In German with English subtitles
Genre: Drama
Director: Uli Edel
Cast: Martina Gedeck, Moritz Bleibtreu, Johanna Wakalek, Nadja Uhl, Jan Josef Liefers, Niels-Bruno Schmidt, Vinzenz Kiefer, Hannah Herzsprung, Heino Ferch, Alexandra Maria Lara
RunTime: 2 hrs 30 mins
Released By: GV
Rating: M18 (Violence and Some Mature Content)
Official Website: http://www.thebaadermeinhofcomplex.com/

Opening Day: 21 May 2009

Synopsis:

Germany in the 1970s: Murderous bomb attacks, the threat of terrorism and the fear of the enemy inside are rocking the very foundations of the yet fragile German democracy. The radicalised children of the Nazi generation lead by Andreas Baader, Ulrike Meinhof and Gudrun Ensslin are fighting a violent war against what they perceive as the new face of fascism: American imperialism supported by the German establishment, many of whom have a Nazi past. Their aim is to create a more human society but by employing inhuman means they not only spread terror and bloodshed, they also lose their own humanity. The man who understands them is also their hunter: the head of the German police force Horst Herold. And while he succeeds in his relentless pursuit of the young terrorists, he knows he's only dealing with the tip of the iceberg.

Movie Review:

A stone launched against a shop window is a criminal act, a thousand stones are political action. (The journalist Ulrike Meinhorf, from one of his articles)

Berlin, the summer of 1967. The start of the terror of the country. Supporters of the Persian Shah and the demonstrators violently clashed. Brutal police operation on the unarmed and defenseless protesters soon engulfed, leaving you breathless within minutes throwing the viewers directly in the historical event. It's not a wonder why this ambitious German epic gained a seat at the 81st Academy Awards, Bafta and Golden Globe. Sprawling over a decade, this monument storytelling of the early years of the Red Army Fraction glaringly juxtaposes on the real scenario that we face today. Conjuring a large part of Germany's history is no simple feat for a director (Uli Edel) who's credit only famed a smaller picture. Filmed in chronological event, the explosion of campaigns against the "fascist" of West Germany profoundly led by Ulrike Meihof (Gedeck), formerly a famous journalist and Andreas Baader (Bleibtreu), both labeled to the media as the 'Baader Meinhof Gang' spawned the rise of terrorism of the modern age.

Director Uli Edel chooses the path of history and spared no moments of introspection and expansion in time, telling the inner turmoil of a human beings. Why tell a story that already has been told many times? Why show pictures that are already millions have seen? But somehow, "The Baader Meinhof Complex" is different, almost neutral way, of rehashing a story. Like a puzzle, ten years of history, all concentrated to two and a half hours does require full concentration on the viewer. With that, casualties abound, as wealth of characters were merely skimmed through. From the political situation aside, "The Baader Meinhof Complex" the dramatic years from 1967 to 1977 in frightening to perfection. This portrayal of the radicalisation of those involved is one of the main strengths of the film, relating this aspect sympathetically and convincingly, but not shying away from the mixed motivations and character flaws of those involved.

Clearly dividing the film to the rise and fall, eminently the chaos uncontrollable state it conjured, only the second half of the film, in Stammheim Prison where they were held, did it finally flesh out the ideological concerns of the group and the impact of both their actions and those they inspire. By now it merely scratched the surface and thoroughly missed the opportunity to further develop story-telling of depth and authenticity. Even perhaps its degree of authenticity will ensure a spark for discussion but alas it stops too soon to figuring out the truth. The one scene that stood out the most was the introspective view into the methods and madness of the RAF, explained by the German police chief, Horst Herold (Bruno Ganz, who was bad-ass as Adolf Hitler in "Downfall") who seemingly understands the terrorists, that he was trying to catch. That entire scene was completely summaries the situation in the big picture blurring the line of rationalising the intent. Unfortunately someone had to take side or it will just be a never ending game. Seems like we're still in the same scenario elsewhere isn't it?

It is in no way glamorizing the effect and lifestyle of terrorism. The stark images and impressive set, undoubtedly evolving the dramatic staging may disturb some viewers of its realistic satire, away from the usual popcorn cinema. Unfortunately, the film is nothing more than a kaleidoscopic overview of the events and failed to reflect deeper into the matter. But alas it is a well crafted film that sheds light on both sides, without condemning. An engaging viewing and a fine historical account, at the same time. The moral ambiguity in its fatalistic ending has ensured a long after life for the movie.

Movie Rating:


(Undeniably the rise of the new wave of German film)

Review by Lokman B S