This roll-call certainly wouldn't lead one to expect a taught, well-paced thriller complete with snappy dialogue and outstanding acting from this assemblage of film-makers, but that's what we get nonetheless. Russian rebels, led by ultra-nationalist Vladimir Radchenko, have seized control of a nuclear missile base in the former Soviet Union and threaten to launch a nuclear strike against the United States.

Naturally alarmed, the US Navy orders the deployment of the nuclear submarine USS Alabama. The Alabama is commanded by hard-nosed Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman), a career submariner and one of the navy's few active-duty officers to have seen combat. Executive Officer Lieutenant Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) is new to the Alabama, and one of the navy's 'new breed' of officers: as comfortable discussing the finer points of philosophical theory as military tactics. Hunter is on his first deployment with Captain Ramsey and the tension between the two is apparent from their first meeting. Shortly after the submarine's departure, orders are received to prepare for a pre-emptive nuclear strike against the rebel-held base.

While engaged in these preparations, the Alabama begins to receive a second message from submarine command; at the same time the Alabama is attacked by a Russian submarine under the control of pro-Radchenko forces. Although the Alabama survives the attack, all communication with the outside world is severed, cutting short the incoming message. Ramsey insists that the orders in hand must be followed and the incomplete message fragment ignored, while Hunter insists they wait until the submarine's communication system is restored and their new orders confirmed. In the face of Ramsey's refusal to wait, Hunter assumes command of the sub, confining Ramsey to his quarters. This effectively splits the crew into two camps.

What follows is a testosterone-charged conflict to gain control of the submarine and its nuclear missiles, with nothing less than nuclear annihilation at stake. Hackman and Washington are superb, producing some of the best work of their careers, while the story races along a heart-stopping pace and doesn't let up for a moment, creating an extraordinary level of tension. If you're looking for a compelling and visually stylish thriller, look no further. Recommended.