Germans have a quality wave of movies that reached wold audience in the early 21st century, after the Run Lola Run hit. This movie is perhaps not the best of the best, but is interesting, original and gives a story of one turbulent era with great detail and precision.

Based on true events, this film follows the history of RAF, Rote Armee Fraktion, a far-left West German activist group. The movie follows the birth of the movement and the fates of its founding members: Andreas Baader, Ulrike Meinhof and their associates.What this movie does very well is its ability to work as a spark. I can freely admit that I don't know enough about West Germany in the 60s and 70s to form an opinion about the events showcased in the movie. But I'm interested in finding out. The film is a long one, two and half hours, but it doesn't feel like that at all, thanks to excellent writing and a captivating subject matter.The actors are also top notch and their characters are written well. The film doesn't really take any sides. It focuses mostly on the RAF characters, which is something of a statement, but those characters also condemn many of the more outlandish RAF terrorist strikes as too brutal or as having too many civilian casualties. Again something of a statement.The film is highly recommended for all fans of history. It seems to take for granted that you already know something about the events portrayed, but I can safely say that it can be watched and enjoyed even with only the barest minimum of knowledge.

Well made, just a pity about the lack of objectivity.Well-shot, well-acted biopic. A pity then that the director and writer clearly left their objectivity at the door. The movie was so anti- establishment and pro-the terrorists that it became irritating to watch. The terrorists are portrayed as glorious idealists and the cops and government as bumbling fascist bastards. This despite the fact that the German legal system gave the terrorists every possible break. This all said, the cinematography and action sequences are great, as is the acting.

It's 1967 Germany. Leftist journalist Ulrike Meinhof witnesses students demonstrating against the Shah being attacked by Iranian thugs with the silent approval of the German police. Gudrun Ensslin leaves her life to join Andreas Baader and others on their violent revolutionary. It is a world of political radicalization against the Vietnam war, American imperialism, and Arab nationalism against Israel while rebelling against their parents' Nazi past.This is an unflinching look at these terrorists. It's potent blend of youthful exuberance, political absolutism, criminal morality, and intense believes. It doesn't make them stars but rather terribly flawed humans rebelling against a rigid system. I think some people want the movie to explain the political landscape more and justify their actions. What I find interesting is that at some point, their actions seem to justify themselves. They push themselves further and further. It's a look at home grown terrorism without slick romanticism. There is plenty of action but it is the strip down realism that is so striking.