A movie that proves that Spielberg succeeds even when he fails

Rating: 6/10 (21 February 2016)

Steven Spielberg knows how to make a movie. He has such a knowledge and understanding of the medium that is truly unparallelled. He was probably born to do it, and he proves it every time, even when he (sort of) fails. Munich is not his best work, not even close (I would say it's on par with Lincoln, maybe with Amistad, but far below Schindler's List or Saving Private Ryan among his more political movies), but the opening sequence in itself is a testimony to his formidable talents.
That sequence, the recreation of the terrorist attack and massacre at the 1972 Summer Olypics, is no less shocking and effective than the first 20 minutes of Saving Private Ryan. The way it was shot and edited reminded me of Paul Greengrass's in-your-face documentary style (United 93, Captain Phillips) that makes you feel you are really there in the middle of events. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie does not really live up to the beginning, though it raises important moral questions and never feels oversimplifying. It just cannot sustain the level of suspense and since its core message (nothing is ultimately black-and-white and revenge may not bring peace and resolution) is not really new, the movie becomes somewhat boring as it drags on a bit too long.
Eric Bana, however, is great, as always. He is an exceptional actor who makes any movie worth a watch.