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U-571 (2000)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 2/15

U571
2/15: The first ten minutes of U-571 has all the indications of being a rip-off of Das Boot.

Yet soon after, it turns out to be a much different submarine picture from the incomparable German classic. The strength lies in the ingenious story that propels me to feel the tension and suspense as experienced by the American submariners. If anything, the low-key cast is the clincher because no one tries hard to outdo each other.

Although Matthew McConaughey is the headliner, he's, more or less, the same as others. Rather, the film is about the transformation of his character Andrew Tyler's decision-making skills and teamwork.

At first, Tyler yelled "I don't know!" in the face of a serious situation. Then, Chief Petty Officer (Harvey Keitel) confronted him privately and gave him a life lesson in why he, the leader of the submarine, should never say something like that. Taking it to heart, Tyler became a better decision-maker in the ensuing do-or-die situations. As a result, the crew's teamwork improved, showing a purpose toward the end. There are dramatic moments here and there that make U-571 worth the time. Yet it has some negatives such as:

One, I've seen Das Boot and think of it as the gold standard of submarine pictures. Hence, there's too much familiarity here.

Two, for a WWII picture, it's modern in many ways. Even Tyler uses the Weaver stance with the gun, but I've never seen it done in 30's or 40's films.

Three, there's absolutely no way in hell the U-boat would have survived the constant battering from depth charges. A few of them should've ended it much sooner than anticipated. That being said, the submarine must be made of a special material not known to man.

Four, the German destroyer wouldn't blow up that easily after being hit by a single torpedo.

Five, after everything had happened, I expected the U-571 to be blown out of the water, but the typical cheesy Hollywood ending is a disappointment. It's why Das Boot was a brilliant classic by going the opposite direction.

Six, it wasn't the Americans but the British who captured the Enigma machine. People just can't rewrite history for convenience's sake.

All in all, despite the flaws, U-571 is a thrilling submarine picture that kept me entertained to the end.