Watch If Not Us, Who?

If Not Us, Who? is a 2011 German drama film directed by Andres Veiel that depicts the life of the revolutionary West German couple, Bernward Vesper and Gudrun Ensslin, who were key figures of the anti-establishment movement of the 60s and 70s. The story is set in the era of post-World War II Germany and covers the period from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. It primarily focuses on the relationship between the two protagonists, Vesper (played by August Diehl) and Ensslin (played by Lena Lauzemis), who met while studying literature in Munich. They quickly developed a deep connection due to their shared interest in literature, politics, and philosophy. The two fell in love and soon after became part of the intellectual and artistic circles of the time.

The narrative follows the couple’s journey from their early years as writers, poets, and activists to their involvement in increasingly radical and violent forms of protest against the oppressive government. Fascinated by the ideas of the Frankfurt School, Vesper explores Marxist theory in his writing, while Ensslin becomes increasingly radicalized and militant, leading to her involvement in the infamous Red Army Faction (RAF), commonly known as the Baader-Meinhof Group.

The film provides a candid and compelling insight into the tumultuous political scene of West Germany in the 1960s and 1970s. We see how the government’s controversial policies, including their handling of the Vietnam War, the student protests, and their suppression of critical voices in the media and culture, motivated young intellectuals like Vesper and Ensslin to take more extreme measures to challenge the status quo. The movie is a fascinating account of how they, as writers and activists, became key figures in the revolutionary movements, paving the way for future generations.

Alexander Fehling delivers an outstanding performance as Bernward Vesper, conveying the intensity of his intellectual pursuit while also showing his vulnerability and inner turmoil. August Diehl also impresses as Gudrun Ensslin, portraying her stubbornness, strength, and unrelenting commitment to her ideology.

In the end, the film portrays the tragic fate of the two lovers who, despite their noble intentions, ultimately fell victim to their own violent extremism. If Not Us, Who? Is a passionate tribute to two idealistic, complex characters whose contribution to the German cultural and political landscape continues to resonate today.

The movie, which premiered at the 2011 Berlin International Film Festival, received critical acclaim for its engaging, character-driven storytelling, as well as for its nuanced exploration of a complicated, politically charged era in German history. The film’s director, Andres Veiel, draws on extensive archival footage, interviews, and previously unpublished literary works by Vesper to create a vivid and moving portrait of one of the most revolutionary and heartbreaking love stories of the 20th century.

Overall, If Not Us, Who? is an intelligent, thought-provoking film that tackles some of the most pressing political and social issues of modern German history, using the life of two love struck revolutionaries to shine a light on their contribution to the cultural and political landscape of their time.