Erwin Leder (Johann) was absolutely amazing in this scene. The terror and claustrophobia that Johann was experiencing had me, like the crew, petrified and unable to move until the Captain went to get his pistol, thus forcing the crew to act. And I don't think I've ever seen an actor look like a human skeleton without the use of prosthetics.
This is one of my most memorable scenes from the film (amongst others, of course!).
Many many of the Germans fighting were just defending their country in time of war. I have folks in my family who fought for the States, but many of the German who fought on their side were decent good people who just happened to be on the other side. They were very defiantly human beings just as anyone else.
It is long over due to give them the respect they deserve.
FACT: More than 70% of all german sailors in the Kriegsmarine made it back to Germany after the allies launched unrestricted warfare against Uboats. At the end of the war, the Kriegsmarine suffered more casualties than the Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht combined.
claustrophobia is really bad, you can't breath, you feel like you're going to die if you don't get out of the enclosed space. I had it once but was able to get control and shake it off. I haven't experienced it since and I never want to again.
As a human being Johann had his breaking point; like all of us. However when the sub nose dived , hit bottom and began taking on water it was this same fellow that stop the water flowing in and drowning everyone. This is what makes true heroes out of ordinary men. This is the type of guy you want on your team. I for one surely would.
I like the way the rest of the crew get Johann aft when the Captain goes to get his pistol. They know what might happen otherwise, and so move as one to protect *both* men. Great, riveting, emotional scene in a film that has many.
I remember seeing this film for the first time. I then saw it again. I just remembered how tense and outright horrifying some of the sequences were. This sequence especially. The look of horror in the person's eyes. Truly one of the best war movie of all time and is one of my favorite ones along with Apocalypse Now.
Poor Johann, he is one of my favourite "characters" in this movie. <3 It was very good to see a movie from german soldiers perspective, it is really rare. And I think it is stupid to hate german ppl just becouse of Hitler, or russian ppl just becouse of Stalin, etc. Soldiers are just normal citizens, they do what they have to do and if not, they get killed. My grandfather always said, that in war, you have to kill or you get killed. Rulers of countries are the one who decide those things. =x
Did you guys know that "Johann", while also being a German forename, is actually his last name? According to the book, his full name is August Johann.
Johann is such as badass in the rest of the movie though. He portrays the silent monitor of the great submarine engine so well, and then to show how war can psychologically dismember a sentinel truly demonstrates the actor's potential.
If you are going to watch this movie, do yourself a big favour and watch it in German with english subtitles. I dont mean any degradation for Das Boot as it is my favourite movie of all time, however in English its as fake and gay as it gets
The greatest war film ever made bar none and a refreshing change to the masses of pro-allied movies that flood the market. I think people forget that the Germans suffered just as we did, if not more so, for instance the U-Boat, 40,000 sailors and roughly a quarter survived, it's an astonishing death ratio. I don't think we see enough movies from the German perspective, the US and British ones have a more up their own ass attitude whereas Das Boot and Stalingrad are more gritty and harrowing.
@Watain666 In general a very nice, astute comment. But you're not going to find a more up-their-own-ass attitude to war films that that of Russian propaganda. To them, it's not just a catchy kitschy phrase when they say, "The only good German is a dead German." It's really meant and the lines between past and present are intentionally blurred so to maintain the propagandistic hold over the identities and behaviours of ethnic Russian peoples.
This unforgetablle movie is nail-biting and nerve-wracking from beginning to end. You had to feel sorry for poor Johann but you couldn't blame him for cracking up! A lot of the sailors on board probably felt the same way he did but they kept quiet.
Poor Johann with fear stricken eyes, really snapped ! This is what could really happen to a man if his nerves became unraveled by the constant depth charge fallout. Watching the film you can't help becoming drawn to these sailors,these guys. Allied or Axis we are all humans, God did not make any of us out of steel.
This Movie is awesome. And it doesn't show hollywood nazi killers, it shows 19-20 year old men that don't know what they're doing and are forced to fight.
