94 reviews
I had the opportunity to see this film yesterday during a pre-screening in hamburg. Technically not yet perfect (in terms of grading, sound design and some effects) we saw the final cut. And I am truly pleasantly surprised. The film being a German production, the lead roles Germans, mixed with an international cast, made me extremely skeptical because - apart from the perfume - I haven't seen a truly convincing German project for a "big film" yet. BUT, this film was really well done. Good performances by all actors throughout, an amazing production design, and - best of all - really astonishing and eye catching visual effects and cgi. The effects were very subtle all over and never really recognizable. That makes good VFX!
The film itself is not a flat action/history flick, it has a message to tell and that comes across really well. The relationship between the baron and his girl is told in a very subtle way, no cheesy romance-scenes. It all happens during WW1, there was simply no time for big emotions. So we don't see a "Pearl Harbour" Hollywood flick, but a picture that shows how it really might have been - flying a plane during war. There are no clichés, just a portrait of a hero that did not even want to be one. And the cruelty and absurdity of war itself, as even the main protagonist has to learn. The ending is also well done and not cheesy or over the top. Apart from that the film did not really grab me, I enjoyed watching but was seldomly thrilled or emotionally moved. Maybe some of the characters were simply a little too flat. Also the film jumps at times and leaves out some interesting battle scenes, I had the impression they did it to keep the VFX work down.. Overall I give it a 6.5/10.
The film itself is not a flat action/history flick, it has a message to tell and that comes across really well. The relationship between the baron and his girl is told in a very subtle way, no cheesy romance-scenes. It all happens during WW1, there was simply no time for big emotions. So we don't see a "Pearl Harbour" Hollywood flick, but a picture that shows how it really might have been - flying a plane during war. There are no clichés, just a portrait of a hero that did not even want to be one. And the cruelty and absurdity of war itself, as even the main protagonist has to learn. The ending is also well done and not cheesy or over the top. Apart from that the film did not really grab me, I enjoyed watching but was seldomly thrilled or emotionally moved. Maybe some of the characters were simply a little too flat. Also the film jumps at times and leaves out some interesting battle scenes, I had the impression they did it to keep the VFX work down.. Overall I give it a 6.5/10.
The concerns of dean-harmse and sascha-17 are my concerns - well said. The 21st century anti-war dogma is counter to what I have studied; von Richthofen's own writings and the scholarship of others have shaped my understanding of "the Red Baron" that was not depicted in this film. The physicality of Matthias Schweighöfer belied the "presence" of Manfred von Richthofen; the substitution of the relationship between von Richthofen and Boelcke with the love interest (eegadz) was a myopic decision; the omission of the final battle was a dramatic blunder. This could have been a great bildungsroman (dare I say, künstlerroman) had they focused on the development of von Richthofen as both a combat pilot and a propaganda instrument (and I use "propaganda instrument" in the non-pejorative sense). I suppose that even when you are making a 15,000,000 dollar movie, mistakes are made. Mark Twain, when discussing the art of story telling, humbly posits, "I don't claim to know to tell a good story; I only claim to know HOW a good story OUGHT to be told" (Twain, "How to Tell a Story"). This was the wrong story to tell and could not be told well. I hope someone will tell The Red Baron story as it ought to be told - I hope that person is an existentialist and does not pervert von Richthofen with the presentism that is so prevalent in this film version.
At least the Albatros D.iii looked the part.
At least the Albatros D.iii looked the part.
- tooslim61496
- Mar 25, 2010
- Permalink
it is not exactly the expected historical film. maybe a documentary. far by patriotic enthusiasm - so familiar from American films- , without emotional twists - the tone is almost blank, giving the portrait of a legendary German hero in precise lines. a cold sketch. about the Red Baron and his comrades, his girl friend, humor and passion for its duty. the historical accuracy is far to be the best point but the film gives a realistic portrait . and this is a real precious virtue.
- Kirpianuscus
- Dec 7, 2017
- Permalink
Worth watching but the CGI aerial battles are a joke. Aircraft of WW1 era couldn't fly like that, the manoeuvres created by cgi are totally unrealistic which stops it becoming a good film.
- allen-92417
- Sep 20, 2020
- Permalink
"The Red Baron" represents the English nickname given to Manfred von Richthofen (Matthias Schweighöfer), the handsome aristocratic ace German fighter pilot of World War I who went on to become a legend in his country and abroad. As a fighter pilot experienced in dog fighting, von Richthofen sees war in terms of duels fought between individuals governed by the rules of gentlemanly sport. Enemy pilots become friends, and the object of aerial combat becomes forcing an enemy plane to land rather than killing its pilot. When his brother and fellow aviator causes a French pilot to crash and burn in front of his eyes, von Richthofen expresses dismay.
While stationed in France, he befriends a Canadian pilot after shooting him down named Captain Roy Brown (Joseph Fiennes), and begins a romance with a German nurse named Käte Otersdorf (Lena Headey). It is Otersdorf who introduces von Richthofen into the harsh realities of war when she takes him to a hospital ward filled with men who are horribly disfigured. Otersdorf comes off as an early 20th century pacifist; she treats soldiers regardless of their nationality and cannot understand why anyone would want to be a soldier. As a result of her feelings about war, she is initially put off by von Richthofen, but it should come as no surprise that she eventually succumbs to his charms.
