Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Daniel Craig, Eric Bana and Ciaran Hinds
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many directors in Hollywood have built a career as successful as Steven Spielberg. Following his rise toward fame in the 1970’s, Spielberg has been a commemorated icon. Whether it’s troubled WWII soldiers, famous business figures or terrifying alien creatures, Spielberg has established many characters. Arguably, Spielberg’s strength as a director has always been his commitment toward his craft. He is one of those directors which has often poured his soul into every film making it his goal. Despite having reached the age of retirement, Spielberg has scarcely lost his passion for entertainment. Through passion for filmmaking, Spielberg has built a legacy that is long-lasting. Throughout his career, Spielberg has made many memorable films that are worth talking about without a single doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Spielberg and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Munich” is my favourite. Released in 2005, Steven Spielberg’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Munich bombings that occurred in history. Packed with stunning production, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it is one of the finest movies ever made about terrorism. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Eric Bana, who embodies a CIA agent seeking to solve terrorist trauma. Ultimately, what makes “Munich” a timeless classic is universal appeal. Unlike most films about terrorism, it discusses strong themes everyone relates to. A riveting masterpiece about terrorism, there are several reasons why “Munich” is a commemorated film that is worth watching.
Set in 1972 Munich, “Munich” tells the true story of a terrorist attack which proved to be tragic. Eric Bana portrays Avner, a bold agent with strong dedication towards doing his job of serving the government. Avner has commonly succeeded at serving his country without facing adversities. However, Avner’s life drastically changes when he’s given the task of investigating grim terrorist disaster. Assisted with a team of dedicated agents, Avner seeks to resolve a terrorist attack that is unexpected. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Avner questions whether it’s possible for him to solve a grim disaster. Faced with circumstances that prove to be tragic, Avner questions whether it’s possible to survive in Munich.
Steven Spielberg has often been fascinated with themes of genocide. A strong director, Spielberg has often made engaging movies about genocide disaster. His award-winning movie “Schindler’s List” offered a powerful portrayal of the Holocaust. With “Munich”, however, Spielberg made his first terrorism drama. It was the director’s first attempt to capture a terrorist attack in history but he succeeded immensely. Using breathtaking cinematography, Spielberg captures a grim terrorist tragedy. Evoking Fred Zinnemann’s “The Day of the Jackal”, Spielberg expertly uses handheld camera to capture terrorism attacks causing trauma. For instance, the handheld camera enhances the bombings scene. During this heartfelt scene, Avner is witness to bombings that cause tension at Munich Olympics. Using handheld camera, Avner creates a portrait of terrorism that is compelling. Handheld camera is a complex technique. As “Saving Private Ryan” proved clearly, handheld camera enhances World War II movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Using stunning visuals, Spielberg captures tensions that terrorists are often facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Munich” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Spielberg effectively uses sound design to capture terrorism attacks causing lives to decline. For instance, sound design elevates the speech scene. During this bold scene, Avner delivers thoughtful speech on terrorism revealing his intention. Using bold sounds, Spielberg constructs a portrayal of terrorism which is compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is superb. John Williams’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the burden terrorists bear. Using stunning production, Spielberg creates a portrait of terrorism that’s engaging.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Munich” is a film about terrorism which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture lives of individuals affected by terrorism violence. Spielberg’s screenwriting strength is ability to capture the lives of terrorists impacted by violence through silence. Inspired with Paul Greengrass’ “United 93”, Spielberg expertly uses silence to capture lives of individuals which are impacted with terrorism tragedy. For instance, silence enhances the terrorist aftermath scene. During this intense scene, Avner reacts with silence to the aftermath of a terrorist incident. Using silence, Spielberg crafts a portrait of terrorism audiences can relate to. Through a spectacular screenplay, Spielberg captures lives of terrorists facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Eric Bana delivers one of his best career performances as Avner. Bana achieved appreciation for playing hulking heroes in comic-book films. With “Munich”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray an agent seeking to solve terrorism catastrophe but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, strong and charismatic in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, grief and resilience of an agent that seeks to resolve terrorist tensions. It’s a bold performance from one of the most beloved actors working today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Bana, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Daniel Craig is dazzling, capturing the painful emotions of an agent that seeks to prevent a terrorism attack that’s consequential. Ciaran Hinds is captivating, capturing the tensions faced by a political leader that’s frightening. Lastly. Geoffrey Rush merits appreciation. As a stressed agent, he brings tension to the film.
Finally, “Munich” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing terrorist attacks that are tragic. Unlike most films about terrorism, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes such as anxiety, mental health and terrorism which would resonate with everyone. It delivers a meaningful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Munich” is one of those rare films about terrorism which everyone would definitely adore.
Fans of Steven Spielberg would absolutely love “Munich” and so would movie-goers seeking enjoyable entertainment. A riveting period piece about terrorism, it honours a filmmaker achieving stardom.
Nearly 20 years following the release of an iconic movie about tragic terrorism attacks causing catastrophic consequences during the Olympics games in Munich, it’s a terrific reminder of a filmmaker that has created an iconic legacy manufacturing unforgettable movies in his career which have never lost their capability to constantly captivate the public.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 