Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Das Boot
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I originally watched this movie some years ago when I was self-studying war. I've now watched the series (which Wolfgang Petersen put together by adding a lot of his raw footage to the original theatrical cut of the film) since my sister sent it to me, all together and going back over bits that have stuck in my mind, when I desperately need to be reminded of everyone's essential humanity and of the root of all conflict.
As the Wikipedia article, linked below, explains, there are several different versions of this film in circulation on home video. Mine is the director's cut.
I believe I saw the theatrical cut during my first viewing, since it was all of a piece (a somewhat long piece), before My Florida Sister sent me this one. This one seemed, the first time I watched it, slightly different than the one in my memory. Aside from its length and it's presentation as a series of episodes, I think the director's cut is more engaging and affecting, in part because it gives you a chance for breathing/thinking room between sections and, in part, because the individual characters in the film are clearer, which enhances the effect of the series.
This film/series continues to have an impact on all who see it. In 2011, 14 years after Ebert wrote his initial review, one of the companion reviewers at Roger Ebert's site was moved to publish this review.
Roger Ebert, by the way, reviewed the director's cut, released the year he wrote his review.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jürgen Prochnow Kapitänleutnant Herbert Grönemeyer Leutnant Werner Klaus Wennemann Leitender Ingenieur Hubertus Bengsch 1st Watch Officer Oberleutnant
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1981/1997
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
Labels: dramaB, haunting2, historical3, me-favorite3, political4, war2
