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

Director:

Writers:

(screenplay), (novel)
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1,731 ( 45)
Top Rated Movies #70 | Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 13 wins & 5 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Klaus Wennemann ...
Hubertus Bengsch ...
1st Lieutenant - Number One-1WO
...
2nd Lieutenant - 2WO
Bernd Tauber ...
Kriechbaum - Chief Quartermaster-Navigator
...
Johann
Martin May ...
Ullman
...
Hinrich (as Heinz Hönig)
...
Chief Bosun
...
...
Ralf Richter ...
Frenssen (as Ralph Richter)
...
Preacher
...
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Storyline

It is 1942 and the German submarine fleet is heavily engaged in the so-called "Battle of the Atlantic" to harass and destroy British shipping. With better escorts of the Destroyer Class, however, German U-Boats have begun to take heavy losses. "Das Boot" is the story of one such U-Boat crew, with the film examining how these submariners maintained their professionalism as soldiers and attempted to accomplish impossible missions, all the while attempting to understand and obey the ideology of the government under which they served. Written by Anthony Hughes <[email protected]>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

When the hunters become the hunted See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some war violence and brief language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

| |

Release Date:

17 September 1981 (West Germany)  »

Also Known As:

Podmornica  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$14,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$68,369 (USA) (4 April 1997)

Gross:

$11,433,134 (USA) (25 April 1997)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (director's cut) | (VHS) | (special uncut DVD) | (Original Uncut Version)

Sound Mix:

(director's cut)| (original release)| (director's cut)

Color:

(Fujicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The human figures on the 35 foot model were modified Barbie (or rather Ken) dolls. See more »

Goofs

When the captain issues an order for a torpedo to be fired at the burning ship, he quotes a distance of 650m. Later he notes the distance as 950m in his log. See more »

Quotes

Captain: [Captain looks at the birds overhead] Damn beasts!
[Discovers the watchman's yawning]
Captain: Nay Nay Nay
The Crew: Excuse me, Captain.
Captain: If you can't handle it, don't do it.
[pause]
Captain: Were you part of it? Fireboat drill?
The Crew: [hesitate] Yes, captain.
Captain: [Smile] At least you can aim.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Superstau (1991) See more »

Soundtracks

Sing Nachtigall Sing
(uncredited)
Written by Michael Jary and Bruno Balz
Performed by Evelyn Künneke
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Nearly four hours long, and never a dull moment!
16 October 2004 | by (Texas, USA) – See all my reviews

The first time I saw this film I could not take my eyes from it. I was mesmerized with the transition of a hearty young crew leaving port evolving as the sheer moments of terror (deep under water battles and personal struggles as well as the final scene) lead them all to rethink their actual cause, and their very own mortality (as well as our own in the perils of war!). I can't imagine another film actually displaying what it must have been like to be on one of Nazi Germany's U-boats - young nationalist boys being plucked from their mother's bosom and cast into the claustrophobic iron wolfs in the heat and height of the second world war, who begin to doubt the cause and victory of the fuhrer they've been taught to love and trust. Very colorful, contrasting characters and a script and plot thick with surprises and emotional drama/trauma. Top-notch direction, action, acting and sets. This is perhaps the greatest movie ever made in my opinion. Sorry I couldn't be more specific with the review, there is just too much to cover without spoiling anything for those yet to enjoy it, and thus I just highly recommend it to anybody, not just war movie buffs. I have seen both the regular version and the director's cut (which I own on DVD now) and I must say that the DC is superior. A masterpiece!


174 of 189 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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What happened to Kaleun Thomson? vincentcoventon
Question about a dish the officers were eating sheyenne
Did you watch it in English, or in German with subtitles? motleycruefan
Please help: Point of the 'Coup de Grace' suse33
Who pitied German crew and characters in this movie ? merdiolu
Just watched the 393 minute version! 5 hours+++ AMAZING! MUST SEE!!! cowboyerik
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