Munich, 1972. The world was watching the Summer Olympics, marveling at Mark Spitz (kids, this guy was the Michael Phelps of the day) when Palestinian terrorists kidnapped eleven Israeli athletes and murdered several others in an attempt to liberate over 200 political prisoners. By the time the events had run their course, all eleven athletes and all but one terrorist were dead.
One Day In September is an amazing, in-depth, graphic look at the events leading up to, during, and following the tragedy. Director Kevin Macdonald got everyone he could find to tell their side of the story here, from the media to the surviving terrorist. Macdonald did everything he could to see that as many views of the tragedy are shown here. He begins by showing how Germany had to fight tooth and nail to actually host the Olympic Games, after the debacle surrounding the 1936 games. He tells the audience of the conditions the Palestinians had to endure, forcing them to take such drastic measures. We see the family lives of several of the Israeli athletes, and the hopes that they had going to the games in Germany. Macdonald presents all of this with very little bias one way or another, the mark of a good documentary. The care and respect with which he treats the subject is apparent from the opening minutes of the film, as he uses whatever medium is available to convey the emotions and gravity of the hostage situation: still photos, videotape, film, everything is viable material. Steven Spielberg's
Munich took a peek at the events that occurred, Macdonald dissects them. This is a brilliant, important documentary, and one that should not be missed. Michael Douglas narrates, which can be a bit distracting (His voice just seemed....inappropriate, for lack of a better word). The subject matter does get a bit graphic at times, as it was a brutal event, but give it the time it deserves. One of the best documentaries I have seen. 9.25/10.
See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!
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