`#1 Cold War Thriller of All Time`

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#1 in my Ranking of John McTiernan films.

This show provides a soothing escape for me. It seems as though I’ve aged about 30 years while watching it. I wasn’t around during the Cold War, but there’s something intriguing about this Cold War-era adventure that feels nostalgic yet exciting. The suspense of potential nuclear destruction and large-scale conflict between superpowers adds an edge to it. What truly makes it stand out is its exceptional storytelling, tight plot, and memorable character moments that go beyond just being a thriller. I believe this might be John McTiernan’s masterpiece.

The movie is driven by a chain of interconnected problems. Captain Marco Ramius is entrusted with command of the state-of-the-art submarine Red October, equipped with a revolutionary silent propulsion system. Initially, Ramius’ intentions remain obscure, but it becomes clear that he and his crew are attempting to defect to the United States, steering the submarine designed exclusively for initiating nuclear warfare. Opposing him is the Soviet fleet, alerted by a letter from Ramius to an admiral, his nephew by marriage, signaling his defection intentions. This move creates a political statement, as one of the crew members explains. Consequently, upon learning about their most advanced Typhoon Class nuclear ballistic submarine potentially falling into American hands, the Soviet navy mobilizes its entire fleet to track down and destroy the elusive sub before it reaches U.S. shores.

On the opposite side lies America, and Ramius cannot directly communicate with Americans without revealing his location. Instead, he needs someone who understands his intentions, leading him to encounter Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst who has written a biography about Ramius and knows him more than any other Western figure. Ryan must gather disparate clues unique to himself (such as the date of Ramius’ wife’s demise) to deduce that Ramius is attempting to defect rather than launching nuclear missiles at the East Coast, as the Soviet leadership has misled the U.S. As time runs out, Ryan embarks on a North Atlantic voyage, jumping from an aircraft carrier to the USS Dallas which has been tracking the Red October since its departure from port. If he can find evidence supporting Ramius’ defection, the American government will welcome him; otherwise, Ramius faces certain destruction, as he would be “destroyed”.

The film is skillfully constructed, with top-notch sets and special effects, along with a compelling storyline. Scenes that initially seem insignificant, like the brief glimpse of a mini-sub during Ryan’s visit to a shipyard, later prove crucial. A character introduced early on, Captain Tupolev, who was given orders to sink the Red October, becomes a key player in adding an additional challenge for both the officers aboard the Red October and the Dallas. The characters are well developed, and even though much of the action occurs within three submarines, the use of distinct color schemes for each sub’s interior ensures we always know our location.

In a thriller like this, the suspense is crucial, and it’s skillfully managed as the conflict unfolds and evolves throughout the first three-quarters of the movie. The tension builds, much like a clock counting down (even though there’s no actual clock), leaving us guessing alongside Ryan, agreeing with his deductions, and hoping he can persuade those in authority, including Richard Jordan as the National Security Advisor and James Earl Jones as the CIA’s deputy director. Additionally, small character details are sprinkled throughout, adding depth to the characters we see on screen, such as Captain Borodin’s longing for Montana, Ramius reminiscing about his grandfather teaching him to fish, James Earl Jones sharing his love for Paganini, and Ryan discussing the need for a baby brother for his own sibling.

Speaking straightforwardly, this ranks among the finest Cold War thrillers out there. It’s gripping, skillfully crafted, superbly acted, and thought-provoking. Not just a cozy watch, but also top-notch entertainment that leaves you feeling satisfied.

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2025-02-05 00:30