Member review

'Munich' is a powerful film that follows the men hired to assassinate those who killed the Isreali Olympic team in 1972. Spielberg's film caused controversy in its release, as it was argued that the film gave Avner (Eric Bana) and his men a fair and reasonable explanation for killing others, though this idea is what makes the film a unique and powerful one - the audience is led to empathy and compassion for the team of assassins, while exploring 'the other side of terrorism'. While the 2 and a half hour run time is slightly excessive, and the exploration of Avner and his wife's relationship unneeded, the depiction of violence and killing is chilling, and, in contrast with most blockbusters, the idea of assassination and killing is (with Bana's portrayal of Avner) gruesome and horrific, though believable and a much needed awakening to the true nature of terrorism and assassination. An enjoyable, though chilling and thought-provoking telling of a story well before my time, 'Munich' is truely powerful, and Spielberg, as usual, gives an unforgettable aesthetic to the characters and places explored.