Film Review: Das Boot (1981)

(source: tmdb.org)

All Quiet on the Western Front is considered to be the most iconic anti-war novel of all times. Cynics would say that making anti-war novel is much easier when written from the perspective of the losing side. This could also be applied to Das Boot, 1981 West German war epic written and directed by Wolfgang Petersen, nowadays known as the best submarine film ever made.

The plot begins in October 1941, roughly two years since the start of Second World War. While the seemingly unstoppable might of Wehrmacht's forces on ground and in the air allowed Germans to conquer Europe and large part of Russia, Kriegsmarine was never proper match for British Royal Navy. German strategy at sea is for that reason based on the use of submarines, which are tasked with sinking cargo ships in order to starve Britain into surrender. One such submarines is U-96, which is about to sail from La Rochelle into the Northern Atlantic. A night before, the crew is trying to ease tension by staging a wild party at local brothel. They are joined by Lieutenant Werner (played by Herbert Grönemeyer), young officer who has the task of making photographs and chronicling the patrol for future propaganda use. While the unnamed Captain a.k.a. "Old Man" (played by Jürgen Prochnow) is a highly decorated, experienced and successful commander, he, to Werner's initial surprise, shows little enthusiasm for the mission. This becomes understandable after the weeks spends either in absolute boredom, struggle with the elements or under pursuit by British destroyers. U-96 manages to sink British tanker, but it is nearly destroyed while doing so. After receiving some supplies and having minor repairs in neutral port of Vigo in Spain, U-96 is sent to help Italian fleet in Mediterranean, but before she can do so, she must pass through narrow Strait of Gibraltar, made all but impassable due to presence of British naval base.

Das Boot was based on the novel by Lothar Günther-Buchheim, itself based on the author's experiences as war correspondent on the historical U-96. Originally envisioned as Hollywood co-production, it became the most ambitious, the most spectacular and, ultimately, the most expensive film at that particular point of German cinema history. Those resources were well-used under the steady hand of Wolfgang Petersen, who had bravely but methodically confronted challenges of this project. He had to shoot at sea, faithfully reconstruct vessels that don't exist any more and all that without the aid of CGI. Petersen and his crew did superb job, mainly with the use of models, but also with the actual functioning replica of Type VII c class of submarine, built specifically for this film. With such dedication, care about details and years of relentless work, Das Boot became, in strictly, technical terms, one of the best films of its times.

Petersen also had another great asset at his disposal, most notably the cast, led by his old associate Jürgen Prüchnow. The actors, carefully selected from Germany and Austria, did very good job in portraying memorable characters – like Hubertus Bengtsch as aristocratic 1st Watch Officer , Erwin Leder as Chief Mechanic who breaks down in the critical moment and, of course, Prüchnow as experienced, capable but ultimately fatalistic commander. Script did very good job in portraying what war can do to various people, especially under such intense circumstances like being stuck in small, smelly, uncomfortable and unbelievably claustrophobic piece of iron where the single moment of carelessness or simply bad luck might lead to very unpleasant ways to die. Most of the crew are men in their 20s, but their commander, who isn't much older than they looks like he is in 50s. Atmosphere of doom is greatly helped by seemingly anachronistic, but in this case quite effective use of electronic music by Klaus Doldinger. Musical theme of Das Boot would become one of the most recognisable pieces of film music in history of cinema.

Anti-war stance of the Das Boot became matter of debate among certain circles, including Buccheim, who had a falling out with Petersen and later accused him of turning his work into "Hollywood action film". This is hard to grasp in light of post-war Germany spending decades trying to come to terms with what happened in 1940s. Petersen expresses domineering views based on the very obvious conclusion that the starting another world war was colossal mistake. What happens to crew of U-96 during their patrol just confirms that conclusion. They have modern technology at their disposal, they are led by capable and skilful commander, but their mission is ultimately futile. This is something Captain and most of his more experienced officers actually know and it reflects in their openly disdainful attitude towards Nazi regime. Captain, when having to choose between carrying out his mission or bringing his crew back alive, would clearly opt for the latter. After he fails in former, he uses a lot of ingenuity to achieve the latter. And just when he is about to triumphantly meet that goal, fate intervenes in most random and tragic way possible. If there is any flaw in Das Boot, it is in that point being made with annoying lack of subtlety (and historic accuracy in relation to real U-96 and its commander). But even such flaw, Das Boot remains one of the most effective war films ever made.

RATING: 8/10 (+++)