Watch A German Youth

A German Youth is a 2019 documentary film that sheds light on the German left-wing terrorist group of the 1970s known as the Red Army Faction (RAF) or Baader-Meinhof gang. Directed by Jean-Gabriel Périot, the film is a collage of archival footage, photographs, audio recordings, and newspaper articles that chronicle the political and social climate that gave rise to the militant movement, as well as the events and aftermath of some of their most notorious actions.

The film begins with a black and white clip of students protesting against the Vietnam War in 1967, setting the stage for the anti-authoritarian and anti-capitalist sentiments that would fuel the RAF's agenda. Périot then interweaves footage of police brutality, state repression, and popular uprisings in Germany, Italy, and France that marked the 1960s and early 1970s. The film also features interviews with former members of the RAF and family members of victims, as well as contemporary news reports and political commentary.

One of the strengths of A German Youth is the way it deconstructs the simplified narratives that have often portrayed the RAF as nihilistic extremists or heroic martyrs. Périot shows how the group emerged from a complex web of radical movements that sought to challenge the post-war order and the legacy of Nazi Germany. The film highlights the debates and divisions within the left about the use of violence and the role of the state in maintaining power, as well as the personal motivations and ideologies of some of the main figures in the RAF, such as Andreas Baader, Ulrike Meinhof, Gudrun Ensslin, and Holger Meins.

Moreover, A German Youth reflects on the media spectacle and political significance of the RAF's actions, such as the kidnapping of industrialist Hanns-Martin Schleyer in 1977, the hijacking of a Lufthansa plane in Mogadishu, and the suicides of several members in Stammheim prison. The film shows how these events were not only part of a global wave of militant activity in the 1970s, but also triggered a massive response from the state and society that reshaped German politics and culture.

Although A German Youth does not offer any new revelations or analysis on the RAF, it provides a compelling and insightful overview of a pivotal period in German history. Périot's editing and sound design create a sense of urgency and tension that make the audience feel as if they were immersed in the tumultuous events of the time. The combination of documentary footage and artistic interventions, such as the use of abstract shapes and colors to separate different themes, also adds a layer of aesthetic interest to the film.

One criticism of A German Youth could be that it tries to cover too much ground and thus lacks depth in some areas. The film touches on various topics that would require a more extensive treatment, such as the West German security apparatus, the debates about memory and justice, or the RAF's connections to other groups and movements. However, given the limited running time and scope of the project, it is understandable that some aspects had to be left out or condensed.

In conclusion, A German Youth is an engaging and informative documentary that offers a nuanced and balanced perspective on one of the most controversial and complex political movements of the 20th century. Its relevance goes beyond the specific context of the RAF and speaks to broader issues of democracy, violence, and dissent in contemporary societies. Recommended for anyone interested in German history, political radicalism, or documentary filmmaking.