemble cast, and
high production values, this film provides its audience with
an exciting adventure tale, a riveting story, that "sweats
with the tension of men who hold Doomsday in their hands,"
and shows how the theory of one man turned into a plan of action,
how he finds out the truth about Capt. Ramius, how he proves
his theory is the truth, and how this great defection was planned,
after a lot of trouble and effort.
Sean Connery makes a great Soviet Captain, and
plays his role with great professional aplomb, even sometimes
acting in a foreign language, speaking impressive Russian, with
a slight Scottish accent some experts say, but not noticeable
to the majority of people. Russians speak Russian, which adds
to the realism of the story, with sub-titles in English in some
Russian-only scenes.
Alec Baldwin's performance was most enjoyable,
as his enthusiastic, skilled portrayal of his character is convincing
as the agent, and he did a great job. He also speaks Russian
in some scenes, and works well with the other cast members.
Scott Glenn was perfectly cast as the skeptical,
blunt, gritty sub Captain, Commander Mancusco, of "The
Dallas," the U.S. sub that figured out how to track this
untraceable "Red October," because of great detective
work by Seaman Jones (Courtney B. Vance). Mancusco is the man
who Jack has to convince not to blow up "The Red October,"
and give his theory a chance.
This film is greatly recommended for most audiences,
with a PG rating; except really small children, who wouldn't
be able to follow the story's twists and turns, or those who
can't handle intense moments, or the bloodless murder at the
beginning. The enjoyment of the film comes from its superb script,
acting, action, adventure, and production values.
Directed by: John McTiernan. Screenplay by:
Larry Ferguson & Donald Stewart, based on Novel by: Tom
Clancy
Executive Producers: Larry DeWaay and Jerry
Sherlock. Produced by: Mace Neufeld. Music by: Basil Poledouris.
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