Das Boot Review: A Claustrophobic Submarine Classic
9/10 — Das Boot (1981)
Pros
- Palpable claustrophobia
- Prochnow's captain
- Excellent sound design
Cons
- Very long in full cut
In 1941, a German U-boat crew sets out on a patrol in the Atlantic, enduring depth-charge attacks, boredom and fear. Wolfgang Petersen’s film was shot on a full-scale replica and in long, cramped takes.
What works
The claustrophobia is palpable, with the camera pushing through the narrow boat, and Jürgen Prochnow is superb as the weary captain. The sound design, from pinging sonar to groaning hulls, builds extraordinary tension, and the film humanises its crew without glorifying their cause.
Where it falters
The full director’s cut is very long, and some of the characterisation is thin.
Verdict
A superbly tense, humane war film.
