Das Boot

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Lt. Werner (Herbert Gronemeyer), a war correspondent assigned to the German submarine U-96 during October 1941. His journey begins in a lively French nightclub where he first encounters the submarine’s rugged captain, Captain (Jürgen Prochnow), and the other crew members. The captain, a seasoned professional at just 30, is characterized by his battle-hardened demeanor as well as a sympathetic nature. He candidly expresses his disdain for the war’s management and shares his frustrations with Werner, noting that many of his crew are merely boys, caught up in a conflict they do not fully comprehend.

Among the crew is Chief Engineer ([Klaus Wennemann]), a 27-year-old man burdened by concern for his wife, particularly in light of the distressing news of a British air raid that has struck Cologne. Another captain, Thomsen ([Otto Sander]), a member of “The Old Guard,” delivers a drunken speech to boast about his Ritterkreuz award, all while lamenting the effects of war on his sanity. Thomsen’s character embodies the harsh reality of an alcohol-riddled and shell-shocked U-boat commander, and his crude mockery of Hitler onstage adds a layer of dark humor to the grim circumstances.

The crew is a diverse mix, including the first watch officer, a rigid young man named Hubertus Bengsch, who upholds strict Nazi ideologies and maintains meticulous grooming—a stark contrast to the majority of the crew who adopt a more relaxed approach. In stark opposition is Martin Semmelrogge, the second watch officer, known for his vulgar humor and light-hearted demeanor. He is tasked with deciphering messages using the Enigma code machine, adding a comedic, yet critical perspective to the crew’s grim duties.

Chief Helmsman Kriechbaum ([Bernd Tauber]) remains skeptical and uninspired during their daunting journey, while Chief Mechanic Johann ([Erwin Leder]) has an almost obsessive affection for U-96’s engines. The crew includes Senior Cadet Ullmann ([Martin May]), who juggles his duties with the worry of his pregnant fiancée, alongside Petty Officer Hinrich ([Heinz Hoenig]), who fulfills multiple roles including that of the ship’s combat medic. The atmosphere aboard U-96 is tense but laced with camaraderie as the crew navigates the pressures of a dangerous world under the sea.

As U-96 prepares to set sail from the harbor of La Rochelle, the crew receives an enthusiastic farewell from cheering crowds and a band. Werner is given an informative tour of the submarine, and as they venture into the ocean, he observes the stark contrast in mindset between the new recruits and the seasoned veterans. Tensions heighten when the crew receives reports of an enemy convoy, sparking excitement that soon turns into anxiety as they face their first run-in with a British destroyer—an encounter that nearly ends in disaster as they are bombarded with depth charges.

After a grueling stretch of bad luck, they finally strike success against a British convoy, launching torpedoes that sink two ships. However, their victory is marred by horror; amidst enemy fire, they must confront the chilling consequences of warfare when they witness sailors struggling in the water after their vessel is destroyed.

With aspirations of returning home for Christmas, the crew’s hopes are dashed when orders redirect them to La Spezia, Italy, which entails a perilous passage through heavily guarded waters. A clandestine meet-up occurs with the SS Weser, a German merchant ship that aids U-96 with supplies. Just as they prepare to dive beneath the waves, a sudden attack by a British fighter plane injures the navigator, forcing their hand to evade the approaching British fleet.

Following a harrowing day spent submerged and fighting mechanical failures, they manage to surface after nearly exhausting their oxygen supply, desperately limp back under the cover of night. Yet, their homecoming is overshadowed by tragedy; their arrival in La Rochelle leads to a sudden air raid, resulting in the loss of dear crew members and the injury of many others.

As the dust settles, a devastating scene unfolds when Werner finds the captain, gravely wounded and witnessing the sinking of U-96. The captain’s collapse serves as a chilling end to a story filled with courage, despair, and camaraderie amidst the chaos of war, leaving Werner reeling, haunted by the horror and destruction surrounding him.

Last Updated: May 26, 2025 at 22:02