Watch The Baader Meinhof Complex

The Baader Meinhof Complex, released in 2008, is a historical drama based on true events that took place in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s. The film is directed by Uli Edel and features an impressive cast including Martina Gedeck, Moritz Bleibtreu, and Johanna Wokalek. The movie is an adaptation of the book of the same name by Stefan Aust, which chronicles the rise and fall of the Red Army Faction (RAF), also known as the Baader Meinhof group. The RAF was a left-wing extremist group that emerged in Germany in the late 1960s and was responsible for a series of bombings, kidnappings, and murders aimed at destabilizing the West German government and society.

The movie starts with the student protests that took place in Berlin in 1967 which saw the emergence of the RAF. The group is initially led by Andreas Baader (played by Bleibtreu) and Ulrike Meinhof (played by Wokalek), both of whom are committed to violent revolution against the state. Their activities soon escalate, and they are joined by other like-minded individuals, including Gudrun Ensslin (played by Wokalek) and Jan Carl Raspe (played by a brilliant Stipe Erceg).

As the group becomes more radical, they begin a campaign of bombings, robberies, and kidnappings, leading to a significant national security crisis in Germany. The government responds with a brutal crackdown, leading to a cycle of violence that claims the lives of many people. The authorities also set up counter-terrorism units to track down the members of the RAF and bring them to justice.

The Baader Meinhof Complex is an intense and often brutal movie that doesn't shy away from depicting the violence and terror that characterized the RAF's activities. The film's excellent production values and the cast's outstanding performances make it a compelling watch. The movie also captures the mood of the time, with its vibrant fashion, music, and countercultural movements, as well as the prevailing political climate.

One of the key themes that the movie explores is the cultural and social context that enabled the rise of the RAF. The movie shows how the group was able to draw support from disaffected young people who were disillusioned with the status quo, including the Vietnam War and the authoritarian policies of the government. The movie also explores the relationship between the RAF and the media, with journalists covering their activities widely, giving the group the publicity they craved.

The movie's portrayal of the RAF's members is complex and nuanced, with their idealism and commitment to revolution contrasting sharply with the brutality of their actions. This is most evident in the character of Ulrike Meinhof, who struggles with her conscience as the group's activities become increasingly violent. The movie shows her transformation from an idealistic journalist to a fanatic terrorist, torn between her political convictions and her personal morality.

Overall, The Baader Meinhof Complex is an engaging and thought-provoking movie that explores one of the most troubled periods in recent German history. The movie's historical accuracy, strong performances, and intense portrayal of events make it a must-watch for anyone interested in this period of European history.

The Baader Meinhof Complex is a 2008 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 76.