Review of Munich (2005) by Epi L — 12 Dec 2009

Most people may think I'm exaggerating, but I believe this is Steven Spielberg's best film since 1993's "Schindler's List". His 1998 film, "Saving Private Ryan", is a great war movie due to it's groundbreaking opening battle sequence and ending "Alamo" battle scenes, but parts of the story and characterizations in between just didn't ring true (personally, I blame the screenplay for that).

Although "inspired by actual events", "Munich" begins with the true life kidnappings of eleven Israeli athletes by the Palestinian terrorist group, Black September, at the 1972 Olympics. The world watched as the events unfolded on live television, but ended tragically with none of the hostages surviving a botched rescue attempt (for more information on this event, watch the stunning documentary, "One Day in September").

In retaliation, the Israeli Government immediately sends out five assassins to eliminate the supposed masterminds of the Munich massacre.

This is extraordinary work from Spielberg. His action scenes are choreographed and timed to perfection, giving his film the urgency and immediacy the film's characters sorely need to accomplish their misson. The grainy and color-washed photography by Janusz Kaminski also gives the film the authentic feel of taking place in the 1970s. But it's the characters that make the film whole.

Eric Bana's performance as an assassin gives the film it's moral conflict. He starts out thinking his job is to win the war against the Palestinians. It soon drops to uncertainty and just finishing the job. It ends in the third act with him coming to the realization that the violence and retribution is an endless cycle between the Israelis and Palestinians, and it may never end. That is what makes "Munich" a masterpiece.