Munich
During the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, eleven Israeli athletes are taken hostage and murdered by a Palestinian terrorist group known as Black September. In retaliation, the Israeli government recruits a group of Mossad agents to track down and execute those responsible for the attack.
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- Cast:
- Eric Bana , Daniel Craig , Ciarán Hinds , Mathieu Kassovitz , Hanns Zischler , Ayelet Zurer , Geoffrey Rush
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Reviews
i must have seen a different film!!
A different way of telling a story
It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.
Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.
Having grown up with the likes of 'ET', the first three 'Indiana Jones' films (of which 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' is still one of his best) and 'Jurassic Park'(also 'Hook', though it's much less good through adult eyes, don't dislike it though), it's safe to say that Steven Spielberg was part of my childhood.Am still shocked and moved by 'Schindler's List', enthralled by 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', moved by 'Empire of the Sun' and 'The Color Purple' and thrilled but often scared senseless by 'Jaws', and consider all of these plus 'ET', 'Raiders' and 'Jurassic Park' among his best films. For me his weakest are 'The Lost World' and '1941', and also had mixed feelings on 'Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' and 'The BFG'.'Munich' is not quite up there with his very best, but it's from personal opinion one of his best since 'Schindler's List'. There is a sense at times of hasty production about it, not visually or directorially (on both counts the film's top-notch) but more to do with occasional parts in the storytelling that feel a little muddled and not as well developed as they could have been in how some things are resolved.On the other hand 'Munich' does look absolutely great, love the very gritty and somewhat stark look to how everything's shot and lit (the restless camera proves to be atmosphere-enhancing) which felt evocative to the mood and the subject matter. Spielberg's direction is some of his best of his later films, under him pacing is deliberate but tight and he gives plenty of unnerving intensity without resorting to the schmaltz that he can be criticised for.John Williams' score is understated but also haunting, even if not having themes as unforgettable as the likes of those for 'Jaws', 'ET', 'Schindler's List', 'Raiders' and 'Jurassic Park', adding a good deal to the atmosphere while not making the mistake of over-emphasising (like in 'Amistad'). The script is thought-provoking and with the right amount of nuances and avoiding the traps of cheese and schmaltz, while boasting many genuinely powerful and poignant moments. The story is continually compelling, with it being particularly strong when the doubts appear with the urgency and emotional power being maximised. The action scenes are pretty electrifying also.Not ending 'Munich' with a pat and too conveniently wrapped up conclusion was a brave choice, and honestly can't imagine the film ending as effectively if it had done. The characters are interesting, having strengths but also flaws and conflicts and to me the film didn't feel at all one-sided.The acting is terrific, Eric Bana heads the cast in one of his better performances, here he's charismatic but stoic. Even better are the support, with both sides of Bana's Avner's troubled conscience being superbly played by Daniel Craig and Ciaran Hinds. Mathieu Kassivitz, Michael Lonsdale and Geoffrey Rush register strongly also.Overall, a great film and one of Spielberg's better later efforts (since 'Schindler's List'). 9/10 Bethany Cox
When speaking of Steven Spielberg Munich is a film that isn't always mentioned as much. But it should be because this is an incredible film by him and is truly one of his best efforts. Personally I have no stake in The Israel-Palestine conflict but for those who do I can assure you that this is a very neutral movie Spielberg doesn't paint either side as heroes every character is a flawed human being who for better or worse is fighting for what they believe in. Munich pulls no punches during the massacre scene is brutal and bloody and disturbing to watch. Eric Bana is in my opinion and extremely underrated actor he blew me away in this movie he perfectly conveys his characters inexperience at first to the end where he is a wounded veteran traumatised by what he's done. That is another great thing about this movie there are consequences to the killings in this film it takes a toll on the characters and forces them to question what they're doing. A pre-bond Daniel Craig plays a supporting role in this film and he's excellent here he's such an interesting character despite the fact that he plays it a bit more simply than the others proving that he can do much more than just play James Bond. Another actor I love is in this movie Ciarán Hinds is in this film and is completely Oscar Worthy I loved his characters conflicted attitude and moral compass and was a very intriguing character thanks to Hinds captivating performance.I loved the teams dynamic in this film you just want them to all come out OK in the end and fear for them every time they put themselves in danger and like I said it's not straightforward they have conflicting opinions on what they're doing and why. The Final Shot in this movie is one of the greatest and most effective uses of symbolism I've ever seen it reflects Aavners arguments perfectly and tells us that Ever action has a reaction.I like Crash unlike most people, I love Brokeback Mountain like most people but I absolutely adore Munich I've watched it far more times that I really should have this is one of my all time favourite movies and should have won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapeted Screenplay. Even if you don't agree with the the subject matter you should watch this movie for its powerful themes of trust, doing the right thing and (in a way) justice.A+-100%
I don't usually write reviews on IMDb.com but after seeing this, I felt compelled to so here goes. It isn't often that I come across films like this or watch them but when I do I do enjoy it immensely. Coming from Steven Spielberg, I really expected a CGI fest or some sort of other "wow" factor. Well label me as surprised because I can honestly say that I think that this was the first Spielberg film that I would call a truly adult film: not adult as in "top of the shelf adult" (you dirty minders...you know who you are) but as an adult story. Non of the directors usual sentimentality or divulging into simplistic child like fantasy here. Based on the true story of the Black September aftermath, this film was a slow build up of tension and when it was at its peak, it threw in more tension. Yes I was bored through some of the scenes but the boredom (for me anyway) added to the tension and mood. It has been a long time since I've seen a film in which the emotions of the characters carry the film like this and I found it refreshing to see. The assassinations/murders as they happen are quick, brutal and downright shocking. Even if the viewer is clued up on the history of Black September...it still is a nail biting ride. A thinking mans film that answers some questions and leaves the viewer to ask some questions. Recommended.
Steven Spielberg knows how to make a movie. He has such a knowledge and understanding of the medium that is truly unparallelled. He was probably born to do it, and he proves it every time, even when he (sort of) fails. Munich is not his best work, not even close (I would say it's on par with Lincoln, maybe with Amistad, but far below Schindler's List or Saving Private Ryan among his more political movies), but the opening sequence in itself is a testimony to his formidable talents.That sequence, the recreation of the terrorist attack and massacre at the 1972 Summer Olypics, is no less shocking and effective than the first 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan. The way it was shot and edited reminded me of Paul Greengrass's in-your-face documentary style (United 93, Captain Phillips) that makes you feel you are really there in the middle of events. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie does not really live up to the beginning, though it raises important moral questions and never feels oversimplifying. It just cannot sustain the level of suspense and since its core message (nothing is ultimately black-and-white and revenge may not bring peace and resolution) is not really new, the movie becomes somewhat boring as it drags on a bit too long.Eric Bana, however, is great, as always. He is an exceptional actor who makes any movie worth a watch.