Inspite of his relationship with Otersdorf, von Richthofen never loses his enthusiasm for combat, even taking to the air after suffering a serious injury. Von Richthofen's reasons for wanting to fly go beyond the natural desire of any pilot for risk and the sensation of souring like a hawk. He wants to be with his men, and he knows that the German fighting force looks to him for inspiration.
As for the presentation of Richthofen, my initial objection that Schweighofer looked too young to play an experienced pilot turned out to be unfounded once I researched the character. However, the fact that I later discovered that although Oterdorf was a real character, von Richthofen did not have a romance with her, made me feel that the filmmakers were playing down to the audience by playing the romance card unnecessarily. In addition, I was distracted by the obvious age difference between the two characters and their lack of chemistry. I found Von Richthofen, as portrayed brilliantly by Schwighofer, and his squadron interesting enough in and of themselves without Oterdorf.
Besides the casting, there were positive elements in the presentation of the film. The aerial combat was beautifully shot, and the score adequate. I recommend that you at least rent this film.
While stationed in France, he befriends a Canadian pilot after shooting him down named Captain Roy Brown (Joseph Fiennes), and begins a romance with a German nurse named Käte Otersdorf (Lena Headey). It is Otersdorf who introduces von Richthofen into the harsh realities of war when she takes him to a hospital ward filled with men who are horribly disfigured. Otersdorf comes off as an early 20th century pacifist; she treats soldiers regardless of their nationality and cannot understand why anyone would want to be a soldier. As a result of her feelings about war, she is initially put off by von Richthofen, but it should come as no surprise that she eventually succumbs to his charms.
Inspite of his relationship with Otersdorf, von Richthofen never loses his enthusiasm for combat, even taking to the air after suffering a serious injury. Von Richthofen's reasons for wanting to fly go beyond the natural desire of any pilot for risk and the sensation of souring like a hawk. He wants to be with his men, and he knows that the German fighting force looks to him for inspiration.
As for the presentation of Richthofen, my initial objection that Schweighofer looked too young to play an experienced pilot turned out to be unfounded once I researched the character. However, the fact that I later discovered that although Oterdorf was a real character, von Richthofen did not have a romance with her, made me feel that the filmmakers were playing down to the audience by playing the romance card unnecessarily. In addition, I was distracted by the obvious age difference between the two characters and their lack of chemistry. I found Von Richthofen, as portrayed brilliantly by Schwighofer, and his squadron interesting enough in and of themselves without Oterdorf.
Besides the casting, there were positive elements in the presentation of the film. The aerial combat was beautifully shot, and the score adequate. I recommend that you at least rent this film.
The real Von Richthofen story is one which needed no embellishment or silly and false added padding to have the makings of a great movie. Sadly, the writers of this military melodrama had an agenda and used Von Richthofen's fame to try and sell it. A German written film, it clearly demonstrates just how far the Germans as a people have truly changed in their attitudes towards the military and war. To use Von Richthofen, one of their greatest national heroes, as a vessel to literally preach anti-war sentiment was a crime against the man, his ideals, his way of life and the legacy he left to history.
The film itself is visually pleasing and has some wonderful sets and scenes that are well choreographed, acted and filmed. To be honest, if one were to watch this film without any sound it would be much more enjoyable. It's really only the script that falls painfully and pathetically flat.
The mock-up aircraft and replicas used for the ground and airfield backgrounds are stunning and realistic (even if some are inaccurately painted). For any aviation or military history buff, they alone are well worth watching the movie for. Overall, the most interesting and pertinent aspects of Von Richthofen's flying career are glossed over in barely noticed passing or ignored entirely. Unless you are acquainted with his history in detail, some of those small nods to reality will be missed or misunderstood by the casual viewer. Major Lanoe Hawker screaming like a mad banshee in battle is an appalling treatment of that beloved and gentlemanly British officer. What were the writers and director thinking???
The CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) is solid, though the planes fly too fast and make many maneuvers which are far from the flight physics reality of the time. As is often the case with CGI, the artists/designers and CGI directors go way overboard in the number of objects depicted on the screen. Far too many planes and observation balloons are involved in the overly busy battle scenes. When will they learn that more is not better?
The acting is for the most part by relative unknowns, at least in the USA, Joseph Finnes being the lone exception. Regardless, most of the actors truly shine despite the dismal script they had to work from. Matthias Schweighofer, who plays Baron Manfred Von Richthofen, is literally perfect for the part and plays it very, very well, again despite the horrible script he was forced to impart. Regardless of that scripts bile and drivel, he does an outstanding job delivering it. What he could have done with a real script of Von Richthofen's life would have been a film masterpiece. Sadly, we'll never know. The other pilots of his Squadron (Jasta) also come through the awful script with flying colors (pun intended). Voss, Wolff and the others all give strong, if undeveloped, supporting performances. The character of nurse and Von Richtofen's movie love interest, Kate Otersdorf, is wildly over blown and is included only as another vessel for the writers to push their anti-war message. Very few Von Richtofen biographies give any women in his life more than a passing mention. Here she is simply a brutally abused and excessively used plot device. Once again, the writers fail the real and much more interesting story by inventing one to suit their agenda.
