The Baader Meinhof Complex(Der Baader Meinhof Komplex)

Variety by

An explosive performance by Johanna Wokalek gives some relief to an otherwise long and humdrum series of characters.

Salon by Andrew O'Hehir

This is no art film, but Edel and Eichinger supply an action-packed, reasonably coherent account of youthful rock 'n' roll idealism run amok, and how it produced the craziest phenomenon of the crazy European far left.

The New Yorker by Anthony Lane

I have seen The Baader Meinhof Complex three or four times now, and, despite exasperation with its fissile form, I find it impossible not to be plunged afresh into this engulfing age of European anxiety.

Time Out by David Fear

This isn’t revisionist history; it’s a key moment in political radicalism reduced to an empty pop-cultural posture.

Village Voice by J. Hoberman

The movie is a sweeping, hectic docudrama that would have been immeasurably helped by the use of informational intertitles.

Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan

A fascinating hybrid of a film. Even though its purpose couldn't be more serious, its style could hardly be more pulp.

Empire by Kim Newman

Fascinating history, very good movie -- but demanding, and its lack of easy answers will frustrate some. Lessons about 21st century terrorism are implicit, but not overly stressed.

The New York Times by Manohla Dargis

A taut, unnerving, forcefully unromantic fictional film.