U-571

U-571

Year: 2000

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Jonathan Mostow

Budget: $62M

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!

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Timeline – U-571 (2000)

Trace every key event in U-571 (2000) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Allies Battle U-Boats

The film opens by highlighting the intense challenges faced by the Allies during World War II. They are engaged in a perilous battle against U-boats that are targeting their freighters, illustrating the dire situation at sea.

2

U-571 Sinks a Freighter

The crew aboard the U-571 successfully torpedoes and sinks a freighter, celebrating their successful mission. However, their moment of victory is short-lived as they soon detect a destroyer approaching rapidly.

U-571
3

Emergency Dive

As the destroyer closes in, the Captain orders an emergency dive to evade the threat. The submarine descends into the depths as depth charges are unleashed, marking the start of a perilous engagement.

U-571
4

Catastrophic Damage

During the depth charge attack, U-571 suffers a catastrophic fuel line rupture, resulting in a fire in the engine room. The crew faces chaos as they realize the extent of their perilous situation.

U-571
5

Desperate SOS

With systems failing and casualties mounting, the Captain orders the radioman to send an Enigma-encoded SOS for assistance. This urgent call highlights the desperate plight of the U-571 crew.

U-571
6

New Mission for S-33

Meanwhile, on the U.S. Navy submarine S-33, Crewman Larson’s wedding celebration is abruptly interrupted by an urgent mission announcement. Lt. Andrew Tyler is faced with the reality of being passed over for command.

S-33
7

Transformed S-33

Upon arriving at the base, the crew discovers that the S-33 is being modified to resemble a German U-boat. This shocking revelation sets the stage for a daring mission to infiltrate U-571.

Base
8

Masquerading as Germans

Naval Intelligence officer Hirsch enlists Lt. Tyler to help find Radioman Wentz, crucial for their deception. The plan is to pose as a resupply ship for the stricken U-571, aiming to capture its Enigma machine.

9

Boarding U-571

During a storm, S-33 locates U-571 and a boarding party led by Coonan is dispatched. Initially welcomed by the Germans, the Americans’ cover is soon blown, igniting a fierce gunfight.

U-571
10

Chaos on U-571

Amidst the chaos, the Americans seize control of U-571 and capture its crew, including the Captain. This significant moment shifts the tide in their favor as they secure the coveted Enigma machine.

U-571
11

Enemy Torpedo Attack

As preparations continue to scuttle U-571, a real German supply submarine surfaces and launches a torpedo, striking the S-33. This unexpected assault heightens the stakes and urgency for the crew.

S-33
12

Desperate Leadership

With their boat taking hits, Lt. Tyler steps up to lead the commandeered U-571 as crew members fall. This moment requires him to make tough decisions to ensure the survival of his team.

U-571
13

Final Assault

In a tense climax, Tyler orders a shot fired from the deck gun, crippling the enemy destroyer. As depth charges rain down, the crew fights desperately to survive and complete their mission.

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14

Sacrifice for Victory

In a pivotal maneuver, crew member Trigger sacrifices himself. The crew makes a triumphant final strike against the destroyer, reflecting on the heavy cost of war as they mourn their losses.

15

Hope and Resilience

Having barely escaped, the crew of U-571 clutches the Enigma machine and awaits rescue. Their hopes are lifted when they are spotted by a U.S. Navy seaplane, signaling a fragile victory.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 00:52

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Claustrophobic mission thrillers like U-571

Teams battling the clock and their own fears in tight, inescapable spaces.If you liked the high-stakes pressure of the submarine in U-571, explore more movies like it. This thread gathers tense thrillers where teams undertake perilous missions in cramped, inescapable settings like submarines, spaceships, or bunkers, creating a uniquely intense and anxious viewing experience.

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Why These Movies?

This thread unites films that share a specific emotional trajectory: the combination of high-stakes military action with a profoundly bittersweet or heavy conclusion. They are grouped by their commitment to showing the true cost of war, balancing tactical success with emotional devastation for a powerful and thought-provoking experience.

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in U-571

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape U-571. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in U-571

U-571 Spoiler-Free Summary

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U-571 Spoiler-Free Summary

More About U-571

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