I was initially going to give this film 6 out of 10 stars. Then a later scene in which nurse Otersdorf lectures Von Richthofen in a field hospital on morals and class distinction assaulted my ears. Somebody please get an axe so this film can be edited properly... 10 Stars for appearance/cinematography, acting and the planes. Unfortunately, minus 6 Stars for the pretentious idiots who thought they were film writers.
In short, if your going to do a significant film about a historical figure and time period, use the social attitudes of the time. Use the facts and tell it as it was. Don't turn history inside out to prove some currently popular social attitude. That isn't history. It's a travesty and a tragic disservice to the truth and the memory of those who made that history.
The film itself is visually pleasing and has some wonderful sets and scenes that are well choreographed, acted and filmed. To be honest, if one were to watch this film without any sound it would be much more enjoyable. It's really only the script that falls painfully and pathetically flat.
The mock-up aircraft and replicas used for the ground and airfield backgrounds are stunning and realistic (even if some are inaccurately painted). For any aviation or military history buff, they alone are well worth watching the movie for. Overall, the most interesting and pertinent aspects of Von Richthofen's flying career are glossed over in barely noticed passing or ignored entirely. Unless you are acquainted with his history in detail, some of those small nods to reality will be missed or misunderstood by the casual viewer. Major Lanoe Hawker screaming like a mad banshee in battle is an appalling treatment of that beloved and gentlemanly British officer. What were the writers and director thinking???
The CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) is solid, though the planes fly too fast and make many maneuvers which are far from the flight physics reality of the time. As is often the case with CGI, the artists/designers and CGI directors go way overboard in the number of objects depicted on the screen. Far too many planes and observation balloons are involved in the overly busy battle scenes. When will they learn that more is not better?
The acting is for the most part by relative unknowns, at least in the USA, Joseph Finnes being the lone exception. Regardless, most of the actors truly shine despite the dismal script they had to work from. Matthias Schweighofer, who plays Baron Manfred Von Richthofen, is literally perfect for the part and plays it very, very well, again despite the horrible script he was forced to impart. Regardless of that scripts bile and drivel, he does an outstanding job delivering it. What he could have done with a real script of Von Richthofen's life would have been a film masterpiece. Sadly, we'll never know. The other pilots of his Squadron (Jasta) also come through the awful script with flying colors (pun intended). Voss, Wolff and the others all give strong, if undeveloped, supporting performances. The character of nurse and Von Richtofen's movie love interest, Kate Otersdorf, is wildly over blown and is included only as another vessel for the writers to push their anti-war message. Very few Von Richtofen biographies give any women in his life more than a passing mention. Here she is simply a brutally abused and excessively used plot device. Once again, the writers fail the real and much more interesting story by inventing one to suit their agenda.
I was initially going to give this film 6 out of 10 stars. Then a later scene in which nurse Otersdorf lectures Von Richthofen in a field hospital on morals and class distinction assaulted my ears. Somebody please get an axe so this film can be edited properly... 10 Stars for appearance/cinematography, acting and the planes. Unfortunately, minus 6 Stars for the pretentious idiots who thought they were film writers.
In short, if your going to do a significant film about a historical figure and time period, use the social attitudes of the time. Use the facts and tell it as it was. Don't turn history inside out to prove some currently popular social attitude. That isn't history. It's a travesty and a tragic disservice to the truth and the memory of those who made that history.
If you're an aviation fan, you're going to love this movie. The aerial scenes of World War I era biplanes in action are truly astounding.
The lead role of the Baron is played by Matthias Schweighöfer whose boyish good looks and magnetic smile are fully exploited to make the Red Baron impossible to dislike. The character of the Baron is portrayed as a young man of high principals who struggles to reconcile his humanity in the completely inhumane circumstances of war. He is torn between his sense of duty to his country and it's megalomaniac leadership and his conscience. Now I don't know if any of that is actually true, but it makes for a touching story nonetheless.
Overwhelmingly I was aware that the makers of this movie wanted to transmit the message that Germans are not the stereotype so often portrayed in war movies as either emotionless auto-bots of death and destruction or blood thirsty hums. Is this done in an effort to raise public opinion of Germans (it is a German production by the way) or because audiences are growing intolerant of stereotyping and it's injurious, evil nature. I can't say, I'd like to believe the latter, but you'll certainly find the Baron and his fellow pilots all endearing characters and you'll be saddened when most of them meet their maker in the course of the story.
The writer director Nikolai Müllerschön isn't very loyal to historical facts in many respects. I was particularly disturbed by the portrayal of the German Emperor (Kaiser Wilhelm) as a warmongering protagonist and Paul Von Hindenburg as a foolish smiling fat man. However, in order for the character of the Baron to shine so brightly the Baron needed dark forces to nobly resist and therefore these men were transformed to serve that purpose. I strongly advise the viewer not to expect to get a history lesson from his movie.
The lead role of the Baron is played by Matthias Schweighöfer whose boyish good looks and magnetic smile are fully exploited to make the Red Baron impossible to dislike. The character of the Baron is portrayed as a young man of high principals who struggles to reconcile his humanity in the completely inhumane circumstances of war. He is torn between his sense of duty to his country and it's megalomaniac leadership and his conscience. Now I don't know if any of that is actually true, but it makes for a touching story nonetheless.
