This was a very hard film to watch. Typically, I do not consider language, violence, or nudity, even if it is graphic or prolific, things that make or break the plot or quality of any given film, nor do I make a conscious effort to point them out. Usually I believe they are just to be accepted, along with all the other elements of the film, as part of a unique story. However, the manner in which such things appear in this specific movie is particularly disturbing. The backdrop of extreme terrorism, an issue that is all too current even today, makes this a gruesome and troubling film that is difficult to stomach, yes; but also, I believe, an important exposition on what the reality of radical idealism and revolution truly is.

The film is entirely in German and relates (over a very lengthy and intense two and a half hours) the story of the formation of the Red Army Faction, one of the most violent and prominent groups in West Germany to arise out of the ashes of World War II. The RAF was a pro-communist group that I admittedly do not know very much about, but which sought to do more than just voice their disapproval of American Imperialism and the deepening trench between the very rich and very poor in the world. They believed words without action produce no results and the only way to truly resist and protest against what they believed to be wrong was to commit extreme acts of vandalism and violence to make their position known.

The evolution of the group and their escalation into violence is darkly fascinating. The individual members of the group began as well-educated, and in some cases well-off, students and journalists who took issue with the activities of governments worldwide. They protested what they believed to be fascist actions completed by the German government, police brutality, the rapidly growing class struggles occurring in developing nations, and, as so many others did at that time, the Vietnam War. They vocalized their dissent and outrage but believed themselves to be unsuccessful in accomplishing any real change.

When the Shah of Iran visits West Berlin on June 2nd of 1967 (an event that occurs early on in the movie and resembles, as so much of the rest of the film does, actual historical accounts of the event), a peaceful protest quickly turns into violent rioting, culminating in the fatal shooting of a protestor by police. The founding members of the RAF, Andreas Baader, Gudrun Ensslin, Horst Mahler, and Ulrike Meinhof, emerge from this event no longer willing to stand by and do nothing but moved to action by a newfound conviction and sense of purpose.

At this point the film focuses in on one of the most prominent characters, Ulrike Meinhof, a journalist and long time member of the communist party. Ulrike has not yet completely dedicated herself to the cause that will soon unite the RAF into violent acts of terrorism. Part of her still believes change and revolution can come through knowledge and education. Another part of her clings to her life as an ordinary mother of two who has dedicated her life to her children.

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