Movie Review: September 5

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A very smart and thought-provoking thriller. 

This movie is based off the true story of how ABC's sports news crew covered a terrorist attack that was taken place nearby the 1972 Olympics in Munich. This film goes out of its way to present this story in the most authentic way possible. The filmmakers even use actual clips from the 1972 newscast. These are worked into the film masterfully to the point that you don't even think about it. The filmmakers and actors spent much time researching the events and people as well as the world of sportscasting. The production design team worked hard to as authentically create the most authentic replica of the type of environment the sports team would have been working in at this time. Unlike many of these "based on a true story" movies, this film has an almost documentarian feel to it that makes us forget we are watching a movie not the real events. 

Yet the authenticity is not the only reason to watch this movie. This is a very intelligent and thought provoking look at how the media covers tragedies to this day and the ethics of journalism. This film paints a very morally ambiguous portrait of the media and journalism. In every scene we are questioning whether or not our main characters are doing the right thing. The characters themselves even contemplate this at times. But there is no right answer to this question just a morally ambiguous grey. While we ponder these questions about the morality of what happened at this time, we also contemplate the same thing about modern journalism and the news we take in every day. This is the type of intelligent food for thought that will be going through our minds for long after the end credits roll. The next time we watch the news or read it on our phones or in a newspaper, we may even apply greater critical thinking. This film also takes a look at what these attacks having happened in front of the whole world affected Germany at the time. The country was still trying to no longer be associated with the horrors that took place there in World 

War 2 and trying to establish themselves a new Germany. These Olympics were more than just a sporting event to the country, they were a way to prove that they were no longer the same country as they were a few decades ago. To have innocent blood shed there (and Jewish blood on top of it) negated everything they were trying to do. 

Tight pacing a great acting also makes this a very engaging watch as well. 

A must see.