Overwhelmingly I was aware that the makers of this movie wanted to transmit the message that Germans are not the stereotype so often portrayed in war movies as either emotionless auto-bots of death and destruction or blood thirsty hums. Is this done in an effort to raise public opinion of Germans (it is a German production by the way) or because audiences are growing intolerant of stereotyping and it's injurious, evil nature. I can't say, I'd like to believe the latter, but you'll certainly find the Baron and his fellow pilots all endearing characters and you'll be saddened when most of them meet their maker in the course of the story.
The writer director Nikolai Müllerschön isn't very loyal to historical facts in many respects. I was particularly disturbed by the portrayal of the German Emperor (Kaiser Wilhelm) as a warmongering protagonist and Paul Von Hindenburg as a foolish smiling fat man. However, in order for the character of the Baron to shine so brightly the Baron needed dark forces to nobly resist and therefore these men were transformed to serve that purpose. I strongly advise the viewer not to expect to get a history lesson from his movie.
The movie seems a bit slow at first. One wonders if it's going to be a realistic crude harsh war movie, as we have grown accustomed to in the last years, or a romantic poetic depiction of this folk hero/legend.
As one gets into the film, one discovers it's both things. There are several sub themes. The jealousy and competitiveness between brothers, the strong contrasting point of views from how the German pilots lived and saw the war as compared to their infantry mud submerged counterparts, the beauty of the initial sportsmanship displayed by Richthoffen and many other airmen in their practice of war, the love story, and many more.
Perhaps the most appealing to some of us is the gradual turn of things towards the impending tragedy, how the characters seem to express it just in the way they look at each other and how this epic sized hero, well represented by the unknown actor Tomas Koutnik, embraces his fate with a powerlessness and dignity that reflects the whole of humanity's ultimate choices when faced with the certain end: play out the role you've been assigned in this life with dignity.
Congratulations to this director, his craftsmanship, the actors, the staff, and let me not forget specially that wonderful Lena Heady who is very sensual and sublime!
As one gets into the film, one discovers it's both things. There are several sub themes. The jealousy and competitiveness between brothers, the strong contrasting point of views from how the German pilots lived and saw the war as compared to their infantry mud submerged counterparts, the beauty of the initial sportsmanship displayed by Richthoffen and many other airmen in their practice of war, the love story, and many more.
Perhaps the most appealing to some of us is the gradual turn of things towards the impending tragedy, how the characters seem to express it just in the way they look at each other and how this epic sized hero, well represented by the unknown actor Tomas Koutnik, embraces his fate with a powerlessness and dignity that reflects the whole of humanity's ultimate choices when faced with the certain end: play out the role you've been assigned in this life with dignity.
Congratulations to this director, his craftsmanship, the actors, the staff, and let me not forget specially that wonderful Lena Heady who is very sensual and sublime!
- Gordon_123
- Feb 5, 2009
- Permalink
Being a pilot, aviation enthusiast & someone who reads everything I can about the Red Baron and WWI flying in general, I was very excited to hear there was a movie on the cards about him. For 2 years I felt like a child on Christmass eve. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this movie. In spite of the negative reviews I imported the DVD to South Africa at great cost. I was going to see it come hell or high water. I picked it up from the post office, rushed home, popped it in the DVD player and I couldn't believe my eyes. I feel robbed. Utterly robbed! I feel like going to the film makers and forcing them to do it over. I WANT MY RED BARON MOVIE!
All this movie is, is a jump from one dramatic speech to another. And if you want to make a movie with just long dramatic dialog, you need actors who can pull it off. The acting in this movie is as bad as it gets. And the award for worst actor in the movie goes to... (drumroll) Volker Bruch for playing Lothar Von Richthofen! Basically everyone was bad. Mathias Schweighofer, Volker Bruch and Lena Headey tries too hard. They act as if they are acting. Even Joseph Fiennes, who I have a great deal of respect for, couldn't pull it off. Especially the Canadian accent. The only actor who didn't look like he was acting was Til Schweiger, but a 46 year old playing a 20 year old? More on that later.
Acting aside, lets look at the real Manfred Von Richthofen vs the movie one. The real one didn't dream of becoming a pilot as it is told in the movie. He joined the air service, because the cavalry(where he started the war) was fast becoming obsolete. He only wanted to do his part in the war effort. In the movie he loves flying, in real life his aircraft was just a platform for his guns. He didn't do aerobatics and frowned upon pilots(like his brother) who did. He always looked respectable and made other officers button up their tunics if they were undone. In the movie he walks around with unbuttoned tunics and stretched jerseys. He didn't go to whorehouses like in the movie, he didn't shoot down Roy Brown twice, there is no evidence of a relationship between Manfred & Kate Otersdorf that here is the basis of the movie. In the movie Lanoe hawker flies a Bristol fighter, in real life he flew a DH2 in his last dogfight(a machine obsolete by then). And the list goes on.
CG effects. Nicely done, but unrealistic. Af Albatrosses could fly like that they would be shooting down F22's over Afganistan. Those planes were built from wood and fabric and would disintegrate if they were flown like in the move. And it seems the movie makers didn't have the money to do complete dogfight scenes, because a fight just starts, then they jump to a speech again.
