Boot, Das (1981)

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen Writing credits Lothar G. Buchheim (novel) Wolfgang Petersen  (more)

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• Bavaria Film [de]
• Radiant Film GmbH [de]
• Süddeutscher Rundfunk (SDR) [de]
• Twin Bros. Productions [de] (Director's cut)
• Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) [de]

• Columbia Pictures [us] (USA)
• Columbia TriStar Home Video [us] (USA) (DVD)
• Columbia TriStar Home Video [us] (USA) (laserdisc)
• Constantin Film [de] (Germany) (re-release)
• Gaumont Home Vidéo [fr] (France) (video)
• JMM Invest, S.L. (Spain)
• Neue Constantin Film [de] (West Germany)
• RCA/Columbia (USA) (laserdisc)
• Triumph Releasing Corporation [us] (1982) (USA) (subtitled)

• BASF Magnetics GmbH [de]  magnetic film restoration (director's cut)
• D. Bassett & Associates Inc. [us]  negative cutting (director's cut)
• Gelula & Co.  english subtitles (director's cut)
• I.M. HIT Publications  english translation (director's cut)
• Pacific Title [us]  titles (director's cut)
• Signet Soundelux Studios [us]  editing (director's cut)
• Signet Soundelux Studios [us]  sound effects (director's cut)

User Comments:

FlickJunkie-2
Atlanta, GA

Date: 15 April 2000
Summary: Brilliant in every respect

I don't think there are enough superlatives in the English language to adequately describe this film. It succeeds in every possible way. This is not only one of the best war movies ever, but among the very best films period. The story is based on a true story of a German Submarine and its crew during WWII. The plot is simple. A bunch of ordinary young guys are crammed into a little tin can and go out and do their duty while trying to avoid getting killed. This slice of life film gives a chillingly detailed look at the rigors of war in a U-boat.

We are treated to the stark reality of submarine warfare; the hours of boredom; the camaraderie and simultaneous aggravation that comes with living in such close quarters, the exultation of victory when a torpedo hits, the stark terror of the sound of a destroyer's propeller just above or the insane fear of the boat being crushed by the water pressure as you go too deep.

This film is unique in that it is done from the German perspective. Most films about WWII are from the Allied perspective since they were produced in Hollywood or England. What is striking about this film is how it depicts war as a human event rather than a nationalistic conflict. It makes us realize that for the foot soldier and sailor on the battle lines, no matter what side, war is the same. It is more a matter of survival than glory.

Director Wolfgang Peterson did a brilliant job on this film. The set and props were authentic in minute detail and the work in tight quarters was truly remarkable. You get a real sense of the cramped quarters and how nimble the men had to be scrambling from compartment to compartment. Peterson spares us none of the unpleasantness of submarine life. The stark reality of it is startling.

By far Peterson's greatest accomplishment is the spine tingling suspense. The effect is so terrifying you feel like you are part of the crew. His use of angles, lighting, actor's reactions and most especially sound makes this film far more frightening and suspenseful than anything the horror genre has ever produced. I viewed this on DVD (Director's Cut) and the sound was probably the best I've ever experienced. You hear water dripping behind you, bolts explode and go screaming diagonally across the room to clank on the other side, the sound of the destroyer's propeller escalates from a fly buzz to a roar as the ping from the sonar gets ever louder. You find every muscle in your body tensing as you hear them drop the depth charges.

The ending is superb. It is triumphant, poignant and ironic; unexpected and yet not surprising. It is neither what the viewer is apt to want nor expect, and yet it is not disappointing.

I can't think of any negative criticism I would give this film. It was nominated for six Academy Awards and won none. That speaks volumes about the dubious nature of the Academy. Even if you don't normally enjoy war movies, you should see this film. It is ultra excellent drama, entertainment and filmmaking. A perfect 10.

I have seen this movie and would like to comment on it

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