Character mistake: After accurately depth charging U-571, the German destroyer crew suddenly turns out to be almost comically and unrealistically incompetent at the end of the movie. Not only do they barely hit U-571 with their guns, but they also can't keep up with the sub. But even with both submarine diesel engines running flank speed (of which U-571 only has one badly damaged engine operational), a common WWII destroyer would easily be twice as fast as a Type VII U-boat. The destroyer could swiftly close the distance and could either ram U-571 or cross the sub's wake to bring all its weapons to bear and make it more difficult to get hit by the sub. Of course the destroyer doesn't do that but stays perfectly in U-571's wake for an easy kill shot from its stern tube. In reality, it was considered an incredible feat to sink a destroyer with a torpedo, since they were agile at full speed, could easily dodge torpedoes and had shallow draft. This destroyer crew however, seems actively trying to get killed.
U-571 (2000)
Plot summary
Directed by: Jonathan Mostow
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Harvey Keitel, Bill Paxton, Thomas Kretschmann, David Keith, Jake Weber, Jon Bon Jovi
In the North Atlantic Ocean, the crew of the USS S-33, a US Navy submarine, is on a mission to intercept a German submarine, U-571. Led by Lieutenant Commander Mike Dahlgren, the S-33 crew receives orders to rescue survivors from a British medical ship that was sunk by U-571.
While rescuing the survivors, a German depth charge attack damages the S-33, killing several crew members. As the damaged sub is unable to dive, Dahlgren decides to abandon ship. However, before they can complete the evacuation, a German destroyer arrives, forcing the crew to hide. The destroyer sinks the S-33 and captures one of its crew members, Seaman Bill Tyler.
Back at the US Navy base, Lieutenant Andrew Tyler, Bill's twin brother, learns about the events and is devastated. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Kevin H. Grant proposes a daring plan: sending a US Navy submarine disguised as a German U-boat to retrieve the Enigma machine, a top-secret code-breaking device used by the German Navy.
Andrew and his crew, including the resourceful Chief Klough and the skilled torpedo man Rabbit, are chosen for the mission. They are assigned to USS S-33, now renamed U-571. Disguised and posing as U-571, they set out towards an abandoned German submarine in the North Atlantic. Their mission is to seize the Enigma machine from U-571 before it can be transported to Germany.
Upon reaching the disabled U-571, they find out that it has been rigged with explosives by fleeing German survivors. Despite this, they manage to recover an Enigma machine, but in doing so, their submarine is detected by a German aircraft. In the subsequent attack, Klough is fatally wounded.
To survive, the American crew board U-571 and engage in a firefight with a team of German submariners who are attempting to regain control. The Americans fight bravely, overpowering the Germans and killing their captain. They manage to repair the disabled U-571 and determine that they must now take it back to their base.
As they attempt to leave the area, they encounter a German destroyer. With help from a British warplane, they manage to sink the enemy vessel and continue their journey towards safety. However, the destroyer managed to radio for reinforcements, and soon they are pursued by German ships.
In a desperate attempt to avoid being destroyed, Rabbit sacrifices himself by flooding the engine room, enabling U-571 to dive faster. The remaining crew members, including Andrew, navigate treacherous waters and successfully evade the pursuing enemies.
Finally, the U-571 reaches an American submarine rescue vessel and is towed back to safety. The Enigma machine is recovered from the disabled U-571 and subsequently used to decipher crucial German naval communications, significantly altering the course of the war. Admiral Grant awards Andrew Tyler and his surviving crew members for their bravery and successful mission.
Lt. Commander Mike Dahlgren: Relax gentlemen. She's old... but she'll hold.
Trivia: Matthew McConaughey didn't like his character's background, so he asked that it be changed from the original, not being promoted because he was a drunk, to basically never making a decision that might cost someone their life.
Question: Throughout the film you can see that Tank, played by Dave Power, has funny-looking thin black scars on both cheeks. Was this a makeup effect for the character (and if so, why did they do it), or does the actor really have these scars on his cheeks (and if so, what from)?
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Answer: The scars you see on Tank's face are fake, pure makeup. They wanted the character to have a gritty look.