Review of Crimson Tide

So, unlike any other movie, I can say that I thoroughly understand the issues posed in Crimson Tide. Gene Hackman's character was based on my own captain who advised on this movie. The movie is entertaining and exciting. And the plot goes to great lengths to create the dilemma faced by the USS Alabama. Most importantly, the attack by the Akula and the loss of communications are the central points that drive the narrative. In that tense setting I can almost believe that the tension between a strong CO and XO could spill out into a disagreement, but no further. Officers pointing guns at other officers offends me most deeply. The racist comments by the captain would not have been conceivable even in the 1990's, the setting for the movie. There are numerous liberties taken with protocol, liturgy, and procedures of how a SSBN operates. But overall they were well coached on how a submarine runs. Even after 20+ years separated from my own experience, the movie greatly blemishes the unbelievable professionalism and expertise of an American nuclear submarine crew. But the exemplary, expert, and efficient performance of any American submarine sailors would make a terribly predictable and boring movie. Thank God.