The movie also jumps from scene to scene so much, that no one who doesn't know the basic history of the Red Baron would understand what is going on.
What market did they aim for when making this movie? Its not a family movie, its too boring and complicated. Action movie? Not much action. Aviation movie? Not much flying. Biographical film? Too much fiction. Drama? Love story? Yes, but why use the Red Baron to make a love story? Why not cowboys talking to horses or poor coal miners?
What should they have done? They should have told his story. He was a soldier, who wanted to do his part in the war. He was the highest scoring ace of WW1, who awarded himself cups for his victories until Germany ran out of silver.He wanted to be the best. His career was greatly influencedby Oswald Boelce, who is mentioned twice in the movie only. He was there when Boelce died. They should have shown the Boelce/Von Richtoven relationship. Werner Voss a 20 year old pilot(not 46), was his main rival for top ace(and good friend), who died in one of the most impressive dogfights of the war. They should have shown the dogfight. They should have shown the Baron's last flight. They basically took all that was interesting about this man and made sure that it was left out of the movie.
All in all, the writers would have a great career in Soap operas as well as the actors.
All this movie is, is a jump from one dramatic speech to another. And if you want to make a movie with just long dramatic dialog, you need actors who can pull it off. The acting in this movie is as bad as it gets. And the award for worst actor in the movie goes to... (drumroll) Volker Bruch for playing Lothar Von Richthofen! Basically everyone was bad. Mathias Schweighofer, Volker Bruch and Lena Headey tries too hard. They act as if they are acting. Even Joseph Fiennes, who I have a great deal of respect for, couldn't pull it off. Especially the Canadian accent. The only actor who didn't look like he was acting was Til Schweiger, but a 46 year old playing a 20 year old? More on that later.
Acting aside, lets look at the real Manfred Von Richthofen vs the movie one. The real one didn't dream of becoming a pilot as it is told in the movie. He joined the air service, because the cavalry(where he started the war) was fast becoming obsolete. He only wanted to do his part in the war effort. In the movie he loves flying, in real life his aircraft was just a platform for his guns. He didn't do aerobatics and frowned upon pilots(like his brother) who did. He always looked respectable and made other officers button up their tunics if they were undone. In the movie he walks around with unbuttoned tunics and stretched jerseys. He didn't go to whorehouses like in the movie, he didn't shoot down Roy Brown twice, there is no evidence of a relationship between Manfred & Kate Otersdorf that here is the basis of the movie. In the movie Lanoe hawker flies a Bristol fighter, in real life he flew a DH2 in his last dogfight(a machine obsolete by then). And the list goes on.
CG effects. Nicely done, but unrealistic. Af Albatrosses could fly like that they would be shooting down F22's over Afganistan. Those planes were built from wood and fabric and would disintegrate if they were flown like in the move. And it seems the movie makers didn't have the money to do complete dogfight scenes, because a fight just starts, then they jump to a speech again.
The movie also jumps from scene to scene so much, that no one who doesn't know the basic history of the Red Baron would understand what is going on.
What market did they aim for when making this movie? Its not a family movie, its too boring and complicated. Action movie? Not much action. Aviation movie? Not much flying. Biographical film? Too much fiction. Drama? Love story? Yes, but why use the Red Baron to make a love story? Why not cowboys talking to horses or poor coal miners?
What should they have done? They should have told his story. He was a soldier, who wanted to do his part in the war. He was the highest scoring ace of WW1, who awarded himself cups for his victories until Germany ran out of silver.He wanted to be the best. His career was greatly influencedby Oswald Boelce, who is mentioned twice in the movie only. He was there when Boelce died. They should have shown the Boelce/Von Richtoven relationship. Werner Voss a 20 year old pilot(not 46), was his main rival for top ace(and good friend), who died in one of the most impressive dogfights of the war. They should have shown the dogfight. They should have shown the Baron's last flight. They basically took all that was interesting about this man and made sure that it was left out of the movie.
All in all, the writers would have a great career in Soap operas as well as the actors.
- dean-harmse
- Jan 5, 2010
- Permalink
- rogerdarlington
- Jun 26, 2011
- Permalink
As an English viewer I thought the film was amusing. All these German actors speaking English well but with the German pronunciation. Its difficult to say flippant laid back things in English with a German pronunciation. Germans being by nature perfectionists can try too hard to be casual in English- doesn't quite come off...
Otherwise the story is interesting, and the characters likable. I didn't take it too seriously historically because I know very little about the man. Its a fun, enjoyable WW1 'knights of the sky' movie.
Next time though I'd advise a director to get the Germans to speak German with subtitles, and leave the flippant laid back English to the English actors - they do it much better. Otherwise we British will simply take the mickey...
Otherwise the story is interesting, and the characters likable. I didn't take it too seriously historically because I know very little about the man. Its a fun, enjoyable WW1 'knights of the sky' movie.
Next time though I'd advise a director to get the Germans to speak German with subtitles, and leave the flippant laid back English to the English actors - they do it much better. Otherwise we British will simply take the mickey...
- aldebaran68
- Dec 19, 2011
- Permalink
A nice movie, not completely faithful to Manfred Von Richthofen's life I'm told, but very pleasant to watch. A fantastic production with beautiful scenes, great battlefields and very good actors: Matthias Schweighöfer over all.
