Das Boot

Das Boot

Synopsis

Film version of this superior soap set in the claustrophobic world of a World War II German submarines

About

The crew are at the receiving end of a seemingly obscure command structure, and orders often make less and less sense as they are filtered down to the front line. Experiencing the war first-hand, the tired and edgy crew have little chance to relax, as the enemy could be lurking anywhere beyond the steel hull of the creaking submarine.

Director Petersen exploits his claustrophobic setting to maximum effect, paradoxically using a steady-cam which rushes through the cramped interior only adding to the sense of isolation. While the anti-war message isn't much to write home about, Das Boot (The Boat) still makes compulsive viewing. But the truth is simple: what makes it (and the TV series) float are the soap opera mechanics.

Cast & Connections

Actor: Klaus Wennemann, Herbert Gr??nemeyer, Hubertus Bengsch, Bernd Tauber, Martin Semmelrogge, Jürgen Prochnow
Director: Wolfgang Petersen
Screen Writer: Lothar G Buchheim, Wolfgang Petersen
Producer: Michael Bittins
Photographer: Jost Vacano
Composer: Klaus Doldinger

In a nutshell

Das Boot still makes compulsive viewing. But the truth is simple: what makes it (and the TV series) float are the soap opera mechanics.

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