U-571 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

American submariners steal a German U-boat to steal a code machine and then blow up everything, because freedom!

🍿 U-571: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Mission Begins

In the Atlantic, U-boats decimate Allied freighters. U-571, a German sub, sinks a freighter but is then damaged by a destroyer, crippling its engines and communications. The U-boat sends out an SOS, prompting the Allies to devise a plan to capture its Enigma machine.

A Daring Deception

The crew of the US Navy submarine S-33 is abruptly called back from shore leave for a secret mission. Their sub is modified to resemble a German U-boat. Disguised in German uniforms, they are tasked with intercepting U-571, posing as a resupply vessel, seizing the Enigma machine, and then scuttling the U-boat.

The Takeover

The S-33 intercepts the damaged U-571 during a storm. Initially, the Germans welcome the supposed resupply ship. However, the deception is quickly revealed, leading to a fierce firefight. The Americans successfully take control of the U-boat and capture the Enigma machine.

Disaster Strikes

As the Americans transfer prisoners and prepare to scuttle U-571, a German resupply sub appears and torpedoes the S-33. Commander Dahlgren is killed. A handful of American crew members, including Lt. Tyler, are now stranded on the captured U-boat and must figure out how to survive.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tyler (Matthew McConaughey): A determined but initially unproven lieutenant who rises to the challenge of commanding a captured German U-boat.
• Dahlgren (Bill Paxton): The experienced Lieutenant Commander of the S-33 who initially leads the mission to capture the Enigma machine.
• Chief (Harvey Keitel): The seasoned Chief Klough serves as a steady, guiding force for Tyler, offering invaluable experience and support.
• Wassner (Thomas Kretschmann): The cunning and ruthless Captain of U-571, who is determined to protect the Enigma machine and his crew.
• Wentz (Jack Noseworthy): The S-33’s radioman, fluent in German, plays a crucial role in the mission and struggles with his heritage.
• Trigger (Tom Guiry): A brave member of the S-33 crew who makes the ultimate sacrifice to enable the U-571 to fire its final torpedo.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Chief Klough: “You’re the skipper now. And the skipper always knows what to do whether he does or not.” – Said to Tyler after Dahlgren’s death, emphasizing the responsibility of command even when uncertain.
• Tyler: “We’re going to take this boat to England.” – Tyler states his bold plan after the S-33 is destroyed, leading them to commandeer the U-571 to complete their mission.
• Tyler: “That’s an order!” – Tyler, to the young sailor Trigger, when he asks for an order, during the final repair to fire the last torpedo. This underlines the chain of command and the tough choices made in war.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $62,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $77,122,415
• Worldwide Gross: $127,666,415

💥 U-571 Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing U-571 in the theater and being completely blown away by the intensity! The depth charge scenes were so incredibly immersive. I jumped in my seat more than once! Sure, the history might be a bit off, but as a pure action-packed submarine movie, it really delivered. I especially enjoyed the moments where they were trying to figure out the German controls. That added an extra layer of tension. Definitely a fun, if not entirely accurate, movie experience!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of submarine warfare movies”
  • “Viewers interested in World War II thrillers”
  • “Those who enjoy action-packed military films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense war violence”
  • “Claustrophobic environments”
  • “Brief scenes of graphic imagery”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While historically inaccurate, U-571 delivers a suspenseful and action-packed submarine thriller. The sound design is particularly noteworthy, creating a claustrophobic and intense viewing experience. The performances are solid, but the focus remains on the technical aspects and thrilling set pieces.
• Roger Ebert: “U-571 is a gripping, well-crafted thriller that uses its historical setting effectively. The film’s strength lies in its ability to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension, putting the viewer right in the middle of the action. While some may quibble with the historical liberties, the film’s entertainment value is undeniable.
• James Berardinelli: “U-571 offers a visceral experience, immersing the audience in the dark and dangerous world of submarine warfare. The film’s sound design and visual effects are impressive, but the shallow characters and predictable plot detract from the overall impact. It’s a popcorn movie that delivers thrills but lacks substance.

Audience Reactions

The intense action sequences and realistic sound design kept me on the edge of my seat.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s thrilling action, particularly the depth charge sequences, and its immersive sound design.

Despite the historical inaccuracies, I found the movie to be a highly entertaining and suspenseful ride.: Many acknowledge the historical liberties taken but still appreciate the film as a gripping and exciting war movie.

Overall Consensus: U-571 is generally considered a thrilling and action-packed submarine movie, though it is criticized for its historical inaccuracies. Its intense atmosphere and strong technical aspects are widely praised.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Sound Editing)- 2001

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film received criticism for its historical inaccuracies, particularly the implication that Americans captured the first Enigma machine, which was actually seized by the British Royal Navy. A caption was added before the end credits acknowledging the British role.”
• “To enhance the realism, the actors spent time aboard a real submarine, experiencing the claustrophobic conditions and learning basic submarine operations.”
• “The production design team consulted with naval historians and technical experts to ensure the accuracy of the sets and equipment, though some liberties were taken for dramatic effect.”

🖥️ How to Watch U-571?

U-571 is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for cable on-demand options. Streaming availability may vary by region. You can often find it for sale on DVD and Blu-ray through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed U-571, you might like these similar films:

• Das Boot (1981): A claustrophobic and realistic portrayal of life aboard a German U-boat during World War II, serving as the gold standard for submarine films.
• The Hunt for Red October (1990): A tense Cold War submarine thriller with a focus on tactical maneuvers and political intrigue.
• Crimson Tide (1995): A psychological thriller set on a US nuclear submarine, exploring themes of command, control, and the dangers of nuclear war.

🛒 U-571 Related Products

• U-571 [Blu-ray]: Experience the thrill of U-571 in high definition with enhanced audio. Relive the intense action sequences with stunning clarity, bringing the claustrophobic atmosphere of the submarine to life. Includes behind-the-scenes featurettes and director’s commentary.
• 1/350 German Type VII-C U-Boat Submarine Model Kit: Build your own replica of a German Type VII-C U-Boat! Highly detailed model with historically accurate markings and features. A challenging and rewarding project for model enthusiasts, perfect for displaying your love of naval history and U-571.
• World of Warships: U-Boat Premium Time Exclusive DLC Pack: Command authentic World War II submarines in World of Warships! Exclusive DLC pack includes early access to U-boat class vessels and premium in-game currency. Recreate historical battles and experience the thrill of underwater combat. Dive into strategic gameplay with submarines and use torpedoes and dive capabilities to outsmart your enemies.
• U-571 Movie Poster (24×36): High-quality reproduction of the original U-571 movie poster. Printed on durable, archival paper with vibrant colors. Perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater, office, or any space where you want to showcase your passion for classic war movies.

🎧 Soundtrack

U-571 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Richard Marvin
• “Torpedo Run” – performed by Richard Marvin
• “Depth Charge Attack” – performed by Richard Marvin
• “Lover, Come Back to Me” – performed by Sigmund Romberg, Oscar Hammerstein II

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

US Submarine Commander Rates 14 Submarine Scenes In Movies | How Real Is It? | Insider

Ever wondered how realistic submarine movies are? A real US Submarine Commander breaks down scenes, including those from U-571! You’ll be surprised at what they get right (and wrong)!

Films Historians Absolutely Loathe

Think U-571 is a true story? Think again! This video reveals why historians cringe at some historical films, including U-571, and it might change how you see the movie.

Top 10 Submarine Movies

Where does U-571 rank among the greatest submarine movies ever made? This video counts down the top 10 and it is fun to see which other great movies are like U-571.

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