Baader Meinhof Complex Blu-Ray Review
Baader Meinhof Complex Blu-Ray Review
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 still fragile German democracy. The radicalised children of the Nazi generation led by Andreas Baader (Moritz Bleibtreu), Ulrike Meinhof (Martina Gedeck) and Gudrun Ensslin (Johanna Wokalek) 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 (Bruno Ganz). And while he succeeds in his relentless pursuit of the young terrorists, he knows he s only dealing with the tip of the iceberg.
Review: The state of Germany was an unheard of mess post-World War II. No one knew really what to do with themselves. The country was divided between post-war nazi remnants (of which there were many still in power) and the communist takeover. Neither of which ended up doing the country much good, but out of these ashes rose a group of left-wing youth that called themselves the Baader-Meinhof Group, later to be known as the infamous Red Army Faction. Their ideals were bold and just, but their methods soon earned them a place in infamy.
The problem with the RAF wasn't as much their politics, which are of course subjective, but the way in which they got lost in their cause. This is now a classic tale that shows how so many can lose their ideals in the fury of getting caught up on in a lifestyle. There are so many people that get involved in extreme politics that lose sight of why they're there in the first place. The same can be said of religion. The RAF had good intentions, they just completely lost sight of them.
This was a highly enjoyable film. If you're interested in history or subversive politics, this one is for you. Otherwise, its still just a plain enjoyable flick. It is rather violent at times with the gunplay, so beware any parents out there. The blu-ray looks amazing, its the only way to go. Socialism looks best in high-definition!
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars