The film brought "Aces High" to mind in several respects. It portrays young men, seemingly very immature, who are sent into a conflict designed to push them to their absolute limits, experiencing each day as a precarious struggle for survival. This time, those young men find themselves within the confines of a massive, aging submarine, and they’re responsible for attacking Allied supply ships traveling between the UK and elsewhere during World War II. The crew operates under the command of an unconventional captain (Jürgen Prochnow), and the combination of underwater confinement, mounting anxiety, and increasingly effective defensive measures from their opponents creates a steadily escalating sense of dread within their cramped, humid vessel. The movie realistically shows what life was like for these submariners; they achieve some victories, but as they come to understand that the war isn't progressing favorably for them, they also encounter growing dangers. The cinematography is skillfully done, utilizing the natural grime of the submarine’s interior, the frequent harshness of the ocean, and the deteriorating machinery of their vessel to produce a genuinely unsettling viewing experience—even if you momentarily find yourself sympathizing with these men. Prochnow delivers a strong performance as a leader who is driven but also shows concern for his struggling crew and possesses a sense of fairness that might give him an almost overly gentle regard for his superiors in Berlin. The dialogue, delivered by the entire cast, effectively conveys the feeling of life-or-death situations as these men move from one man-made hazard to another equally dangerous natural threat. Erwin Leder is particularly memorable as his "Johann" character powerfully embodies the pressures under which these young people must persevere, although there are generally solid performances from everyone involved, illustrating the strong bonds and mutual reliance within a crew constantly teetering on the brink of collapse. The pacing feels nearly flawless, alternating between moments of intense action and quiet contemplation that Wolfgang Petersen has shaped into an absorbing story about human resilience, character, and resolve. See it in theaters if possible; it truly enhances the overall visual impact of this drama, but even watching at home provides a sincere and engaging look at wartime experiences.

Source on TMDB