Film of the Week: 1

In 1972, the summer Olympics (which was officially known  as the Games of the XX Olympiad) was held in Munich. It was the second time the Summer Olympics were held in Germany after the 1936 Berlin Games (under the Nazi regime).

An event where 121 nations took part, 7170 athletes participated and millions watched. But on September 5th, 1972, 8 Palestinian terrorists of the Black September group took 11 Israeli members hostage as the world watched in horror.

It is said that Yasir Arafat’s Fatah had secretly funded the operation. Their demands: the release of 234 Palestinians jailed in Israel to be sent safely to Egypt and there was no negotiating what so ever.

A rescue attempt had taken place but it was futile. All 11 Israeli athletes and coaches including a West German police officer were killed and five of the eight terrorists were shot dead by the West German police. The remaining three terrorists were arrested but were later released due to a hijacking by Black September of a Lufthansa airliner.

To this, Israel responded heavily with Operation Wrath of God. This operation consisted of  targeting those who were directly or indirectly responsible for the Munich Massacre of 1972. Many were members of Black September (the Palestinian militant group) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization. It was an attack that may have well lasted for 20 years.

In 2005, director Stephen Spielberg crafted one of his most powerful films, Munich. It fictionally depicted the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Massacre, Operation Wrath of God and consisted of a terrific cast with Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Geoffrey Rush, and Lynn Cohen who is terrific here as Golda Meir, the old woman in charge. There are scenes in this film which are nothing short of brilliance and amazing use of locations such as Paris, New York, Budapest and my own home country Malta.

Terrorist looking over the balcony
of the Israeli team quarters

It has exactly what is needed for a great film, great acting, excellent direction and editing, terrific music (which sets the mood perfectly) and a profound story. The most interesting part of this story is that these people are civilians (mainly Avner, Eric Bana's character), we see exactly how they cope with the situation and how they react. They are away from their family on a secret mission, they are angry, they are scarred and they are worried of what they may become.

The film caused quite a bit of controversy upon it's release yet was nominated for five Academy Awards (including Best Picture). It was one of the major debates of the year and also one of the best films of the year. A near masterpiece.

Click here for the trailer