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

Director:

Wolfgang Petersen

Writers:

Wolfgang Petersen, Lothar G. Buchheim (based on the novel by)
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Popularity
2,275 ( 68)
Top Rated Movies #82 | Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 13 wins & 5 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jürgen Prochnow ... Capt.-Lt. Henrich Lehmann-Willenbrock - Der Alte
Herbert Grönemeyer ... Lt. Werner - Correspondent
Klaus Wennemann Klaus Wennemann ... Chief Engineer Fritz Grade - Der Leitende-Der LI
Hubertus Bengsch Hubertus Bengsch ... 1st Lieutenant - Number One-1WO
Martin Semmelrogge ... 2nd Lieutenant - 2WO
Bernd Tauber ... Kriechbaum - Chief Quartermaster-Navigator
Erwin Leder ... Johann
Martin May Martin May ... Ullman
Heinz Hoenig ... Hinrich (as Heinz Hönig)
Uwe Ochsenknecht ... Chief Bosun
Claude-Oliver Rudolph ... Ario
Jan Fedder ... Pilgrim
Ralf Richter ... Frenssen (as Ralph Richter)
Joachim Bernhard ... Preacher
Oliver Stritzel ... Schwalle
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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 the crew of one such U-Boat, 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 <husnock31@hotmail.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

40 000 men were sent out on German U-boats... 30 000 never returned See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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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

(at around 55 mins) Captain and several crew members are taking wave splashes/spray in their faces while standing on the bridge. The Captain keeps using his binoculars. If binocular lenses are wet they are completely useless for their intended purpose. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Captain: Out boatswain's mate. Been on quite a bender tonight.
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Alternate Versions

On the DVD release the subtitle content is significantly different from the version shown on cable. Hitler is not disparaged the same way at the going away bash for example. See more »

Connections

Referenced in American Dad!: She Swill Survive (2014) See more »

Soundtracks

Mon Gars
(My Boy)
(uncredited)
Performed by Rita Cadillac
Music by Klaus Doldinger
Lyrics by France Brifaut
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User Reviews

 
Nearly four hours long, and never a dull moment!
16 October 2004 | by st_soulboySee 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!


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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Official Sites:

Twin Brothers

Country:

West Germany

Language:

German

Release Date:

10 February 1982 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Boat See more »

Filming Locations:

Bodensee, Bavaria, Germany See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

DEM32,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$26,994, 14 February 1982

Gross USA:

$11,487,676

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$11,487,676
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (director's cut) | (video) | (Original Uncut Version) | (Original Uncut Mini-Series Version) | (director's cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital (director's cut)| Dolby Stereo (original release)| SDDS (director's cut)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
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