Exactly, the worst crimes in history were probably committed by the russian communists, they even beat the genocide antics of the Mongol warriors. But I guess their victims aren't as politically fashionable as the victims of the nazis.
@all english native speakers: please try to get a subtitled version with ORIGINAL german voice. This is the most incredible german film of all times! seen it 20 times and it didnt lost any of its suspense and emotion. But you must see the original version to get it.
I have to agree to you BelegLosseniel. Have seen here the first time a part of the English version. I´m German and to me it sounds quite strange when they copy the German accent. Really recommend the german version with subtitles.
German or not German! I'm Italian and think this is among the five best war movies in XX century. Dramatic, epic , never rhetoric. Excellent crew. A masterpiece.
i remember watching the directors cut of this film and being drenched in blood, sweat and tears at the end. such an amazing film, the 3 hour version will leave you terrified and feeling as if you just got of the boat yourself.
i'm in the usa and any foreign movie dubbed in english is such a joke. i say, keep it in its complete original format...i'll read the subtitles! i saw both versions of das boot - one in german with subtitles and one being english dubbed...what a joke. made me ill that the difference was so large. i've seen this movie so many times, i dont need the subtitles anymore :) it's still my favorite sub movie ever.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Got to say Guys !! this scene, demonstrated poor military disciplne, ,,, what should have happened long before, the distraut engineer got to the Con, a junior officer, should have, interceded, thus, negating the, situation of a confrontation between Captain, and the engineer
No, what you see in this scene is the result of the constant stress and the sheer terror expierienced by each of when depth charg's are dropped, and one showing the absolute terror that he was exposed to. Nothing to do with disipline, but the situation. The Submariners would of had a horrible time when being depth charged, because think about it, you are underwater, with explosives being throwen at you, it's impossible to abandon ship if you are hit and all you can do is stay there and listen.
agreed german version is much but - that diesel mechanic Johann (the ghost) is absolutely brilliant. That was my favourite scene. Such a good film with interesting characters. thanks for posting
You're right,Erwin Feder as Johann was - for me - the best actor of the lot, even with his relatively small part. You remember how he sleeps with the engines and listens to them with an ear trumpet? This scene is one of the best acted crack-ups I have ever seen portrayed - and all without speaking a word. Look at his eyes!
Yes : it was the LI - what means "Leitender Ingenieur". Thats how they call him on the boat. Its not a name , it means "Chief Engineer". Name of the actor is Klaus Wennemann.
I agree, I much prefer the German version, but the English one isn't so bad as it's one of the very few foreign films where almost the entire main cast spoke good english, and so they dubbed themselves
This english version is very poor, i hate war movies , where german soldiers speak English but words like "hallo" "heil hitler" "auf wiedershenn" in german. This is POOR german version is much better.
I would have been like Johann too.. Except I would probably have pissed my pants then dropped dead in complete shock.
johnnyponny4 1 month ago
Gotta love Erwin!! <3
81Gothicchick 1 month ago
wtf the fuck is this.....they speak English....wtf
just4historie 1 month ago
That terror was almost to real......
Johann3754 2 months ago
Erwin Leder (Johann) was absolutely amazing in this scene. The terror and claustrophobia that Johann was experiencing had me, like the crew, petrified and unable to move until the Captain went to get his pistol, thus forcing the crew to act. And I don't think I've ever seen an actor look like a human skeleton without the use of prosthetics.
This is one of my most memorable scenes from the film (amongst others, of course!).
MikeWiggins1235711 3 months ago
The Actor Playing Johann was excellent. You can feel the terror just looking into his eyes, he does not look like he is acting.
jmstowe 4 months ago
Many many of the Germans fighting were just defending their country in time of war. I have folks in my family who fought for the States, but many of the German who fought on their side were decent good people who just happened to be on the other side. They were very defiantly human beings just as anyone else.
