Watch Little Dieter Needs to Fly

Little Dieter Needs to Fly is a 1997 documentary film directed by Werner Herzog. The movie tells the story of Dieter Dengler, a German-American pilot who was shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War and held captive for six months. In this documentary, Dengler retells his harrowing tale of survival and escape from the jaws of death.

The movie begins with Dieter Dengler's childhood in Germany. Growing up during World War II, he would watch in awe as American planes flew overhead. He later immigrated to the United States and joined the Navy. Once he became a pilot, Dengler was sent to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

Dengler was on a mission when his plane was shot down by the enemy. He was captured and taken to a prison camp along with other American soldiers. Despite being tortured and starved, Dengler did not lose hope. Instead, he devised a plan to escape.

One night, Dengler and a fellow prisoner made their move. They managed to break free from the camp and flee into the jungle. Being a skilled pilot, Dengler began to look for a way to get back to civilization. After days of trekking through dangerous terrain, he finally stumbled upon a river.

Dengler was determined to find a way across the river, so he built himself a makeshift raft. After some time, he came across a native village where he was able to make contact with American forces. He was rescued and returned home with great fanfare.

In the movie, Werner Herzog interviews Dieter Dengler and traces his journey back to the places where he was held captive. Dengler's recollections are vivid and profound, and lend the film its emotional core. Herzog also incorporates rare archival footage to show the atrocities of the war and the harsh conditions at the prison camp.

Throughout the movie, Herzog also delves into the psyche of Dieter Dengler. He explores Dengler's motivations for wanting to fly, his thoughts on survival and bravery, and the impact that his experience had on his life. Dengler's observations about the human condition are both insightful and poignant.

In addition to Dengler, Herzog also interviews other people who played a role in his story. He speaks with fellow prisoners of war and even the man who shot Dengler's plane down. These interviews shed light on the various perspectives involved in the conflict and provide a more complete picture of Dengler's journey.

Little Dieter Needs to Fly is a captivating and moving documentary that combines stunning visuals, powerful storytelling, and an unforgettable subject. It is a tribute to the courage and resilience of Dieter Dengler, and a powerful statement about the true cost of war.

Little Dieter Needs to Fly is a 1997 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.