Rating: 
Summary: Greatest War Film of all Time.
Review: Wolfgang Peterson's Das Boot ( Translation: "The Boat" ) is a war movie about a German submarine and its crew going through extreme orders, but by being chased by Destroyers and thoughts of the U-Boat crew about never seeing their freinds and family in fear of the submarine sinking truly shows what the horrors of war are. In the beginning, the crew members are young and care free, but in the end, they have a new veiw of the world, and have seemingly become different people. Das Boot is full of non-stop action, thrill after thrill there's hardly any rest. With sorround sound on, Das Boot makes you feel as if you are inside the submarine, as the creaking and the iron bolts flying everywhere when the submarine gets damaged makes the movie even more worth your time. Das Boot is, hands down, the greatest war movie of all time. Yes, it's better than Saving Private Ryan, The Thin Red Line, Black Hawk Down, We Were Soldiers, Platoon, you name it. This Director's Cut DVD is pretty good. It has a brief interview with director Wolfgang Peterson (The Perfect Storm, Air Force One) on the making of Das Boot. Das Boot-The Director's Cut is aslo the fully restored 209 minute film. The Picture quality is great, I'd give it a 4.5, and the sound's even better, a 5 would be my score. Do yourself a favor, whether you're a fan of war movies or foreign film, buy Das Boot. You deserve it.
Rating: 
Summary: A gripping journey through the eyes of the enemy, in War.
Review: The following is my review of the re-released (director's cut, with subtitles) of Wolfgang Peterson's "Das Boot". I give the film 4 stars. Das Boot is a gripping and stunningly authentic journey of the crew of a German U-boat (U-96) in the second world war. The film captures the day to day hardships of the sailors on U-96, mainly through the eyes of a war correspondent, Lt.Werner. Every aspect of life at sea is depicted: the cramped accommodations, the breakdown of hygiene, and the overall squalor that ensues as forty men live in such a small space for weeks on end. From the beginning Werner becomes steadily more aware that the practice of the U-boat war is quite different from the principle, and that its reality is in contrast to the propaganda. Although largely apolitical, the film does show the subtle contempt that some of men have for the war effort, and presumably the regime that it supports. In the beginning, we see the ship's company partying the night away at a night club in La Rochelle in Nazi occupied France. The younger crewmen drink and carouse seemingly without worry, while the captain (Jergen Prochnow) looks on with grim disbelief at their youth and naiveté. It is here that we see that there is a rift between the veteran sailors and the newcomers. Later in the film, the captain fiercely berates his young (and fanatical) first officer for being too disrespectful of threat posed by their British adversaries. The monotony of the patrol is broken up when word comes that the boat is to intercept a nearby convoy. After a night surface attack, U-96 is depth charged and hounded by the convoy's escort vessels. There are masterful scenes which show the desperate struggle the men undergo to hold the boat together while trying to elude the Destroyers above. The groaning of the hull, the pounding of the depth charges, the frantic cries and orders along with the ghostly pinging of the enemy's sonar create searing suspense, and an overwhelming sense of claustrophobia. A duplicity in the sailors develops as they remain isolated from both their homeland and the source of their ideology. The men cheer wildly when they hear the sound of one of their torpedoes find its mark, but weep when see British sailors burning and drowning in the sea. When U-96 makes a clandestine re-supply rendezvous with an interned German liner on the Spanish coast, the officers are revered. However, the lavish buffet prepared by the Liner's genteel Captain for the "undersea heroes", only alienates the weary U-boat men. It is as if such hospitality is become total vulgarity. This point is emphasised as the liner's officers sieg heil in unison (all in smartly pressed uniforms), while U-96's officers stand ragged and disoriented. The climax of the film comes after the boat is dispatched to the mediteranean via Gibralter. U-96 attempts to sneek past the British held port, but is hotly recieved. Following a brief and harrowing chase, U-96 finds itself resting on the bottom, severely damaged. The prognosis for the stricken vessel is poor, as the engineer and crew attempt to repair her. Possibly the most authentic scenes in the movie are of the measures taken by the men to restore their boat, and resurface. It is at this point, when it becomes apparent that they will most probably not see home again, that we see final closure to the bonding that has been happening between officers and men. Hours tick by as the captain and most of the crew begin to pray that the engineer can "pull it off". The realization that they are likely doomed causes each character to have his own reckoning with the reality of war. The end of the film is grim and ironic, but well in keeping with the theme of the movie, which is the tragic waste of war. Das boot is a movie much in the spirit of "All Quiet on the Western Front". I recommend it for those who like their movies with unflinching honesty and realism, and where the Calvary does not ride over the hill at the end to save the day. END
Rating:
Summary: Hunter the Hunted
Review: The father of all Submarine movies. Wolfgang Petersen's movie version of his epic mini-series, Das Boot, is brought out of the depths of the sea by DVD. The epic tale of the U Boat commander (Jurgen Prochnow)and his motley crew fighting for the fatherland is shown in all it's filthy glory. The hardships indured during thr Battle of the Atlantic in 1941 shows the Germans still had the upperhand although the arrival of ASDEC radar soon sees a duel with a British destroyer. As this is the movie version, alot of cutting out was done but not to the detriment of the storyline. The six years needed to make this film would probibly take three years with todays technology and with the benefit of CGI, the model ships and sets could be expended. This would really enhance this movie's appeal. Naturally you get to choose the language you wish to hear dialogue, and although the whole cast came back in 1990 to re-read in English, setting the option of German with english subtitles is the only way to view this masterpiece. The sound will still blow you away...U571, I don't think so!
