U-571

U-571

Year: 2000

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Jonathan Mostow

ActionDramaWar

During World War II, an American Navy team led by Lieutenant Andrew Tyler is tasked with a perilous mission: to seize a vital German U-boat and its advanced Enigma machine. After the U-boat sinks, the team successfully boards it, but their presence is quickly discovered. A tense battle ensues as they struggle to secure the Enigma device and escape the crippled submarine before a pursuing German destroyer arrives, threatening to destroy everything.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen U-571 yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – U-571 (2000)

Explore the full timeline and setting of U-571 (2000). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

World War II

The film is set during the tumultuous period of World War II, characterized by intense naval confrontations and technological warfare. The movie captures the urgency of the Allies' struggle against German U-boats and highlights the pivotal role of intelligence gathering, particularly through the use of the Enigma machine.

Location

U-571, S-33

The movie primarily takes place aboard the German submarine U-571 and the American submarine S-33. U-571 is known for its stealthy operations during World War II, while S-33 serves as a base for an audacious mission to capture the Enigma machine. These submerged vessels symbolize the tension and peril of naval warfare.

🌊 Submarine ⚓ Naval Base

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:19

Main Characters – U-571 (2000)

Meet the key characters of U-571 (2000), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lt. Andrew Tyler (Matthew McConaughey)

Lt. Andrew Tyler is a dedicated naval officer dealing with the disappointment of being passed over for command. He displays strong leadership under pressure and evolves from skepticism to becoming a pivotal figure in the mission aboard U-571. His resolve is tested as he navigates the challenges of war and command.

🎖️ Leadership ⚖️ Duty 😟 Internal Conflict

Chief (Harvey Keitel)

The Chief is a vital member of the crew who faces the dire realities of their situation onboard U-571. He serves as a supporting anchor for the Captain, balancing the grim tasks at hand with a sense of responsibility. His experience helps to navigate the crew through the chaos of their circumstances.

⚓ Experience 💪 Resilience 🔧 Technical Skill

Lt. Commander Dahlgren (Bill Paxton)

Lt. Commander Dahlgren is a commanding officer who maintains control amidst the chaos and confusion of wartime decisions. He embodies the traits of a seasoned leader, balancing urgency with strategic thinking, and his fate serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in their mission.

🔭 Strategy 📏 Authority ⚠️ Risk

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:19

Major Themes – U-571 (2000)

Explore the central themes of U-571 (2000), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Courage

U-571 explores themes of courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming adversity. The crew’s determination to undertake a dangerous mission despite their fears exemplifies the courage required during wartime. The film showcases the complexities of leadership and unity among a diverse group facing dire circumstances.

🔍 Deception

The theme of deception is central to the plot, where the crew must disguise themselves and their intentions to succeed in their mission. This masquerade raises questions about identity and trust, especially as characters grapple with maintaining their cover under pressure. The tension mounts as loyalties and true identities are tested.

💔 Sacrifice

Sacrifice is portrayed heavily throughout the film, illustrating the heavy toll of warfare. Characters must make harrowing decisions that lead to personal loss and the greater good. The story serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict, emphasizing the emotional burden borne by those who serve.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:19

Unlock the Full Story of U-571

Don't stop at just watching — explore U-571 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what U-571 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

U-571 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of U-571, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

U-571 Summary

U-571 Timeline

Track the full timeline of U-571 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

U-571 Timeline

More About U-571

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about U-571: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About U-571

Similar Movies to U-571

Discover movies like U-571 that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.