Das Boot, the acclaimed West German World War 2 thriller that film fans on IMDb rank as the greatest combat film from a German perspective, is leaving Netflix on July 13. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen and released in 1981, the film was nominated for six Academy Awards, making it the German film with the most Oscar nominations until it was surpassed by All Quiet on the Western Front in 2022.
Plot and Reception
The film is an adaptation of the novel of the same name, depicting the experiences of the German submarine U-96 crew during the Battle of the Atlantic. It juxtaposes the heightened emotions of warfare with the boredom of the hunt, offering a unique perspective on the conflict. The original theatrical cut runs 2 hours and 29 minutes, but an extended miniseries version of nearly five hours is also available.
Critical Acclaim
Das Boot has been praised for its realistic portrayal of submarine warfare and its humanizing of the German crew. According to film fans on IMDb, it is considered the greatest World War 2 combat film from a German perspective, surpassing other notable entries like The Bridge, Downfall, and Stalingrad. The film's critical success is reflected in its six Oscar nominations, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Availability on Netflix
The original theatrical cut of Das Boot is currently streaming on Netflix, with the last day to watch being July 13. After that date, it will no longer be available on the platform in that version. Fans are encouraged to watch before it disappears.