How could you become a hero without killing anyone? How can you win fear but not be able to cope with the death of those you love? How can you grow up as a Prussian gentleman and yet despise militaristic societies? These are the universal themes the movie deals with and I found it very interesting.
The man himself really was and still is a legend by all means.
How could you become a hero without killing anyone? How can you win fear but not be able to cope with the death of those you love? How can you grow up as a Prussian gentleman and yet despise militaristic societies? These are the universal themes the movie deals with and I found it very interesting.
The man himself really was and still is a legend by all means.
- niutta-enrico
- Jun 24, 2014
- Permalink
"The Red Baron" is a Biography - Action movie in which we watch the story of Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (The Red Baron) who is considered the ace-of-aces of the war. He was credited with 80 air combat victories and that was something that gave him the nickname in addition to his airplane which was painted red.
I have to admit that I did not have high expectations from this movie but I was happily surprised by it since I enjoyed it very much. It had plenty of action, an interesting plot following and based on the life of the Red Baron and his actions in combination with some romantic moments. The direction which was made by Nikolai Müllerschön who is also the writer of it, was above average and he presented very well not only the victories and loses of the Red Baron but also some of his family moments and of course his moments out of the war. Matthias Schweighöfer who played as Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen / The Red Baron was simply amazing and I believe that he made the best interpretation so far. Another interpretation that has to be mentioned was Lena Headey's who played as Käte and she was very good too.
I have to admit that I did not have high expectations from this movie but I was happily surprised by it since I enjoyed it very much. It had plenty of action, an interesting plot following and based on the life of the Red Baron and his actions in combination with some romantic moments. The direction which was made by Nikolai Müllerschön who is also the writer of it, was above average and he presented very well not only the victories and loses of the Red Baron but also some of his family moments and of course his moments out of the war. Matthias Schweighöfer who played as Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen / The Red Baron was simply amazing and I believe that he made the best interpretation so far. Another interpretation that has to be mentioned was Lena Headey's who played as Käte and she was very good too.
- Thanos_Alfie
- Apr 24, 2020
- Permalink
Few days ago I read an interview with Schweighöfer in which he's wondering why "The Red Baron" didn't get any subsidies. "Maybe they didn't like the script". They were right! And I don't think, the script was too controversial... I wish, it'd be. It's a pity that private financed productions like "As far as my feet will carry me" or even Vilsmaier's "Marlene" and now "The Red Baron" have producer's that are obviously willing to make the best movies they can, even without public money. they spent their budget on the cast, effects, good looks but they don't have a clue what to do with their values. They hire authors and directors who turn out to be just unable to cope with their projects. And most of the critics just complain about historical facts... I don't get it. It's a movie! But a badly told one. If you want to make a movie about a world war pilot who tries to be the best, then tell us, how he does it. And not in the main case, how he tries to win a nurse's heart! There are a lot of good love stories around, but THIS is the story of guy who liked to fly and shoot down enemies. If you pick it, stick to it. Don't be ashamed of your choice. It's quite funny to see a few quite impressing battle scenes, but the battles that mattered for the story are simply ignored. They get on the plane. Cut. Hospital. Everything that matters in the story is in the dialogs, not in actions. And even the important dialogs are filmed in cowardly undramatic distant shots... A waste of talent, chances and money.
- Ralfscheapthrill
- Apr 11, 2008
- Permalink
Despite an ending that can't help but make the viewer feel a little cheated, this film is a success on many levels. Only a little historical inaccuracy, which while certainly not a problem for most films but is almost demanded in a biopic, is a noticeable flaw.
Also, while perhaps not as "gritty" as one would like to see in a modern film, the ambiance of the film feels very "right." The viewer is seldom distracted by the realization that one is seeing CGI. The set decoration and costuming are rich and look accurate. The photography is excellent, although there is some mixing of exposure which is sometimes distracting. There is quite a bit of "floating" camera-work in establishing shots, which adds a little playful interest, almost as if one is watching from a small biplane buzzing through the scene.
The performances are understated, although the dialog does feel a little sparse at times.
Viewers who are hoping to experience another version of the exuberant athleticism of "Flyboys" from the German perspective may be underwhelmed by this film, but I found it most satisfying, especially in its restraint in delivering its anti-war message.
Also, while perhaps not as "gritty" as one would like to see in a modern film, the ambiance of the film feels very "right." The viewer is seldom distracted by the realization that one is seeing CGI. The set decoration and costuming are rich and look accurate. The photography is excellent, although there is some mixing of exposure which is sometimes distracting. There is quite a bit of "floating" camera-work in establishing shots, which adds a little playful interest, almost as if one is watching from a small biplane buzzing through the scene.
The performances are understated, although the dialog does feel a little sparse at times.
Viewers who are hoping to experience another version of the exuberant athleticism of "Flyboys" from the German perspective may be underwhelmed by this film, but I found it most satisfying, especially in its restraint in delivering its anti-war message.
- PrivateBox2
- Jul 20, 2009
- Permalink
(2008) The Red Baron/ Der Rote Baron
BIO-DRAMA/ WAR
Co-produced, written and directed by Nikolai Müllerschön, and although 'The Red Baron's' name was floating around for a very long time, I had no idea who he was until after I had seen this film which would be easy to turn him into a villain and which it's intent was to personify him as a human being otherwise no one would be able to get involved with the movie at all. Anyways, the misconceptions I had was that he was still around when Hitler came to power which was incorrect for he was only around during their battle with the French, and that the closest relationship he's ever had was with a nurse- what more does this film have to do.