Rating:
Summary: The closest thing to being there!
Review: For those who have never seen this movie, you can read all the other reviews for a synopsis. Rest assured, it is every bit as good as all these 5 star ratings testify to, and more. The acting is flawless. The cinematography is ingenious. The musical score sends chills up your spine. And let's not quibble about whether it's a "war" or "anti-war" movie. This is an argument for pseudo-intellectuals. This film is packed with realism and tension, threaded together by a cohesive and gripping storyline. By comparison, Das Boot makes most other war movies almost an embarrassment to watch. For those who have seen the original film, the Director's Cut DVD offers vast improvements via re-mastered sound (which even on a simple stereo set-up is incredible) and a crystal clear picture. There are 60 or so minutes of extra footage (of which none is "throwaway"), bringing your pleasurable viewing time to well over 3 hours. The Director's Commentary is helpful and insightful. I have purchased many "classics" on DVD and there always seems to be one area (special features, picture quality, etc.) that is disappointing. Not so with this version of Das Boot - it surpassed my greatest expectations. There is, however, one item worth mentioning that may not please Das Boot afficianados. There are 3 or 4 instances (English version) where the language has been tamed down. This struck me as rather odd since the film still carries an "R" rating. While I'm not a fan of foul language just for the sake of it, it was a little disappointing not to hear some of the "pedestrian" terms used by the crew in the original film. Of course, one can always go for the more authentic approach and listen in German while viewing the English subtitles (which, by the way, do not come close in translation to the actual English audio dialog). These are minor flaws that cannot possibly detract from the superb rating this film deserves. Congratulations to Petersen and Co. for a stellar effort! This is one you'll watch again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Flick
Review: This is probably one of the best war movies out there. Some people describe it as an anti-war movie, but I really don't see it as one. I see it as a movie that describes what happens to a submarine crew during World War II. The crew is German, but they are set up in such a way that they could be any submarine crew from any country. I wont get into too many details about the movie because many people have seen it. However, the DVD is fantastic. The 5.1 mix is awesome especially if you have a decent system that can utilize it. During the depth charge sequences you can feel like you are there. You can hear the leaking of water everywhere. You can hear the distant pings of the approaching destroyer and feel the tension as it comes closer. If you watch the movie, watch it in German with the subtitles because the English isn't quite the same.
Rating:
Summary: One of the absolute best WWII movies ever made!!!
Review: Get this DVD!! It is far superior to the VHS version. Watch the movie in German with subtitles to really get the flavor of the dialogue. The English dubbed version is, to me, sanitized. Das Boot recreates a combat patrol of a German submarine operating out of France in 1941. The prologue explains that the war in the North Atlantic is turning against the Germans as the British have developed superior Anti submarine tactics. Nevertheless the Captain (brilliantly portrayed by Jurgen Prochnow) takes his baby-faced crew into harm's way in an effort to do his duty as a German Naval officer, even though his distaste for the High command is evident. The movie was extremely well made. You really feel like you are inside this cramped 200' long piece of sewer pipe that was home to 50 sailors. The claustrophobia, boredom, lack of hygene, and loneliness all are effectively portrayed. Someone once wrote that being a soldier in wartime was 97% boredom punctuated by 3% of absolute terror. That axiom is evident throughout the film. The DVD version has enhanced Dolby sound, which makes the depth charge attacks all the more realistic. In one sequence the depth charge attacks are so intense that it seems that the sound alone will destroy the U boat. Some consider Das Boot an "anti-war" film. I am not sure that it really falls into that category. It certainly doesn't glorify war, nor does it really offer much commentary on the merits, or lack thereof, of the German war effort. The Officers onboard never really discuss politics, or what the war is about. Their attitude is, rather, that they are there to do a job and that's what they're going to do. Only one officer, a clean shaven die-hard Nazi expresses any real commitment, and he's made fun of by the others. No, Das Boot is a film about war, and those who are called upon to fight it. It is intense, gripping and moving. You'll never spend $23 for a better DVD. Walter
Rating:
Summary: Petersen's Original Triumph
Review: Wolfgang Petersen is one of the finest directors in the world. This movie and In the Line of Fire brought him fame. Watching this film makes the genius of this filmmaker so obvious. The German drama of U-boat combat shows us a different side of the conflict. It is 1941, Germany has been at war with Britain for two years, and, as the captain observes, they don't make mistakes anymore. With dreams of glory and adventure, the crew of U-96 sets out on its mission. Their captain, though has dreams of just coming home. Instead of seeing the German crew as mindless Nazis, we see them as young men looking for a place in life, no different than any men that have ever fought. The Anti-War message is present (is it possible to make a non-Anti-War film?) and a face is given to those 30,000 men who never returned to their home after the War that were serving on U-boats. Among the handful of top WWII films, and war films in general.
