Review of Das Boot (1981) by Toteaux P — 09 Jun 2008
During the Second World War, Germany commissioned a large number of U-Boats for the submarine warfare against the Allies.The poliicy was a misadventure for the Germans to a certain extent. It is recorded in the military history that Germany lost 9 submarines with 204 crews in 1939, 1940: 240 lost witth 643 crews, 1941: 34 lost with 887 crews, 1942: 85 lost with 3,277 crews, 1943: 235 lost with 10,081 crews, 1944 219 lost with 8,020 crews and 1945: 121 lost with 3,086 crews (Parker, 2007: 72).
Das Boot which was made from the perspective of the Germans is undeniably a tribute to the chivalry of the German sailors who sacrificed their lives for their country. The film tells the saga of the U-96 crews (U-Boat type VII C) in the Atlantic submarine-battle in the World War II.
Unlike most war films produced in the US, the ending of this film is surprising and very dramatic. What happens to the crews after surviving from war patrols seems to be a metaphor of the faith surrounding the late arrival of the U-Boats of the XXI types in the war.
Had the U-Boats of the XXI types arrived earlier in the battles, the history could have been different.
This review of Das Boot (1981) was written by Toteaux P on 09 Jun 2008.
Das Boot has generally received very positive reviews.
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