An outrageously partial Israeli version of events

Rating: 5/10 (17 September 2006)

OK, Spielberg never claimed he was going to be impartial, and he is a Jew, but I still find taking sides so obviously greatly detracts from the film (I have no sympathy for the Palestinians, incidentally). This film is a plain glorification of, and propaganda for, Mossad. What I find particularly unashamed is the charming way the hit squad's informers are portrayed -marvellously polite & articulate, building a loyal relationship with Havner in spite of all their talking to the contrary, living as an extended family in a sunny farmhouse in France, the whole place packed with a classroomful of cute children and sexy ladies... Come on, Mr Spielberg! Why couldn't they be some shady hi-tech gangsters housed in the back of a brothel? Much more likely, too! And are we supposed to believe that Mossad outsources its information-gathering activity? And that someone exists who can fill that job? The one scene I really hate is when the Mossad hit squad and the Palestinians meet in the same safe house by chance (!) and both sides not only survive the encounter but they even choose to shack up together for the night!! It appears Spielberg always must include a situation which is remotely "funny" even in so serious a film as this, but that scene made me loose my suspension of disbelief completely. Lastly, I notice the film shows more than two Israeli athletes being murdered by the Palestinians during the initial assault -has Steven researched the subject that well, or is he just taking an artistic licence? Personally I would much rather he had stuck to the main facts as they stand, even if that means having to spare an extra gory scene with an Israeli victim.