Co-produced, written and directed by Nikolai Müllerschön, and although 'The Red Baron's' name was floating around for a very long time, I had no idea who he was until after I had seen this film which would be easy to turn him into a villain and which it's intent was to personify him as a human being otherwise no one would be able to get involved with the movie at all. Anyways, the misconceptions I had was that he was still around when Hitler came to power which was incorrect for he was only around during their battle with the French, and that the closest relationship he's ever had was with a nurse- what more does this film have to do.
- jordondave-28085
- May 20, 2023
- Permalink
I consider this a fun and exciting movie. I knocked it down a little because of the historical inconsistencies, but the tale is well told, the movie does not drag and it was very easy to fall in love with this movie. I only want it released into the United States now. I saw it and fell in love with it.
I think they did a marvelous job of recreating the feel of aerial combat, the uniforms and planes of the time (not to mention the cool automobiles) and I thought the acting was quite good.
Til Schweiger is great as the role of Werner Voss. Lena Heady is a great nurse Kate and Mathias Schweighofer manages to give what I believe is a command performance as a young, idealistic Prussian lad called to war.
I also thought they did a good job of re-creating the Kaiser and his generals. It was so convincing that I almost thought I was seeing Von Hindenberg and the Kaiser in the bunker.
I would have liked to see Boelcke and others in the movie, but maybe you can only do so much in two hours. I watched this fine movie and felt a real kinship with these flying kids. As a part Prussian-American, it was easy to identify with them.
Well done and well worth watching.
I think they did a marvelous job of recreating the feel of aerial combat, the uniforms and planes of the time (not to mention the cool automobiles) and I thought the acting was quite good.
Til Schweiger is great as the role of Werner Voss. Lena Heady is a great nurse Kate and Mathias Schweighofer manages to give what I believe is a command performance as a young, idealistic Prussian lad called to war.
I also thought they did a good job of re-creating the Kaiser and his generals. It was so convincing that I almost thought I was seeing Von Hindenberg and the Kaiser in the bunker.
I would have liked to see Boelcke and others in the movie, but maybe you can only do so much in two hours. I watched this fine movie and felt a real kinship with these flying kids. As a part Prussian-American, it was easy to identify with them.
Well done and well worth watching.
- Boelcke1916
- Apr 24, 2009
- Permalink
German biopic loosely based on the World War I fighter ace Manfred Von Richthofen, nicknamed the Red Baron by friend and foe alike. His incredible command over the air and his subordinates, as well as his feats made him an idol acclaimed by his people and feared by his enemies. Baron Manfred Von Richthofen was the most feared and celebrated pilot of the German air force in World War I. Manfred Von Richthofen (Matthias Schweighöfer) arrives in a squadron in the German Airforce and he quickly becomes an aerial ace with several victories. But after falling in love with the nurse Käte (Lena Headey) , Manfred realizes he is only used for propaganda means. Caught between his disgust for the war, and the responsibility for his fighter wing, von Richthofen sets out to fly again. To him and his companions , air combats are events of sporty nature, technical challenge and upright acting, ignoring the terrible extent of war, as the tactics of both sides break more rules and become more destructive . Respected and feared, equally, by his enemies , including the expert Canadian pilot of the Allied Forces, Captain Roy Brown (Joseph Fiennes) , Manfred von Richthofen made a name for himself as the notorious Red Baron, after painting his plane red. Von Richthofen is wounded during an aerial battle and Brown and his squadron decide to attack Allied airfield , destroying their planes on the ground . Red Baron and Brown have some strong aerial battles , trivial in the larger scheme yet fateful . Caught between his disgust for the war , and the responsibility for his fighter command, Von Richthofen sets out to fly again .
Biopic that tells the story of one of the best-known fighter jet pilots: Red Baron. Baron Manfred von Richthofen is the most feared and celebrated pilot of the German air force in World War I. This is an exciting story based on facts about Manfred Von Richthofen, the German air ace during the World War I and his struggle with the enemy aces and some jealous German officers, while contends the Canadian pilot named Roy Brown, the squad's main ace . With the help of a batch of new fighters from Anthony Fokke, the 'Richthofen Flying Circus' launches a counter attack against English aircrafts, being finally killed in action of the 21st of April, 1918 at age 25. It is now widely believed that the shot that killed the Red Baron was not fired by Capt. Brown but from a gunner positioned on the ground. The path of the bullet through the Baron's chest suggested the fatal shot was fired from a much lower angle that the high right angle Capt. Brown made his attack from. It is also unlikely that the Baron would have lived long enough to land his plane given the time between Brown's engagement and the landing.
