Rating: 
Summary: Cramped quarters...
Review: Now here is an interesting idea. Make a movie about World War 2 yet have it done from the perspective of the bad guys. This fine film follows the trials and victories, (which weren't good for the Allies of course), of a Nazi submarine crew on one of their missions to win the war. It's long and subtitled but what's wrong with that? Most of the film takes place aboard the cramped, claustraphobic quarters aboard the submarine and one scene involves an uncontrolled sinking of the sub to unbearable watery depths. My fists were clenched when I first saw it. Would they make it? Well, rent the DVD and see. Although I passionately hate the whole Nazi Ideal, the film actually makes you see that many of these guys had families and sweethearts and lives to go back to as well as the Allies. Many were young kids who were fighting for what they thought was right. As a result, I couldn't help but feel some sympathy for them at times. I'm just sorry they were fighting on the side of evil. Wolfgang Petersen has done a great job with this film and the release of the "director's cut" a few years back was a wonderful idea. The movie gets a little draggy in some spots but overall it's great stuff!
Rating: 
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: I don't think there are enough superlatives in the English language to adequately describe this film. It succeeds in every possible way. This is not only one of the best war movies ever, but among the very best films period. The story is based on a true story of a German Submarine and its crew during WWII. The plot is simple. A bunch of ordinary young guys are crammed into a little tin can and go out and do their duty while trying to avoid getting killed. This slice of life film gives a chillingly detailed look at the rigors of war in a U-boat.We are treated to the stark reality of submarine warfare; the hours of boredom; the camaraderie and simultaneous aggravation that comes with living in such close quarters, the exultation of victory when a torpedo hits, the stark terror of the sound of a destroyer's propeller just above or the insane fear of the boat being crushed by the water pressure as you go too deep. This film is unique in that it is done from the German perspective. Most films about WWII are from the Allied perspective since they were produced in Hollywood or England. What is striking about this film is how it depicts war as a human event rather than a nationalistic conflict. It makes us realize that for the foot soldier and sailor on the battle lines, no matter what side, war is the same. It is more a matter of survival than glory. Director Wolfgang Peterson did a brilliant job on this film. The set and props were authentic in minute detail and the work in tight quarters was truly remarkable. You get a real sense of the cramped quarters and how nimble the men had to be scrambling from compartment to compartment. Peterson spares us none of the unpleasantness of submarine life. The stark reality of it is startling. By far Peterson's greatest accomplishment is the spine tingling suspense. The effect is so terrifying you feel like you are part of the crew. His use of angles, lighting, actor's reactions and most especially sound makes this film far more frightening and suspenseful than anything the horror genre has ever produced. I viewed this on DVD (Director's Cut) and the sound was probably the best I've ever experienced. You hear water dripping behind you, bolts explode and go screaming diagonally across the room to clank on the other side, the sound of the destroyer's propeller escalates from a fly buzz to a roar as the ping from the sonar gets ever louder. You find every muscle in your body tensing as you hear them drop the depth charges. The ending is superb. It is triumphant, poignant and ironic; unexpected and yet not surprising. It is neither what the viewer is apt to want nor expect, and yet it is not disappointing. I can't think of any negative criticism I would give this film. It was nominated for six Academy Awards and won none. That speaks volumes about the dubious nature of the Academy. Even if you don't normally enjoy war movies, you should see this film. It is ultra excellent drama, entertainment and filmmaking. A perfect 10.
Rating: 
Summary: MISSED THE BOAT
Review: I like war movies with alot of action in them. This movies focuses on a German U boat crew at sea being BORED to death waiting to see some action. WAITING-WAITING-WAITING AND MORE WAITING! That is the plot here, you WATCH AND WAIT- for like 3 hours to see a few minutes of action. It really gets the point across of how boring life in a submarine can be. I was so Bored I never finished it. Can't understand so many 5 stars. This movie gets the DAS BOOT from my dvd colletion!
Rating:
Summary: TEN STARS
Review: I take particular pleasure viewing DVD films that are restored to the original director's cut (not DVD's that only feature new footage as a separate element). The fifty or so minutes that Petersen cut back into DAS BOOT for this DVD release make for an extraordinary viewing experience - far superior to the original theatrical cut. If I could give it ten stars, I would.
Rating:
Summary: Ausgezeichnet
Review: This movie is truly excellent; it lets you see WW2 from "the other side". We're so used to seeing the Germans as evil incarnates, but this time, we get to see the war from the POV of the unsung war heroes of Germany. And oh yes, you HAVE to see this movie "auf Deutsch" (in German) to really get the flavour of it.
Rating:
Summary: So good that it hurts to watch it.
Review: I have seen this movie twice. Each time I find myself feeling very sick and nervous. The plot and acting are superb. Suspenceful, well written, expertly acted, and engrossing. Watching the movie twice allowed me to see it once in English and once in German (with subtitles). I didn't like the English acting as well as the German. The English voices didn't fit as well as they should. This is a German movie after all, so watch it in German first. You wont be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: brilliant
Review: this movie is very well done. the acting superb, the story gripping. it takes you within the hull of a u-boat. the commentary is interesting. my only complaint is that the mini series went for 6 hrs and the directors cut is around 3. however the sound is amazing if you digital. the sound is clear and intense during the battle scenes. a masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Director's cut?
Review: Well, I was thinking of buying this DVD as it is titelled "Director's cut". However when I saw the length of the move - 207 minutes - I became really disappointed and I still am. I have seen it on both German and Austrian TV as the series "Das Boot". It lasts almost 6 hours. I know that this is a long time - but I taped it anyway. So I am not very convinced that the DVD will bring you all the series showed. What a pity that they cut it down to 207 minutes and titelled it "Director's cut".
Rating:
Summary: Sound and fury
Review: The many glowing reviews of this movie disregard the fact that, while "Das Boot" is surely a magnificently crafted depiction of life aboard a German U-boat during World War II, the screenplay is dangerously awash with genre cliches. Excellent photography and powerful acting do not compensate for the feeling that we have seen all of this before. With nothing new to chew on, we are left instead to savor the spectacle. And a staggering spectacle it is. Director Wolfgang Petersen makes a very good action movie, and action is all we have in "Das Boot". It is no surprise to learn that he went on to direct "In the Line of Fire" and "Air Force One". Highly recommended, but "Das Boot" is not the classic it could have been.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Film
Review: This is a great film and the remastering is the best I have seen so far. This movie was based upon actual events and that makes the film even more breathtaking. The Dolby Digital (5.1) English format is dubbed but this is not distracting when watching it. If you love great war movies, you're missing out if you don't give this one a chance!
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