U-571 (2000)

A German submarine is boarded by disguised American submariners trying to capture their Enigma cipher machine.

Director:

Jonathan Mostow

Writers:

Jonathan Mostow (story), Jonathan Mostow (screenplay)

Stars:

Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel

Won 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew McConaughey	...	Tyler
Bill Paxton	...	Dahlgren
Harvey Keitel	...	Chief
Jon Bon Jovi	...	Emmett
David Keith	...	Coonan
Thomas Kretschmann	...	Wassner
Jake Weber	...	Hirsch
Jack Noseworthy	...	Wentz
Tom Guiry	...	Trigger
Will Estes	...	Rabbit
Terrence 'T.C.' Carson	...	Eddie (as T.C. Carson)
Erik Palladino	...	Mazzola
Dave Power	...	Tank
Derk Cheetwood	...	Griggs
Matthew Settle	...	Larson

Storyline

In the midst of World War II, the battle below the seas rages. The Nazis have the upper edge as the Allies are unable to crack their war codes. That is, until a wrecked U-boat sends out an SOS signal, and the Allies realize this is their chance to seize the 'enigma coding machine'. But masquerading as Nazis and taking over the U-boat is the smallest of their problems. The action really begins when they get stranded on the U-boat.

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Plot Keywords:

submarine movie | u boat | world war two | naval officer | nazi | 

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Taglines:

You won't come up for air until it's over!

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Genres:

Action | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for war violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

The caption before the end credits, detailing the fact that the Royal Navy captured the first Enigma machine, was only added after an outcry in Britain, where it was believed that Hollywood was trying to claim the credit for the Americans (whose forces captured no German Naval Enigma material until 1944).

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Goofs

The American sub, the S-33, never operated in the Atlantic Ocean. It was exclusively operated in the Pacific theater.

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Quotes

Chief Klough: Well, Mister Tyler, if you ever need a chief, I'll go to sea with you anytime.

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Alternate Versions

At least one version of the theatrical release contained no subtitles for the opening scene aboard the German submarine. This was possibly to increase dramatic effect, placing emphasis on the acting and visuals rather than the dialogue.

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Connections

Referenced in Top Gear: Hammond Invents People Carrier Racing (2004)

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Soundtracks

Dein ist mein ganzes Herz
from "Das Land des Lächelns"
Written by Franz Lehár, Fritz Löhner-Beda, Ludwig Herzer
Performed by Benny Goodman

User Reviews

A Good Utilization of Sound

As far as thrillers go, U-571 is a well made film. Although it's historical inaccuracies are awful, it still serves as a great theater experience. It won a well deserved Oscar for it's sound, which, in the right theater, makes the film well worth the admission. Sound is the key essential to U-571.

The characters are simple, the plot is simple, and the film probably won't haunt you long after you've seen it, but that's OK. Just sit back and enjoy the claustrophobic sets, the deafening sound effects, and the non-stop action for what it's worth.

Details

Official Sites:

West Video / Videoguide Company (russian)

Country:

France USA Italy

Language:

English German

Release Date:

21 April 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

U-571

Filming Locations:

Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$62,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$19,553,310, 23 April 2000

Gross USA:

$77,122,415

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$127,666,415

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Canal Plus Image International, Dino De Laurentiis Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS (8 channels)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1