It was back to my uncle’s pick for July’s family movie night and he decided on this classic with the master of accents! Jokes aside, this wasn’t a first time viewing for myself but it was a first with the audio description available on Stan.

The Hunt for Red October is based on a novel by Tom Clancy and is the first screen introduction of the character Jack Ryan, who has since been portrayed by Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck, Chris Pine, and most recently John Krasinski. While Harrison Ford might be the first actor who comes to mind when the character Jack Ryan is mentioned, the actor who first brought him to life was Alec Baldwin.

I’d say that I have probably seen this film a handful of times and after this latest viewing, it still holds up as a great action thriller. That’s due in no small part to a compelling story filled with high tension. Being set predominately in submarines and a cast of officers also means that the film doesn’t age terribly either.

For better or worse Cold War inspired films are compelling (sadly it still holds some relevance today) and audiences also seem to be attracted to a Russian defection story. A double hit for this film and perhaps why it was and is so popular.

Over time, the pop culture references of Sir Sean Connery playing a Russian character with his renowned Scottish accent is probably the first thing many associate with The Hunt for Red October. I even made light of it in the opening line of this review! Strangely there is also a scene within the film were Alec Baldwin does a Sean Connery impersonation when repeating back a line their characters exchange. Are they making fun of themselves? If I’m honest, the other cast members playing Russians don’t have great accents either…but at least they had a go I suppose!

This somewhat distracts from what is one of the great action films from the nineties and possibly the best in the Jack Ryan outings on film. Viewing after viewing it still holds up and possibly gets better, as you may identify with different characters at different stages of your life.

It’s an interesting story that not only gets you thinking but generates such suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat time and time again, right up until the dramatic conclusion. I also really enjoyed Alec Baldwin in the role of Jack Ryan, he brings these bursts of mania to the role that can’t help exciting the viewer as he peels back the layers to the mystery that is the Red October.

Additionally, the film has a stellar cast which includes James Earl Jones, Sam Neill, and Courtney B. Vance just to name a few. The performances are strong, and each actor has their space on screen without taking your attention away from each other or where it is needed.

I also liked the way the film transitions into English after starting in Russian. It’s a nice technique used to place the viewer at ease rather than switching between English and sub-titles for the whole film. In this case I think it would have provided a distraction to not do so. The transition occurs between two Russian officers where a poem is being read very early in the film. It reminds me of the use of the wind in Disney’s Pocahontas allowing the lead characters to communicate. Look I know it’s a weird reference to use here but I’m of a certain generation and here we are!

If you’ve yet to introduce yourself into the world of Jack Ryan, The Hunt for Red October is a great place to start. You won’t be disappointed!