Das Boot

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Kyle C A lot of war movies spend a lot of time saying “war is bad”. Das Boot instead says “humans are incredible, resilient, ingenious creatures, and war is the worst possible thing we can do with our talents”. The atmosphere is crushing but homey, with fruit and sausages dangling from steel pipes, a shared latrine for a crew of 50, and sopping wet, well, everything. This film uses the camera incredibly effectively, incorporating character close-ups, frantic sprinting shots, and foggy, underwater landscapes to seamlessly, almost unconsciously transition the perspective, connecting you with specific characters at times, and at others, making you feel like just another member of the crew. The set work is very much deserving of all the awards it received. Apart from an occasionally wonky green screen in some external shots (I mean, it was 1981, after all), this film could not feel more real if it was a documentary. And the soundtrack dates the film just a little, but it’s forgivable and maybe a little charming. The pacing of the story is unique, given to the fact that it’s really just a shortened cut of a 6-episode miniseries. But it works for a film of this length, feeling naturally episodic while still consistently building pressure (no pun intended). All in all, Das Boot is a feat of filmmaking and a great option for anyone who likes being stressed (in a good way). Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/19/25 Full Review Andrew C Claustrophobic. Wolfgang Peterson captures the intensity of the situation in an incredible way. One of the best films of its kind. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/16/25 Full Review Madam D Like any really good war movie, this shows the human toll & ignorance of war. Great writing, acting and special effects. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/21/25 Full Review Texyz T I saw this 3 times the first year it was out, 1981, in German with English subtitles. Then later they released it dubbed in English, and I saw it again. Very authentic looking scenes, big or small. Told from the German perspective, if you like war movies, this is as good as it gets, a masterpiece....and I need to see it again! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/20/25 Full Review Ian S Faultless. OK the water effects may be improved now, but otherwise can't fault it fir drama, humour, tension, claustrophobia. Amazing film I can watch again and again. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/19/25 Full Review CodyZamboni Z Solid WW2 German sub adventure, With, you are there, intense realism, Strong characters, Shocking and sobering, Movie really hammers home the futility of war message. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Das Boot

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