Baader Meinhof Complex

“Baader Meinhof Complex” is an interesting and deeply engrossing film written by Bernd Eichenger and directed by Uli Edel. Its actors are unknown to American audiences except for Bruno Ganz who played Adolph Hitler in the critically acclaimed “Downfall” (also directed by Mr. Edel). More like a documentary than a fictional drama it is based on the story of three members of the German radical group, the RAF, and the terrorist activities they engaged in during the 1970’s. The German police chief is played by Mr. Ganz and all actors render engaging and excellent performances. Mr. Edel is obviously a stickler for detail and in reciting the story of this group of individuals engaged in their terrorist activities, he makes no editorial judgment as to any of them or their causes but, instead, examines them as individuals and how and why they pursue this idealistic and ill-fated course. It’s hard to call this a “foreign film” even though it contains English titles and the characters speak in German because there is a great deal of English dialogue when the principals go to other countries and use English as the basic language of communication. Action scenes that look more real than created and in depth analyses as to what makes these people think and act the way they do make this film well worth seeing. Extended violence (though not gratuitous but necessary) and an annoying long length (2 hours and 24 minutes) make the last part of the film somewhat tedious to watch. However, with all of that being said, I give the film 3 stars with a recommendation that it be seen and its message attempted to be understood.