Munich, movie review

Munich

2006, ***1/2, R

Starring: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig

Spielberg's "Munich" based on the 1972 terrorist attacks on the Israeli Olympic athletes, in Munich, Germany, was an intense film that caught my attention. The film has something for everyone; whether it's because you like Eric Bana, Steven Spielberg, espionage, or historical films, you will enjoy the film.

The movie begins when the attacks are occurring, followed by the heavy news coverage. The rest of the film is focused on a team of Israeli agents assembled to go after the terrorists responsible for murdering the Olympic athletes.

I liked the story line Spielberg used because it provided substance and characterization to the film, other than the main tragedy. If he had focused solely on the murders of the athletes the film would have been extremely depressing. The way it was done provided relief and ended on a positive and uplifting note, compared to the way it began. I also liked the fact that you were able to get to know the characters and what they added to the equation.

I also thought the film was a well-done historical piece, as well as excellent acting done by Eric Bana ("Troy," "Hulk") and the other immediate cast, including James Bond, Daniel Craig ("Layer Cake," "Road To Perdition"). I believe this is definitely Eric Bana at his finest performance yet.

It is essentially a brief look at the actual terrorist attack on the athletes, and the rest of the film is, in a nutshell, espionage thriller from start to finish. The viewer feels deep pain for the main character as he leaves his wife and new born behind to go on a mission

One cannot walk out of "Munich" smiling, due to the subject matter, terrorism. It was definitely a thought provoking film and eye opener. It made me think of the terrorism attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001.