Little Dieter Needs to Fly

A haunting, intimate documentary that immerses you in one man's extraordinary survival story, blending harrowing memories with quiet, reflective moments.

Directed by

Werner Herzog

Genres

Documentary

Starring

Werner Herzog, Dieter Dengler, Eugene Deatrick

Tagline

In 1966, Dieter Dengler was shot down over Laos, captured, and, down to 85 pounds, escaped.

Overview

Three decades after German-American pilot Dieter Dengler was shot down over Laos, he returns to the places where he was held prisoner during the early years of the Vietnam War. Accompanied by director Werner Herzog, Dengler describes in unusually candid detail his captivity, the friendships he made, and his daring escape. Not willing to stop there, Herzog even persuades his subject to re-enact certain tortures, with the help of some willing local villagers.

How it feels

Dark, melancholic, tense and earnest. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Survival, war, trauma, memory

Content

Mild violence and language. No gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)