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29 Jan – 8 Feb 2026

The Hunt for Red October

John McTiernan | USA | 1990 | 134' | | IFFR 2001

The Hunt for Red October can be regarded within the Waterfront programme as the counterpoint to Povinnost’ by Alexander Sokurov. Both are about the captain of a Russian nuclear submarine, but they have very different styles and visions. When The Hunt for Red October was released, just after the full of the Berlin Wall, it was regarded as old-fashioned and a relic of the Cold War. The dramatic sinking of the nuclear submarine Kursk, last summer, and the belicose language used these days by Russian president Putin may well change opinions about this film. It is a well-made and exciting action film with Sean Connery on top form as the Russian captain Ramius who wants to defect to America to help prevent a world war. Both the Russians and the Americans doggedly hunt the Red October. (GjZ)

Film details

Country of production
USA
Year
1990
Festival edition
IFFR 2001
Length
134"
Medium/Format
35mm

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