Das Boot (1981)

Director:

Wolfgang Petersen

Writers:

Lothar G. Buchheim (novel)
Wolfgang Petersen (writer)

Release Date:

10 February 1982 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Drama | History | War

Tagline:

This is the story of 42 raw recruits caught up in a war they didn't understand, and the Captain who must lead them in their struggle to survive.

Plot:

The claustrophobic world of a WWII German U-boat; boredom, filth, and sheer terror.

Plot Keywords:

U Boat | German | WWII | Boredom | Crew

Awards:

Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 4 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Wed. Dec. 16

3:15 AM

AMC

Cast

Jürgen Prochnow	...	Capt.-Lt. Henrich Lehmann-Willenbrock - Der Alte
Herbert Grönemeyer	...	Lt. Werner - Correspondent
Klaus Wennemann	...	Chief Engineer Fritz Grade - Der Leitende-Der LI
Hubertus Bengsch	...	1st Lieutenant - Number One-1WO
Martin Semmelrogge	...	2nd Lieutenant - 2WO
Bernd Tauber	...	Kriechbaum - Chief Quartermaster-Navigator
Erwin Leder	...	Johann
Martin May	...	Ullman
Heinz Hoenig	...	Hinrich (as Heinz Hönig)
Uwe Ochsenknecht	...	Chief Bosun
Claude-Oliver Rudolph	...	Ario
Jan Fedder	...	Pilgrim
Ralf Richter	...	Frenssen (as Ralph Richter)
Joachim Bernhard	...	Preacher
Oliver Stritzel	...	Schwalle

Also Known As:

The Boat (Philippines: English title) (USA) (dubbed version)

MPAA:

Rated R for some war violence and brief language. (director's cut)

Runtime:

149 min | 209 min (director's cut) | 293 min (uncut version)

Country:

West Germany

Language:

French | German | English

Color:

Color (Fujicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital (director's cut) | Dolby (original release) | SDDS (director's cut)

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Canada:14A (Ontario) | South Korea:15 | Brazil:14 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | France:U | Ireland:15 | Netherlands:12 | Netherlands:16 (director's cut) | Norway:15 (director's cut) | Norway:16 | Portugal:M/12 (original rating) | Portugal:M/16 (director's cut) | Singapore:PG | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:12 (dubbed directors cut) | UK:15 (subtitled directors cut) | USA:R | USA:Unrated (original uncut version) | West Germany:12 (w)

Filming Locations:

Atlantic Ocean

Company:

Bavaria Film

Trivia:

At the end of the film, when a group of bombers attacks La Rochelle, a group of heavy bombers breaks formation. This particular shot (with German WW2 Heinkel 111 bombers) was bought from the movie Battle of Britain (1969).

Goofs:

Continuity: In the first crash dive, the sky is clearly blue when the 2WO shouts "Alarm!" However, when the U-96 dives, the sky is now grey.

Quotes:

Captain: Not yet, Kameraden! Not yet!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Peep Show: (#1.3)" (2003)

Soundtrack:

It's a Long Way to Tipperary

Gripping, Compelling, Intense, Suspenseful, Realistic

"Das Boot" is a classic. This film couldn't be more intense and emotionally draining. It is a work of genius. Jurgen Prochnaw gives a spectacular performance as the German U-Boat Captain. The acting is first rate as the cast of characters is as realistic and believable as it gets. Don't watch this film unless you are absolutely prepared to immerse yourself into the drama of life as a crewman aboard a German submarine during war. This is a very rare portrayal of battle through the eyes of our enemy and will actually have you cheering for the "bad guys" at times. This is a one of a kind movie that must be seen to be believed. Words in a review cannot describe the experience of "Das Boot." A tremendous film! A 12 on a scale of 10!