Rating:
Summary: The best epic german film ever made
Review: Wolfang Petersen may be proud for all the eternity by this achievement. This film (just ten millions dollars in 1981)is a superb film.
You know so well when you're in front a masterpiece. That sensation which remains in your mind and your soul , a must reference and above all, it becomes an unforgettable memory in your brain.
The film is full of tension; claustrophobic, dramatic and powerfully haunting. The sequences of action are very well made; the script is very related to the book.The cast is outstanding. The handle of camera is BREATHTAKING, the camera is a sliding eye, nervous, it retains the anguish, the hopeless and that deathly taste you feel when you share the destiny of these man under that huge water pressure.
That film broke the walls of the standard market and soon became from 1982 in a classic film.
The question about if this film is anti war film is out of discussion. I don't think even if this issue is important. You must feel the evil experience of these men sent to a almost safe death in a sea surrounded by enemies forces.
Watch this movie.
And you'll understand why U-571 even his special effects is just a worthy tribute to Das Boot, the masterpiece of Wolfang Petersen.
Rating:
Summary: The Best War Film Ever Made
Review: I love DAS BOOT, in part, because it's a very different sort of war film. It doesn't seek to glamorize war, as most other war films do. Instead, it piles turmoil upon turmoil, stressing its characters to their very limits. This is a film that's not afraid to show the pure, relentless torture of war, its extreme emotional strain and the desperate struggle just to stay alive. At three and one-half hours, the Director's Cut of DAS BOOT is quite long, but if you're looking for quality in filmmaking and top performances from all the actors, you really can't go wrong with DAS BOOT. The best performance, by far, is turned in by Juergen Prochnow as the Captain. Prochnow certainly knows that "less is more." Although DAS BOOT can, at times, be a melodramatic film, Prochnow never overacts. He says more with a facial expression, a gesture, or the look in his eyes than most actors can ever hope to achieve. DAS BOOT centers on one German U-boat's mission and its struggles. WE see the young recruits reporting for duty strong and healthy and, over the course of the film, we watch them deteriorate into mental and physical wrecks and, given all they go through, we're not at all surprised that they do. Almost all of DAS BOOT is filmed inside the cramped submarine and one of the tensest scenes occurs when the U-boat is forced to dive deeper than it should. It should go without saying (but I will say it anyway), that this is a very, very claustrophobic film, not only because of the cramped, nearly airless quarters in the submarine, but also because of the weight of the water that's constantly threatening it. DAS BOOT is definitely not a political war film and I loved that. It doesn't dehumanize Nazi Germany and glorify the Allied Forces. We see both as terrified human beings just trying their best to survive. Juergen Prochnow is not a politically driven captain; his sympathies are with his men, not with the Reich. One of the film's most revealing scenes occurs when the U-boat sinks a freighter. The German crew doesn't celebrate this as a victory; instead they watch with horror as their enemy dies. Anyone who likes the shorter version of DAS BOOT is going to find the Director's Cut a joy and will definitely want to own it. The characterization is richer and more complex, adding to the film's overall quality. For those who haven't seen the film, one warning: while this is quality filmmaking at its finest, it is certainly as grim and gritty as it gets. With that caveat, I would recommend this film to almost anyone.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT UNDER WATER MILITERY EPIC
Review: This has got to be one of ,if not the, best submarine war flicks
ever made. At first I did not want to cheer too loudly for the
characters,them being on the wrong side of WW11 and all. But
soon, with the great character development, often neglected in
more recent movies, I began to feel a bond with the very human
men of DOS BOOT. They go from hunters to hunted, with much
emotional turmoil, as the crew is forced to face their own
mortality, while navigating through heavily patrolled enemy
waters, narrowly excaping death at every turn. We see the rough
edged warriors, willing to give their lives for their country,
and we are also allowed to see their vulnerabilities, as the
men cope in different ways to their ever changing situation, and
ever present danger. Much more than a war movie, it is a study
in behavior under duress. It shows us that war is war, no matter
what uniform you are wearing. Though it starts out a bit slowly,
when the action starts it is unrelenting to the very end. The
dubbed english works well,and does not detract from the story
line. I hope you like this movie as much as I did.
Thanks,
Tom
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