It is long over due to give them the respect they deserve.
jmstowe 4 months ago
FACT: More than 70% of all german sailors in the Kriegsmarine made it back to Germany after the allies launched unrestricted warfare against Uboats. At the end of the war, the Kriegsmarine suffered more casualties than the Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht combined.
gmccord1970 7 months ago
being used to the hollywood cliche shit ,this thing hit me like a torpedo
langhard1 11 months ago
man, i read in those days, if you messed up in an actual. that was it! you and the crew are dead along with the boat.
glynamus 11 months ago
....not Johann :(
fancyasian 11 months ago
If it makes Johann feel any better, I probably would have died of a heart attack hours before this scene if I was a crewmember.
EdMcStinko 1 year ago
Das Boot was better -a lot better- than Apocalypse Now.
pogo265 1 year ago
Johann is from Austria :D probably vienna ...
jeenyusaut 1 year ago
@jeenyusaut born in St. Poelten, Austria – at the Time when the Movie plays part of 'Germany' of course ;-)
max4udotde 11 months ago
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@jeenyusaut in St. Poelten, Austria – at the time when the movie plays part of 'Germany' of course.
max4udotde 11 months ago
claustrophobia is really bad, you can't breath, you feel like you're going to die if you don't get out of the enclosed space. I had it once but was able to get control and shake it off. I haven't experienced it since and I never want to again.
MAG315 1 year ago
As a human being Johann had his breaking point; like all of us. However when the sub nose dived , hit bottom and began taking on water it was this same fellow that stop the water flowing in and drowning everyone. This is what makes true heroes out of ordinary men. This is the type of guy you want on your team. I for one surely would.
70bonnie 1 year ago
Sounds horrible in english language. The voices are unsympathetic. In german it is much better.
Kretika 1 year ago 2
I like the way the rest of the crew get Johann aft when the Captain goes to get his pistol. They know what might happen otherwise, and so move as one to protect *both* men. Great, riveting, emotional scene in a film that has many.
PhiloYT1 1 year ago
I remember seeing this film for the first time. I then saw it again. I just remembered how tense and outright horrifying some of the sequences were. This sequence especially. The look of horror in the person's eyes. Truly one of the best war movie of all time and is one of my favorite ones along with Apocalypse Now.
glassessn 1 year ago
DUBBED!?:O
Dubbing is a mortal sin!
OnkelMickwald 1 year ago 7
@OnkelMickwald
At least the actors dubbed their own voices in this film here
In my opinion subtitles are a mortal sin!!
i hate to read subtitles. If i want to read something i'll get a book
Exverlobter 1 year ago
better watch the original german version with english subtiles.
Lintflas 1 year ago 7
Poor Johann, he is one of my favourite "characters" in this movie. <3 It was very good to see a movie from german soldiers perspective, it is really rare. And I think it is stupid to hate german ppl just becouse of Hitler, or russian ppl just becouse of Stalin, etc. Soldiers are just normal citizens, they do what they have to do and if not, they get killed. My grandfather always said, that in war, you have to kill or you get killed. Rulers of countries are the one who decide those things. =x
EleanorCrowley 1 year ago 2
If he is afraid of drowning why didn't he choose the Luftwaffe?
hunszeker 1 year ago
@hunszeker it wasnt like anyone had a choice in germany back then.
satanic666sonic 10 months ago
Did you guys know that "Johann", while also being a German forename, is actually his last name? According to the book, his full name is August Johann.
Firmicutes 1 year ago
I need it in german with eng. subtitles it sounds better
itsaguinness 2 years ago 3
Johann is such as badass in the rest of the movie though. He portrays the silent monitor of the great submarine engine so well, and then to show how war can psychologically dismember a sentinel truly demonstrates the actor's potential.
ddavda 2 years ago 2
poor guys
Frederik19951995 2 years ago
If you are going to watch this movie, do yourself a big favour and watch it in German with english subtitles. I dont mean any degradation for Das Boot as it is my favourite movie of all time, however in English its as fake and gay as it gets
hitmankanadiz13 2 years ago 5
@hitmankanadiz13 It´s my favorite film since 30 years- greatings from Hamburg!
cabrio379 2 years ago
great movie
i'll watch it tonight
waldschrat1991 2 years ago 2
The greatest war film ever made bar none and a refreshing change to the masses of pro-allied movies that flood the market. I think people forget that the Germans suffered just as we did, if not more so, for instance the U-Boat, 40,000 sailors and roughly a quarter survived, it's an astonishing death ratio. I don't think we see enough movies from the German perspective, the US and British ones have a more up their own ass attitude whereas Das Boot and Stalingrad are more gritty and harrowing.
