Dieter Dengler was a child in Germany during WWII. His father died in the military. During an Allied air attack, he is in awe of the planes and determines that "Little Dieter Needs to Fly". Post-war Germany suffered severe shortages. He immigrates to America as an 18 year old. He joins the Air Force but ends up in the kitchen and the motorpool. He leaves for college and then the Navy. He finally gets the chance to fly. In 1966, Dieter flies his single-engine, propeller attack plane Skyraider into Laos and gets shot down. He is captured. Eventually, the prisoners break out of their jungle prison.
Documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog uses his unconventional style to bring Dieter's story to life. Herzog's voice is ever present. He even brings Dieter back to the jungle and recreates his journey. It's a fascinating story but I'm not sure Herzog's style works to bring out the intensity. It has an awkward surrealism but fascinating nevertheless.
Documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog uses his unconventional style to bring Dieter's story to life. Herzog's voice is ever present. He even brings Dieter back to the jungle and recreates his journey. It's a fascinating story but I'm not sure Herzog's style works to bring out the intensity. It has an awkward surrealism but fascinating nevertheless.