Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Martina Gedeck | ... | Ulrike Meinhof | |
Moritz Bleibtreu | ... | Andreas Baader | |
Johanna Wokalek | ... | Gudrun Ensslin | |
Jan Josef Liefers | ... | Peter Homann | |
Nadja Uhl | ... | Brigitte Mohnhaupt | |
Alexandra Maria Lara | ... | Petra Schelm | |
Heino Ferch | ... | Horst Herold Assistant | |
Stipe Erceg | ... | Holger Meins | |
Niels-Bruno Schmidt | ... | Jan Carl Raspe (as Niels Bruno Schmidt) | |
Vinzenz Kiefer | ... | Peter-Jürgen Boock | |
Tom Schilling | ... | Josef Bachmann | |
Susanne Bormann | ... | Peggy | |
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Simon Licht | ... | Horst Mahler |
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Daniel Lommatzsch | ... | Christian Klar |
Sebastian Blomberg | ... | Rudi Dutschke |
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. Written by Constantin Film
Although being somewhat more than moderately interested in politics, I knew very little about the original activities on which this film is based. Having seen the film, I now feel vastly more knowledgeable on how world events in the late sixties and early seventies led from the emergence to the demise of this particular left wing faction. My attention was fully engaged throughout the film. I thought the screenplay brilliantly portrayed the way the mindset of the RAF developed as they became more and more convinced they were living in a police state. Acting and direction were superb throughout. In spite of the violence and repression being depicted, I was reassured by the fact that such thought provoking films can and are being made for today's cinema audiences. After seeing Die Welle (I think it was three times) earlier this year I am now very enthusiastic about German cinema and shall certainly be hoping to see Der Baader Meinhof Komplex at least once more on the big screen this year. A masterpiece of political film making. Highly recommended.