Das Boot (1981)

Das Boot (1981) is a German war film directed by Wolfgang Petersen, based on Lothar-Günther Buchheim’s 1973 novel of the same name. The film portrays the harrowing experiences of a German U-boat crew during World War II, emphasizing the intense claustrophobia, fear, and desperation that comes with serving aboard a submarine.

The story follows the crew of U-96, a German submarine, as they embark on a mission to disrupt Allied shipping in the Atlantic. The film explores the psychological strain and physical challenges the crew faces, from life-threatening depth charges to near suffocation from lack of air. The film avoids glorifying war and instead delves into the humanity and suffering of the men involved, regardless of nationality.