Das Boot (Director's Cut)

This authentic World War II drama made in 1981 is one of the finest (and highest grossing) in German cinema. Along with strong, believable cast performances among the inexperienced submarine crew, the real star of this military thriller is cinematographerJost Vacano. He brilliantly captures the sub's gritty, cramped quarters and its dense claustrophobic feeling with his camera closely following the crew as they wind their way throughout. Fighting for survival in the North Atlantic, the fearless captain played by Jurgen Prochnow leads epic battles-exciting scenes which fight the long, boring hours spent on a sub waiting for something to happen. A remarkable study in determination, the film is based on German World War II photographer Lothar-Guenther Buchheim's autobiography.