Munich

Reviewed by Jeff Jacoby
February 15, 2006

Studio: Universal/Dreamworks-SKG Website: www.munichmovie.com MPAA: Rated R Review Rating: 8.5 out of 10

When I first saw the trailer for Munich , I had the impression I would watch an interesting movie about a serious modern international subject, but not an emotionally moving film. I was right. In a centrist fashion, Munich depicts the story of the Palestinian terrorist action in 1972 that horrified the world.

Screen cap from Munich.

Eric Bana portrays the leader of the Mossad assassination squad, commissioned by then Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meir, to terminate the lives of the parties responsible for this atrocity. This eclectic group of agents travels to various European and Middle Eastern destinations to do their job by using conventional and unorthodox methods to a relative success. I found it interesting that the production staff decided to depict these agents as amateurish and insecure, a stark contrast from the Mossad stereotype of cunning and deliberate precision.

The Palestinians do not come across as blood thirsty killers. Instead they seem like everyday people who happen to believe strongly in their cause. I would have enjoyed a big name star playing one of these roles, but instead the viewer is relegated to watching B-rated actors. Granted, these actors were believable and overall their performances were satisfactory.

Stephen Spielberg directs yet another noteworthy and memorable film that will undoubtedly be referenced when discussing Middle Eastern politics. Serious subjects are discussed often and comprehensively. Will the reprisal killings end future killings? Will these actions make a difference? Will violence simply create more violence?

The underlying subject is killing. Can it be justified? Although I was not emotionally affected by the discussions or the tentative conclusions, it did spark my interest to research the matter. That is this film's most powerful attribute.

Munich will most likely be alluded to by moderate and centrist politicos since it does provide an insightful view to the Munich massacre and underlying Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The thought provoking nature and excellent cinematography make this film an Oscar contender. I strongly recommend this film be seen in the Theatre. Some of the scenes and sounds can only be fully appreciated on the big screen and with the theatre quality surround sound.

[Click Here for more Oscar Nominee Titles]