Violence is what makes us lose our souls as well as our minds...

Rating: 10/10 (3 July 2012)

"Did we accomplish anything at all? Every man we killed has been replaced by worse." The lead character Avner (Eric Bana) makes this statement at the end of this thoroughly engaging film. This phrase relates to the basis of the war that has gone on for nearly a century between Palestine and Israel. In part, it also relates to this movie. Based off of George Jonas's novel "Vengeance," "Munich" explores one of the Israeli teams assigned to take out the 11 masterminds behind the 1972 Olympic Massacre. Like the book, the story is seen through the eyes of Avner, the head of this Israeli team.
When approached by Golda Meir for his assignment, he is at first reluctant. He eventually signs up, feeling it is his duty to serve his people. He also needs the money to support his very pregnant wife. When he and his team track down their first target, he at first hesitates and then kills him. After this first hit, the violence almost becomes second nature—more and more people die. It is not until Avner starts losing people that paranoia starts to infest inside him and his inner self begins to deteriorate. This is particularly reinforced with only bits of information of the Munich massacre being shown at a time throughout the film. This eventually builds into a final climax on how the violence has turned him into a target as well as disturbs him. Among the most important scenes in the film is when one of Avner friends informs him, "We are supposed to be righteous. That's a beautiful thing. And we're losing it. If I lose that, that's everything. That's my soul." This goes back to the meaning of Avner's line at the end of the film. What had they accomplished in killing 7 men? Only more and much worse people will take over, and it is at the expense of his friends and his soul. This message alone is what makes "Munich" such an excellent film.
I have read George Jonas's novel and it is one of my favorite reads. It is written like a documentary, but it reads as an espionage thriller. In the film "Munich," the use of archive footage on TV sets, a dramatization of the horrific events, and even the use of hand-held in the heat of the action attest to a gritty, accurate take of the novel. Simultaneously, Spielberg and his team master a breathtaking feat full of thrills and violence. Janusz Kaminski's grim and de- saturated color schemes create an ominous mood. John Williams heart-pounding and occasionally sorrowful score adds additional elements of emotion. The sets and costumes assist in making a realistic look of the 70s in Europe, America, and the Middle East. Michael Kahn's style of editing creates tension within the story and helps push it forward with perfect execution.
To add more positives, this film has a great supporting cast, which includes: Geoffrey Rush, Cirian Hinds, Daniel Craig, and Michael Lonsdale. The real magic though falls on Eric Bana. I never imagined him as a lead. Even so, he embodies the Avner character well. Much of this is accomplished through his non-verbal cues. One scene that stands out is when he tears a room apart, looking for any potential bombs or booby traps. You can tell this man is not only paranoid, but is afraid of dying—just like the rest of us.
"Munch" was nominated for 5 Academy Awards including Picture and Director in 2006. It did not win any of them. There was a lot of competition that year. In my opinion, "Munich" is one of the most deserving of movies in '06. It is engaging, powerful, intense, and extremely violent. Forty years after these events, Israel and Palestine still has not learned anything. It has been privilege to finally see this movie.