Spectacular dogfighting, impressive scenario , fine star cast and memorable acting . Acceptable budget extended adventure about the notorious maverick pilot and his partners undergoing risked feats on air and bombing on earth. Pretty good aerial actioner with plenty action , tragic drama , fantastic cloudy scenes and breathtaking dogfighting . Matthias Schweighöfer as Manfred von Richthofen, Til Schweiger and Joseph Fiennes show professionalism as crack fighter pilots, ambitious young men assigned to dangerous missions . Colorful cinematography and rousing musical score accompanying perfectly the action. There's another nice version about this historical role directed by Roger Corman Von Richthofen and Brown (1971) with John Phillip Law as Baron Manfred von Richthofen, Don Stroud as Roy Brown, Barry Primus, Corin Redgrave, Hurd Hatfield, Stephen McHattie.
Rating ¨Red Baron¨ : 6 , acceptable and passable , definitively wholesome watching, a nice wartime film with decent results. Good and entertaining fare , it's a fairly watchable and spectacular film and results to be a good treatment of WWI flying aces.
At the end there're remarks about Manfred and his air colleagues : ¨Von Richthofen¨ is credited with 80 kills, he remains WWI's most successful fighter pilot, on April 21, 1918, the Red Baron of Germany and the Black Sheep of the R. A. F met in the skies of France for the last time , buried in france by the allies with full military honors. ¨Kate Otersdorf¨ no further records exist on her remaining life. ¨Captain Brown¨ received the credit for shooting down Richthofen, until today it is not proven who truly killed the Red Baron, captain Ray died in 1944 of a heart attack. ¨Lothar Von Richthofen¨ survived the war, died only 4 years later, on the 4th of July, when a commercial plane he piloted crashed en route from Berlin to Hamburg due to engine failure. ¨Werner Voss¨, fighter ace with 48 victories and Richthofen's closest friend and competitor until he was shot down on the 23rd of septmbrer, 1917. ¨Kurt Wolff¨ , downed 33 enemy aircrfts before he was killed in action on the 15th of september , 1917, he was not wearing his lucky night cap. During WWI many Jewish pilots fought for the German Empire, many of them were highly decorated figheter aces, they are represented by the fictitious character of ¨Friedrich Sternberg¨. ¨Wolfram Von Richthofen¨ , the young cousin fought the war in the air until Germany surrendered to the Allies in November, 1918.
Biopic that tells the story of one of the best-known fighter jet pilots: Red Baron. Baron Manfred von Richthofen is the most feared and celebrated pilot of the German air force in World War I. This is an exciting story based on facts about Manfred Von Richthofen, the German air ace during the World War I and his struggle with the enemy aces and some jealous German officers, while contends the Canadian pilot named Roy Brown, the squad's main ace . With the help of a batch of new fighters from Anthony Fokke, the 'Richthofen Flying Circus' launches a counter attack against English aircrafts, being finally killed in action of the 21st of April, 1918 at age 25. It is now widely believed that the shot that killed the Red Baron was not fired by Capt. Brown but from a gunner positioned on the ground. The path of the bullet through the Baron's chest suggested the fatal shot was fired from a much lower angle that the high right angle Capt. Brown made his attack from. It is also unlikely that the Baron would have lived long enough to land his plane given the time between Brown's engagement and the landing.
Spectacular dogfighting, impressive scenario , fine star cast and memorable acting . Acceptable budget extended adventure about the notorious maverick pilot and his partners undergoing risked feats on air and bombing on earth. Pretty good aerial actioner with plenty action , tragic drama , fantastic cloudy scenes and breathtaking dogfighting . Matthias Schweighöfer as Manfred von Richthofen, Til Schweiger and Joseph Fiennes show professionalism as crack fighter pilots, ambitious young men assigned to dangerous missions . Colorful cinematography and rousing musical score accompanying perfectly the action. There's another nice version about this historical role directed by Roger Corman Von Richthofen and Brown (1971) with John Phillip Law as Baron Manfred von Richthofen, Don Stroud as Roy Brown, Barry Primus, Corin Redgrave, Hurd Hatfield, Stephen McHattie.
Rating ¨Red Baron¨ : 6 , acceptable and passable , definitively wholesome watching, a nice wartime film with decent results. Good and entertaining fare , it's a fairly watchable and spectacular film and results to be a good treatment of WWI flying aces.
At the end there're remarks about Manfred and his air colleagues : ¨Von Richthofen¨ is credited with 80 kills, he remains WWI's most successful fighter pilot, on April 21, 1918, the Red Baron of Germany and the Black Sheep of the R. A. F met in the skies of France for the last time , buried in france by the allies with full military honors. ¨Kate Otersdorf¨ no further records exist on her remaining life. ¨Captain Brown¨ received the credit for shooting down Richthofen, until today it is not proven who truly killed the Red Baron, captain Ray died in 1944 of a heart attack. ¨Lothar Von Richthofen¨ survived the war, died only 4 years later, on the 4th of July, when a commercial plane he piloted crashed en route from Berlin to Hamburg due to engine failure. ¨Werner Voss¨, fighter ace with 48 victories and Richthofen's closest friend and competitor until he was shot down on the 23rd of septmbrer, 1917. ¨Kurt Wolff¨ , downed 33 enemy aircrfts before he was killed in action on the 15th of september , 1917, he was not wearing his lucky night cap. During WWI many Jewish pilots fought for the German Empire, many of them were highly decorated figheter aces, they are represented by the fictitious character of ¨Friedrich Sternberg¨. ¨Wolfram Von Richthofen¨ , the young cousin fought the war in the air until Germany surrendered to the Allies in November, 1918.