The external special effects also have some issues, as its quite obvious you’re looking at a model, or a set piece with a projected background… and there is one scene where they’re on the bridge against a purplish background which is just plain weird looking, with the characters having a “halo” around them that just looks strange. It’s that sort of typical early-80’s classical-keyboard hybrid thing that (thank god!) died out a long time ago. The soundtrack is only heard a few times, and then only when the sub surfaces in a “marching ahead” fashion. The only real problems I think that hurt Das Boot, are the 80’s soundtrack, and some of the special effects, neither of which have enough of a presence to really detract very much. I don’t think there was one time I cringed at the acting. Prochnow especially has a stare about him that is riveting. Prochnow and the entire cast is absolutely phenomenal. With a lot of renewed spirit, yet still weary and beaten, they sail back into port to a “heroes welcome”, which none of them seem too interested in receiving, and the film ends on a note that you just have to say, “that figures.” They somehow manage to overcome and make enough repairs to get them back underway. They sit at a depth that should be impossible, with the boat creaking and falling apart around them. This slow and eventual degradation culminates with them sitting at the bottom of the Straits of Gibraltar, having been hit by a night-time air patrol. The crew goes from being full of enthusiasm and the proverbial piss-and-vinegar, to a band of haggard and battle-wearied men over the course of the film. Now, that might sound tedious and dull to some, but director Wolfang Petersen turns this into an incredible story of human survival and spirit. Consider that, apart from about three short episodes, one at the beginning, one at the end, and one about two-thirds in, the entire film takes place on board the sub. On numerous occasions they must avoid being destroyed by depth charges, and they manage to pull it off, mostly due to the commanding presence of their Captain, Willenbrock (Jürgen Prochnow.)īut the combat isn’t the great part of this film. That doesn’t keep U-96 out of danger, however. The problem is that by this time, the Royal Navy has figured out how to fight the underwater menace, and has left the U-Boat fleet sparse and spread out. The plot follows the crew of the German U-Boat, U-96 as they set out into the Atlantic to attack convoys heading for Britain. I think in my younger years I was put off by the length of it, but no more. I mean, what was I thinking?! If ever there was the definitive “submarine” war movie, this is it, hands down. Oh man, I can’t believe I’ve never found the time to see Das Boot until now.
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