Winnetou is a 1963 West German Western film directed by Harald Reinl, based on the famous novels by Karl May. It is the first entry in the Winnetou trilogy and part of a larger series of European Westerns that became highly popular in the 1960s.
The story follows the unlikely friendship between Old Shatterhand (Lex Barker), a German immigrant working as a railroad engineer in America, and Winnetou (Pierre Brice), the noble chief of the Apache. Their bond is tested as they strive to prevent bloodshed between settlers and Native Americans, battling greed, betrayal, and injustice along the way.
Unlike American Westerns of the era, Winnetou places emphasis on peace, brotherhood, and cross-cultural understanding rather than frontier conquest. The breathtaking landscapes of Yugoslavia—standing in for the American West—combined with Martin Böttcher’s iconic musical score, gave the film a unique identity and enduring appeal.
The movie was a massive success in Europe, turning Pierre Brice into a cultural icon and solidifying Karl May’s stories as timeless classics. Winnetou remains one of the most beloved German Westerns, remembered for its adventure, sweeping scenery, and heartfelt message about friendship and respect between cultures.
