Le Diable Rouge
The Red Baron is a movie about the famous German flying ace. I didn’t get to watch the original language version, something that is probably far more enjoyable. Instead, we saw the English version. Never having spent too much time reading about the life of Manfed von Richthofen, the movie served as a reasonable introduction. Though factually accurate to some degree, there are a number of scenes and occurrences that are not historically true.
That doesn’t detract from the quality of the movie at all: the aerial combat scenes are spectacular and the overall depiction of World War I life one that reminds the viewer that war cannot be a good thing.
Von Richthofen is a young pilot who, together with a bunch of close friends, partakes in the sport of flying fighter aircraft. The aim is not to kill the pilot of an enemy plane; instead, it’s all about disabling that aircraft and ensuring no one comes to any harm. This ideal is slowly but surely eroded. As the war takes its toll on the German army and as von Richthofen climbs through the ranks of the airforce, it is inevitable that victory takes top priority. Through battle after battle, friends of the Red Baron die in combat, causing him to question his motives and the sense of the war.
With the enemy closing in, the German army prepares for its last stand. At the young age of 25, Baron Manfred von Richthofen is shot down in combat over France, respected as much in death as during his short life by enemy and countrymen alike.
Overall, the two hour long movie is interesting and entertaining. At times, the action shifts a bit too quickly from one scene to another, with abrupt changes from high action to serene scenes quite common.
For anyone with a passing interest in history or aviation The Red Baron is recommended viewing, in my opinion.
