My Munichcipalaties have decided that this film deserves a Silver medal!

Rating: 8/10 (2 April 2006)

Steven Spieldberg has been praised as the premier "gold medal" director in cinematic history. There are many that share that sentiment while others that opinion that he is more in the "silver or bronze" auteur medal category. Why I am I getting into such a "medalica" state in describing Spieldberg's career? Because his latest controversial flick is inspired by true events of a historic horrific Olympic tragedy. Many know it as Black September. It was during the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich when 11 Israeli athletes & coaches were assassinated by a Palestinian terrorist group. The premise of "Munich" is what happened next. Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir ordered a vengeance strike against the Palestinians planners of Black September. The Israeli covert revenge team was led by a former security officer turned agent named Avner. His subordinates were comprised of a former toymaker now bomb crafter, a forgery specialist, a practical agent, and an experienced schematic hit specialist. These Mossad agents are not exactly the Israeli armed forces "high five" but remember the operation was very clandestine one. The main focal point is that they seek revenge for Munich, non-stop. It is no bullocks that the film has sparked up controversy from Palestinian and even Israeli groups. Palestinians state that Spieldberg depicts them as unmerciful terrorists while Israelis state that he was too lenient against the non-pals Palestis. Personally, I thought Spieldberg was too harsh against his own Israelis, "jew" know what I mean. Hey, if this film is controversial why can't this review be of the same caliber? The film's "message for peace" signifies that revenge is useless and non-resolving by having Israeli apply egoistic vengeful tactics. Eric Bana executed a Herculean performance as Avner. Bana masterfully portrayed Avner as a righteous family man, a devoted countryman, and later a conflicted hit-man. Spieldberg's recreation of the Munich horror integrated with actual footage was resourceful and effective. The screenplay of "Munich" was complex, but yet, suspenseful. Writers Tony Kushner and Eric Roth did give "Munich" justice by giving Spieldberg their "words". Undoubtedly, Spieldberg has developed a cerebral film. "Munich" is not a masterpiece, but it is startling enough for one never to forget that striking back is the same as striking out. Games Over! **** Good