If you told me a German kid would grow up to be a U.S. fighter pilot, get shot down over Laos, escape a POW camp, and then willingly go back to relive it all for a documentary, I’d say you’re crazy.
One minute you’re watching some dude talk about planes.
The next you’re knee-deep in a jungle nightmare that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about survival and sanity.
When I publish my list of best Werner Herzog documentaries, this one will rank very high.
Thanks to Casey Neistat for first pointing “Little Dieter” out (via his conversation with Tim Ferriss).
Trailer for “Little Dieter Needs to Fly”
Watch “Little Dieter Needs to Fly”
You can watch “Little Dieter Needs to Fly” for free on YouTube by clicking the video embed above.
Or, you can watch it for free on Kanopy (with library card) at https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/little-dieter-needs-fly
Other places to stream Little Dieter include Amazon Prime Video and Peacock (with subscription) and Roku, Tubi and Freevee (free but with ads).
You can find the latest streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/little-dieter-needs-to-fly
Ratings:
- My Rating: 93/100
- IMDB Rating: 8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 94/100 (Users); 93/100 (Critics)
Release Date: May 27, 1998
My Review of “Little Dieter Needs to Fly”
Imagine surviving a plane crash only to face an even greater hell on the ground.
A Tale of Survival and Flight
That’s the story of Dieter Dengler, the subject of Werner Herzog’s gripping documentary “Little Dieter Needs to Fly”.
Released in 1998, this 80-minute film takes us on a journey through one man’s extraordinary life.
It’s a tale of survival, resilience, and an unquenchable passion for flight.
Herzog, known for his unique storytelling, doesn’t disappoint here. He follows Dengler back to the jungles of Laos, where his ordeal began. It’s surreal and haunting.
Dengler’s story starts in post-World War II Germany. As a boy, he watched American planes bomb his village. Surprisingly, this sparked his love for flying.
At 18, he immigrated to America with just $20 in his pocket. Dengler joined the U.S. Air Force, then the Navy, driven by his dream to fly.
Shot Down Over Laos & The Great Escape
In 1966, on his first mission, Dengler’s plane was shot down over Laos. He survived the crash, but his ordeal was just beginning.
Captured by Pathet Lao guerrillas, Dengler endured brutal captivity. He was tied spread-eagled to the ground at night, tortured, and starved.
After six months, Dengler orchestrated a daring escape with fellow POWs. They fled into the jungle, facing new dangers: leeches, bears, and near-starvation.
Herzog recreates these scenes with Dengler’s participation. It’s chilling to watch him demonstrate how he was bound and tortured.
After 23 days in the jungle, Dengler was rescued by an American helicopter. He’d lost half his body weight but survived against all odds.
Remarkably, Dengler returned to flying. He even bought his own plane, a feat Herzog captures beautifully in the doc.
Herzog’s Unique Touch
Herzog’s approach is unconventional but effective.
He lets Dengler tell his own story, interspersing it with reenactments and archival footage.
The director’s voiceover, with his distinct German accent, adds another layer to the narrative. It’s like listening to a strange, captivating bedtime story.
Little-Known Facts
Here are some lesser-known details that make this doc even more fascinating:
- Dengler learned English by reading comics in a barbershop’s waiting room.
- He escaped from the POW camp using a nail he had hidden in his rectum.
- During his jungle ordeal, Dengler hallucinated about food, specifically Black Forest cake.
- After his rescue, he struggled with night terrors, often waking up on his lawn.
- Dengler’s first meal after rescue was a beer and a large steak, which his shrunken stomach rejected.
Impact and Legacy
The doc had a profound impact on viewers and critics alike. It won the Grand Special Jury Prize at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.
Herzog later adapted Dengler’s story into a feature film, “Rescue Dawn” (2006), starring Christian Bale.
“Little Dieter Needs to Fly” is more than just a war story. It’s a testament to human resilience and the power of dreams.
Dengler’s matter-of-fact retelling of his ordeal is both chilling and inspiring. You can’t help but be moved by his unwavering spirit.
The doc doesn’t shy away from the horrors Dengler faced. But it also celebrates his triumph over adversity.
Herzog’s Masterful Storytelling
Herzog’s storytelling is masterful. He weaves together Dengler’s personal narrative with historical context and vivid reenactments.
The result is a doc that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. It’s a story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
My Final Thoughts
I think “Little Dieter Needs to Fly” is a must-watch for anyone interested in human stories of survival and triumph.
…and, of course, World War II or The Vietnam War or aviation.
I think it’s the best Herzog documentary (I still have a few to watch).
He is at his best, crafting a narrative that’s as compelling as any Hollywood thriller.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc