Cast
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Matthias Schweighöfer
as Baron Manfred von Richthofen
Til Schweiger
as Werner Voss
Lena Headey
as Käthe
Joseph Fiennes
as Captain Roy Brown
Volker Bruch
as Lothar von Richthofen
Julie Engelbrecht
as Ilse
Maxim Mehmet
as Leutnant Sternberg
Steffen Schroeder
as Leutnant Bodenschatz
Hanno Koffler
as Leutnant Lehmann
Tino Mewes
as Leutnant Wolff
Ralph Misske
as Menzke
Axel Prahl
as General von Hoeppner
Gitta Schweighöfer
as Kunigunde von Richthofen
Jan Vlasák
as Major von Richthofen
Jiří Laštovka
as Udel
Crew
Director
- Nikolai Müllerschön
Producer
- Dan Maag
- Nikolai Müllerschön
- Thomas Reisser
- Roland Pellegrino
Reviews
Wuchak
***Curiously unabsorbing account of the Red Baron***
The exceptional career of the ace-of-aces, Manfred Von Richthofen, is chronicled up to his death at 25 years-of-age on April 21, 1918.
“The Red Baron" (2008) comes in the tradition of similar WW1 fighter pilot flicks “The Blue Max” (1966), “Aces High" (1976) and “Flyboys” (2006). “The Blue Max” is an extraordinary melancholic epic while the realistic “Aces High” is good, but one-dimensionally mundane. The blockbuster-ish “Flyboys” is entertaining, but marred by comic book storytelling (think “Legends of the Fall”). Does “The Red Baron” match or surpass any of these movies? Unfortunately, no.
Everything is here for a quality film of this sort, but something about the storytelling makes for a curiously unabsorbing viewing experience, whether the fault is the script, the directing or something else (no doubt a combination). The first act lacks dramatic hooks and the necessary exposition to grab the viewer; and the movie never recovers.
This is augmented by the typical non-historical additions, like the nonsense of Von Richthofen (Matthias Schweighöfer) and Capt. Roy Brown (Joseph Fiennes) having cozy little chats throughout the course of the war. A lesser criticism is that a few of the cast members are noticeably too old for the parts. For instance, Lt. Werner Voss was only 20 when he was shot down while actor Til Schweiger was in his mid-40s during shooting. Lena Headey is a milder example. The score is good, but conspicuously rips-off the superior “The Last of the Mohicans” in two parts.
It’s not all bad. Schweighöfer, for instance, is fine for the titular role and carries the picture, which admittedly LOOKS good. I’ve seen the flick three times over the years and there’s enough good here to make it worth watching for people interested in Von Richthofen and what it was like during WW1. The story’s just not captivating.
The film runs 1 hour, 46 minutes, and was shot in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, with studio stuff done in Prague.
GRADE: C+
Nov 29, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Red Baron examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Nikolai Müllerschön brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Red Baron took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 163 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 78 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Red Baron shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Red Baron subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Misery and Con Air explore similar territory, The Red Baron stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 29, 2008
- Runtime: 2h
- Budget: $18,000,000
- Revenue: $2,783,332
Where to Watch