Watain666 2 years ago 49
See if you can find a copy of "All Quiet on the Western Front."
(Im Westen nichts Neues)
a0e0roberts 2 years ago 2
agree 100%
eggheadAKAspensley 2 years ago
@Watain666 THANK YOU! Finally ONE person who understood, that even german soldiers were humans like you and me.
Gantolomew 1 year ago 3
@Watain666 Well Said!
formeliandialogue 1 year ago
@Watain666 In general a very nice, astute comment. But you're not going to find a more up-their-own-ass attitude to war films that that of Russian propaganda. To them, it's not just a catchy kitschy phrase when they say, "The only good German is a dead German." It's really meant and the lines between past and present are intentionally blurred so to maintain the propagandistic hold over the identities and behaviours of ethnic Russian peoples.
I agree with you that this is the best war film.
ezekieloak 9 months ago
He got mad at Johann when he broke down, but he was very forgiving.
One of the best parts is where Johann fixes the electric motor towards the end, and The Captain says calmly with a grin:
"Very good Johann, very good:)"
AWESOME.......
brian8793 2 years ago 27
Hi,
in the book the captain comments on other comanders being sent out with their u-boats although they are burnt out and shouldn't be sent anymore.
He's sailed with Johann since the beginning- I think 7 or 8 voyages long...
Octobereves 2 years ago
but he did not spek english, did he?
hotellmann 2 years ago
Wait.. dubbed? Bleeh, German version is much more better IMHO
sounynoma 2 years ago 5
This unforgetablle movie is nail-biting and nerve-wracking from beginning to end. You had to feel sorry for poor Johann but you couldn't blame him for cracking up! A lot of the sailors on board probably felt the same way he did but they kept quiet.
wlhardy 2 years ago 3
I'd rather be in the infantry
DanyNicola 2 years ago
Poor Johann with fear stricken eyes, really snapped ! This is what could really happen to a man if his nerves became unraveled by the constant depth charge fallout. Watching the film you can't help becoming drawn to these sailors,these guys. Allied or Axis we are all humans, God did not make any of us out of steel.
70bonnie 3 years ago 3
This Movie is awesome. And it doesn't show hollywood nazi killers, it shows 19-20 year old men that don't know what they're doing and are forced to fight.
ChillingForever 3 years ago 8
What, and Soviets weren't killers? Americans weren't killers?
Eisenhower didn't let over 1 million German soldiers rot in their own shit and piss with no food and water, out in an open field?
Funny how I didn't hear about that one in History class........
brian8793 2 years ago 2
Exactly, the worst crimes in history were probably committed by the russian communists, they even beat the genocide antics of the Mongol warriors. But I guess their victims aren't as politically fashionable as the victims of the nazis.
qualitycontrol2 2 years ago 4
Exactly!
brian8793 2 years ago
@all english native speakers: please try to get a subtitled version with ORIGINAL german voice. This is the most incredible german film of all times! seen it 20 times and it didnt lost any of its suspense and emotion. But you must see the original version to get it.
BelegLosseniel 3 years ago 4
I have to agree to you BelegLosseniel. Have seen here the first time a part of the English version. I´m German and to me it sounds quite strange when they copy the German accent. Really recommend the german version with subtitles.
machierl 3 years ago 3
German or not German! I'm Italian and think this is among the five best war movies in XX century. Dramatic, epic , never rhetoric. Excellent crew. A masterpiece.
albertop952 3 years ago 6
I would love to dropkick the silly cunt who decided to dub this movie. Fucking dick.
burn89 3 years ago 11
I strongly agree.
