An “timeless classic” war film set during the Cold War is still hailed by fans, and has an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Hunt for Red October (1990) tells the story of a nuclear Soviet submarine, skippered by Marko Ramius (Sean Connery), that suddenly goes rogue and heads towards the United States against Kremlin orders.
CIA analyst Jack Ryan (played by Alec Baldwin) is drafted in to help locate the state-of-the art vessel, fearing that the US is in grave danger. The film was directed by John Campbell McTiernan Jr. known for action classics like Predator (1987) and Die Hard (1989), and is an adaptation of Tom Clancy’s novel of the same name released in 1984. It features a star-studded cast that also includes Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones, and Sam Neill.
It was the first in a series of films with Jack Ryan as the main protagonist, with Harrison Ford later famously playing the intelligence officer in Patriot Games (1992) and Clear and Present Danger (1994).
One Audience Writer on Rotten Tomatoes said of the film: “Epic, and even though I’ve watched it several times, it’s become a timeless classic for me, which I will no doubt watch many more times! Awesome casting, and with Sean Connery at his best as captain of the Russian Sub.”
Another called it: “Suspenseful and realistic. I really enjoyed the directing and acting. The action scenes are limited but of high quality and thematically appropriate.
“Also, the plot is very interesting to see unfold. A good action thriller, go ahead and watch it,” they added.
A third said Connery’s portrayal of Ramius “anchors the entire film with a quiet, commanding intensity”.
“Connery brings gravitas to the role as a seasoned Soviet submarine commander disillusioned with his government yet still driven by a moral code,” they said.
The film has an 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer which reflects the percentage of approved critics who have given it a positive review.
It has the same score on the site’s Popcornmeter too, reflecting a positive reception from general viewers.
The Hunt for Red October is streaming now on Channel 4.