The Hunt For Red October Parent Guide

Based on the popular Tom Clancy novel set in 1984, the Red October is the pride of the Russian navy. This high-tech submarine is fitted with a magneto propulsion drive that enables the sub to move silently, making it nearly invisible to enemy sonar.

Captain Marko Ramius (Sean Connery) has orders to test the new sub with routine maneuvers involving other USSR fleet members, but he has a different plan. Quietly murdering the Soviet political leader on board, Ramius informs the crew the purpose of their mission is to sneak the vessel out of the North Atlantic, past the American coastal defense, and into U.S. waters.

Acting upon a letter Ramius left behind to explain his mutiny, the USSR promptly deploys its submarine fleet, informs the Americans that Ramius is about to blow the East Coast to bits, and asks for their co-operation in hunting down and destroying the Red October. But CIA agent Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin), having done extensive research on the prominent Soviet captain, has another thought. Knowing the anniversary of the death of Ramius’ wife has just passed, he suspects the tiring captain may be looking for freedom rather than confrontation. With the U.S. and Russia poised to destroy Red October, Ryan’s theory—if incorrect—could lead to the beginning of the end.

Political thrillers demand a quality script—and this one delivers. Yet what really sets this movie apart from the rest of this genre is the near lack of objectionable content. Two killings are depicted (one the result of a shooting, the other hand to hand confrontation), but neither are gratuitous in their portrayal. Beyond that, only a handful of mild profanities exist.

Supporting the ideals of freedom, this movie puts you on the edge of your seat for over two hours and contains some of the greatest tactical scenarios put to film, resulting in one of the few action adventure titles I can recommend for parents and teens to enjoy together. With a recent re-release on DVD in wide screen, accompanied by a surround sound track that immerses you into the action, this title is worth hunting down.

About author

Rod Gustafson

Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. His efforts also include writing and researching media in all its forms and observing how it effects society and culture. He and his wife Donna have four children.