Musing on Munich

Steven Spielberg's Munich is a compelling motion picture asking a lot of questions through its substantial length. It is easy to bracket the movie as a Jewish vindictive drama after the black September massacre , however that is an oversimplistic viewpoint passed by some casual observers. Spielberg asks many questions about terrorism , its impact and ramifications in the world which are as relevant today as they were in 1972. Throughout the movie works as a tightly paced thriller and still manages to be a noble piece on terrorism , more meaningful than countless editorials on the same topic.

The protagnist Avner (Eric Bana) gives a performance totally in sync with the need of the character. Avner is torn between loyalty to his country and his duty, as well his own intellect and subsequent need to question the ethical standpoint of his actions. The rest of the cast is competent with Daniel Craig being specially noteworthy as a firebrand South african Jew called Steve. Performance wise Munich does not have a shortcoming with Geofferey Rush being the standout in his role of Ephraim a Mossad Officer in constant touch with Avner.

The rest of the plot of the movie is best viewed and then analysed (if somebody wishes it) on whether the movie works on their expectations. Munich works for me as it asks some wonderful questions on whether repeat vengeance against terrorists is the best way to solve terrorism; or should other methods be employed. There is no answer in the movie and there in lies the greatness of Munich it gives no answers and is brilliant in its depiction of state policies and their intrinsicly flawed machinations.

P.S. Particularly loved Golda Meirs speech in the beginning when she says "every Civilization has to compromise on its values sometimes."