Review of Das Boot (1981) by Stefanos T — 01 Mar 2012

Das Boot.

Dir: Wolfgang Peterson.

Das Boot is adapted from the novel by Lothar-Gunther Buchheim. Film depicts almost what actually happened to German U-96 during World War II. Heinrich Lehmann and others were hired as consultant on the film.

In my opinion the opening scene with most of the crew partying, is almost essential to let audience get familiar with characters, because you have here German Nazi crew, and since post-WWII, history has inculcated in us, evil motives/actions of Nazi (no doubt about that). But in this scene, you almost sympathize with the crew, as it is revealed that Der Alte has been critical about Hitler. They are all just trying to answer to the call for joining war, and go home celebrate Christmas with the family. They are celebrating, they full of humor and they are co-operative (which you witness at the near end), they have humane-qualities, upon seeing enemy crew on fire jumping into water, with their ship sinking deep into water, after having been torpedoed. But they are bound to follow codes, not to help enemy, as safety of own, is compulsory.

If you see acrophobic cinematography of the film, you would be amazed and compelled to applaud this fine piece of art of cinema. You have accurate scientific calculations about submarine. According to the director of the film, from smallest items like bolts to large pieces, were thoroughly checked and confirmed to look realistic.

I have seen many War-movies (still some more to go) but so far I notice this splendid film from Germany. Russian auteur of cinema Sergei Eisenstein had given us a silent gem 'Battleship Potemkin' (where the lower crew is given rotten meat full of maggots in dinner and lunch, by the orders of senior officials aboard, which prompted them to stage revolt). A must watch film to realize horrors of war, and how some people out of curiosity have to suffer so much!