AdorkHitler 3 years ago
I had a teacher in vocational school in Cologne who was as a head-machinist on a U-boat during WW II.
He said that he spend the first few years after the war trying to break a habit:
Every time the telephone rang, he would zap out of the room, screaming "ALAAAAARM!".
People just thought he had gone menthal.
Erwin Leder manages to look like an absolutely terrified six-year-old...
Which just about sums up the reality of it.
Truly great film, and a truly great novel.
Hekamaat 3 years ago 5
i remember watching the directors cut of this film and being drenched in blood, sweat and tears at the end. such an amazing film, the 3 hour version will leave you terrified and feeling as if you just got of the boat yourself.
LitaniTilSatan666 3 years ago 2
yeah i was just thinkin to myself how the 3 hour version made me feel like i was down in that boat and i felt real bad for the crew.
chiefmojorising1 3 years ago
I thought they only dubbed films in Germany..But you know what?IT SUCKS!!!
arvekvalvik 3 years ago
i'm in the usa and any foreign movie dubbed in english is such a joke. i say, keep it in its complete original format...i'll read the subtitles! i saw both versions of das boot - one in german with subtitles and one being english dubbed...what a joke. made me ill that the difference was so large. i've seen this movie so many times, i dont need the subtitles anymore :) it's still my favorite sub movie ever.
VNVgirl 3 years ago 7
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Got to say Guys !! this scene, demonstrated poor military disciplne, ,,, what should have happened long before, the distraut engineer got to the Con, a junior officer, should have, interceded, thus, negating the, situation of a confrontation between Captain, and the engineer
keirfree 3 years ago
No, what you see in this scene is the result of the constant stress and the sheer terror expierienced by each of when depth charg's are dropped, and one showing the absolute terror that he was exposed to. Nothing to do with disipline, but the situation. The Submariners would of had a horrible time when being depth charged, because think about it, you are underwater, with explosives being throwen at you, it's impossible to abandon ship if you are hit and all you can do is stay there and listen.
paratrooper6 3 years ago 2
agreed german version is much but - that diesel mechanic Johann (the ghost) is absolutely brilliant. That was my favourite scene. Such a good film with interesting characters. thanks for posting
BANDITBRON 3 years ago 3
He played his role in this part exceptionaly. Thumbs up from me.
paratrooper6 3 years ago 2
You're right,Erwin Feder as Johann was - for me - the best actor of the lot, even with his relatively small part. You remember how he sleeps with the engines and listens to them with an ear trumpet? This scene is one of the best acted crack-ups I have ever seen portrayed - and all without speaking a word. Look at his eyes!
dockbillin 3 years ago
That wasn't Johann that slept with his head against the engine. that was the chief.
chiefmojorising1 3 years ago
Yes : it was the LI - what means "Leitender Ingenieur". Thats how they call him on the boat. Its not a name , it means "Chief Engineer". Name of the actor is Klaus Wennemann.
BelegLosseniel 3 years ago
I agree, I much prefer the German version, but the English one isn't so bad as it's one of the very few foreign films where almost the entire main cast spoke good english, and so they dubbed themselves
scrutley 3 years ago 6
The french version sounds horrible.
paratrooper6 3 years ago 3
This english version is very poor, i hate war movies , where german soldiers speak English but words like "hallo" "heil hitler" "auf wiedershenn" in german. This is POOR german version is much better.
finboy93 3 years ago 5
Man, the english version sucks :D
GermanMotu 3 years ago 5
I like the German version better.
thelonewolf86 4 years ago 9
The captain was grapping for his gun. It was so exciting when I was watching it the first time.
Mann1979HH 4 years ago 2
Wow. In english for once. W00t! Thank you.
Imperium56 4 years ago
Bähh, auf englisch. Pfft
Svenson1981 4 years ago 2