The Rocky Mountain Collegian

April 19th, 2007

Gems – The Hunt for Red October

This week I’m going to be starting a new section to my blog. I’m calling it “Gems” because I’m that creative. It will focus on older movies (think pre-2000) that you really need to see. If you either missed these when they were out (or weren’t even alive when they were out!), or need to be reminded of some great classics, this will be the place to look.

Without further ado…

The Hunt for Red October is based on the Tom Clancy book by the same name. It’s a Jack Ryan novel (a recurring main character in Clancy’s books). First of all, let me point out that I am not a fan of Clancy. Hopefully that alleviates your concerns about the movie if you feel the same way. Plus, this thing has Sean Connery. ‘Nuff said in my opinion.

The story is that a group of Russian officers led by Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) that wants to defect to the United States during the Cold War. Ramius is a decorated officer, and is given leadership of the new, highly advanced nuclear submarine, the Red October, on her maiden voyage. The problem is that he can’t come out and open communications with the United States about his plans because he needs to keep the illusion that everything is perfectly normal to his crew. The United States get wind of the movement of the Red October towards their borders and get understandably antsy. Also, the Russian government determines the state of the rogue vessel and sends their fleet to destroy it. Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin) picks up on a few clues left by Ramius about his will to defect and the race to find the Red October before the Russians do is on.

This is just a fun movie. It keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time, and it is extremely well produced. It’s also great for repeat visits. I’ve seen this more times than I can count and am still greatly entertained each time. Besides Connery and Baldwin, James Earl Jones has a spot in here, as does Sam Neill of Jurassic Park fame (though this movie came out before Jurassic Park). Stellar acting from all sides. Also, the script is a huge reason the actors are able to excel.  Memorable lines abound as the movie progresses. Take this Connery classic for example (imagining his accent is necessary for the full effect).

Ramius - “Hey, Ryan, be careful what you shoot at. Most things in here don’t react too well to bullets.”

The “things” he refers to are nuclear missiles.

This is a recognizable classic and will be available at most video rental stores. But, if you do see it lying at the bottom of a bargain DVD bin somewhere, don’t hesitate to pick it up. You won’t regret adding this one to your collection.

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