allegory of present day politics

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2006)

tho based on real events that took place in the late 70s, it's an allegory of world politics today n the complex thought process of all human beings.. it has a hidden message of how shallow our biases are n the complex nature n beliefs of all the terrorists n assassins we so easily condemn..it doesn't paint a picture in black n white where u are either good or evil but rather takes us on an extensive journey thru the gray matter in between. all the characters are very human n u can actually relate to everyone one of them.. u realize that deep down all of them have the same hopes and dreams.. the plight of the palestinians is exposed very similar to that of the israelis.. both fighting for a land they can belong to.. repeatedly the question is raised on the ineffectiveness of the method deployed by these people to get their way.. every terrorist assassinated brings about a far worse one.. every act of revenge spews forth more blood.. some, that of innocent people.. few minutes in the movie and u stop taking sides n get a feeling of helplessness at the endless massacre that doesn't seem to bring forth any positive change!u start to realize the uselessness of war n killing! most people complained it was a long movie that needed to pick a faster pace.. i would totally disagree n feel that every scene helps build on all the characters extensively.. especially the lead played by eric bana.. he starts off as a loyal israeli given the task to avenge the blood of his fellow, innocent countrymen in a terrorist attack in munich.. he is portrayed as a mellow yet, compassionate person who would do anything for his country n family.. as the movie precedes u feel that tho he doesn't derail from his loyalty to either, yet his perception of things changes.. this is quite powerfully shown by excerpts from the munich attack that seem to replay in his mind.. when he starts off on his mission he sees the arabs as relentless killing machines with no scruples about killing those who stand in their way.. hence killing them n avenging his fellow country men seems justified.. but as the movie precedes, he starts to see himself become like them, blinded by his beliefs.. as he starts to fear the safety of his own family n realize the intense compassion he has for them, avner starts to understand the terrorists better n that is the turning point where he realizes they are no different from him.. he understands their cause for attaining a safe haven for their loved ones! an exceptionally well made movie.. i still can't stop replaying some of the scenes in my head!the ending is amazing where u realize that those who supervise these massacres have immersed themselves so much into bringing about cause/effect that they themselves have blurred the vision that started this in the first place!a must see for people who enjoy thought provoking movies!