Good films I watched this weekend (Vol 2)
Discussion
Munich
I was only 4yo when the events of the 1972 Munich Games played out for real, and I've never really read up on it until I got hold of a copy of this film. It's quite fascinating and disturbing in equal measure - right from the initial assault through to the Israeli response.
I really enjoyed the film. I've often heard about how Mossad is one of the best intelligence agencies in the world but contrary to this image, the operatives in this film were portrayed as being very "normal" people. In fact, the way they approached the killings showed them to be inexperienced and possibly even slightly inept. Clearly the "lead" played by Eric Banana was motivated but he wasn't a cold-hearted killer. For him, it seemed that he had a job to do - one that he believed in and wanted to do - but one that he wasn't entirely comfortable with.
The whole conflict raised many questions that I don't fully understand - for example, there was a mention of how the Palestinians weren't well regarded by the Arab nations. It's clearly a complex situation, made more complex with each passing engagement between the various sides. It served to underline how peace between the two sides seems hopeless.
Having subsequently read up on the events, it seems there's lots more to the story than was told. And clearly Spielberg "based" the film on the events, rather than documented them, so there was some creative licence in the telling. But it seems a fair portrayal.
8/10
I was only 4yo when the events of the 1972 Munich Games played out for real, and I've never really read up on it until I got hold of a copy of this film. It's quite fascinating and disturbing in equal measure - right from the initial assault through to the Israeli response.
I really enjoyed the film. I've often heard about how Mossad is one of the best intelligence agencies in the world but contrary to this image, the operatives in this film were portrayed as being very "normal" people. In fact, the way they approached the killings showed them to be inexperienced and possibly even slightly inept. Clearly the "lead" played by Eric Banana was motivated but he wasn't a cold-hearted killer. For him, it seemed that he had a job to do - one that he believed in and wanted to do - but one that he wasn't entirely comfortable with.
The whole conflict raised many questions that I don't fully understand - for example, there was a mention of how the Palestinians weren't well regarded by the Arab nations. It's clearly a complex situation, made more complex with each passing engagement between the various sides. It served to underline how peace between the two sides seems hopeless.
Having subsequently read up on the events, it seems there's lots more to the story than was told. And clearly Spielberg "based" the film on the events, rather than documented them, so there was some creative licence in the telling. But it seems a fair portrayal.
8/10
I enjoyed the film though too - I thought the period production setting really gave the film absolutely the right feel from the start.
a bit like the opening scene from Marathon Man - that period feel. a good ensemble too - I like Kieran Hinds, very versatile and Bana showing he can act too.
the sense of doing what your country wants you to do despite your feelings comes across well even if the film lacks political and factual depth it leaves a mark on the viewer solid 8/10.
a bit like the opening scene from Marathon Man - that period feel. a good ensemble too - I like Kieran Hinds, very versatile and Bana showing he can act too.
the sense of doing what your country wants you to do despite your feelings comes across well even if the film lacks political and factual depth it leaves a mark on the viewer solid 8/10.
Watchman said:
Munich
I was only 4yo when the events of the 1972 Munich Games played out for real, and I've never really read up on it until I got hold of a copy of this film. It's quite fascinating and disturbing in equal measure - right from the initial assault through to the Israeli response.
I really enjoyed the film. I've often heard about how Mossad is one of the best intelligence agencies in the world but contrary to this image, the operatives in this film were portrayed as being very "normal" people. In fact, the way they approached the killings showed them to be inexperienced and possibly even slightly inept. Clearly the "lead" played by Eric Banana was motivated but he wasn't a cold-hearted killer. For him, it seemed that he had a job to do - one that he believed in and wanted to do - but one that he wasn't entirely comfortable with.
The whole conflict raised many questions that I don't fully understand - for example, there was a mention of how the Palestinians weren't well regarded by the Arab nations. It's clearly a complex situation, made more complex with each passing engagement between the various sides. It served to underline how peace between the two sides seems hopeless.
Having subsequently read up on the events, it seems there's lots more to the story than was told. And clearly Spielberg "based" the film on the events, rather than documented them, so there was some creative licence in the telling. But it seems a fair portrayal.
8/10
I totally agree. A great film.I was only 4yo when the events of the 1972 Munich Games played out for real, and I've never really read up on it until I got hold of a copy of this film. It's quite fascinating and disturbing in equal measure - right from the initial assault through to the Israeli response.
I really enjoyed the film. I've often heard about how Mossad is one of the best intelligence agencies in the world but contrary to this image, the operatives in this film were portrayed as being very "normal" people. In fact, the way they approached the killings showed them to be inexperienced and possibly even slightly inept. Clearly the "lead" played by Eric Banana was motivated but he wasn't a cold-hearted killer. For him, it seemed that he had a job to do - one that he believed in and wanted to do - but one that he wasn't entirely comfortable with.
The whole conflict raised many questions that I don't fully understand - for example, there was a mention of how the Palestinians weren't well regarded by the Arab nations. It's clearly a complex situation, made more complex with each passing engagement between the various sides. It served to underline how peace between the two sides seems hopeless.
Having subsequently read up on the events, it seems there's lots more to the story than was told. And clearly Spielberg "based" the film on the events, rather than documented them, so there was some creative licence in the telling. But it seems a fair portrayal.
8/10
For me, my yardstick is that the tone of the film makes me 'feel' the same feelings as the protagonist, whatever they are at the time. This does that well.
I would suggest a great companion piece to Munich is 'One Day in September'. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0230591/?ref_=nv_sr_1
It's from 1999, and won the Oscar for best documentary, and is well deserved. It's feature length and narrated by Michael Douglas.
It is to the 1972 Munich killings as what 'Senna' is to Senna's life, and death. By that I mean you don't have to know anything about the subject, or have an interest in it to be moved by how the subject matter is portrayed. The factual account is played out of course in much more detail than Munich can.
Omar
8/10
Just by chance, considering the current topic, this is a Palestinian film, obviously in subtitles.
It follows Omar, a Palestinian in his early 20's in the West Bank. It shows why, and how he wants to fight against his peoples 'occupiers'.
The film develops when there is a leak in the group he is in, and when after his friend shoots an Israeli soldier he is arrested and interrogated and is forced to be a double agent.
Well acted, well shot, great script, an insight into Palestinian culture and the 'other side' of an ongoing struggle that you never see.
8/10
Just by chance, considering the current topic, this is a Palestinian film, obviously in subtitles.
It follows Omar, a Palestinian in his early 20's in the West Bank. It shows why, and how he wants to fight against his peoples 'occupiers'.
The film develops when there is a leak in the group he is in, and when after his friend shoots an Israeli soldier he is arrested and interrogated and is forced to be a double agent.
Well acted, well shot, great script, an insight into Palestinian culture and the 'other side' of an ongoing struggle that you never see.
Asterix said:
Veeayt said:
The Final Countdown - 80's sci-fi at best. Didn't expect it to be any good though. Nice way to spent some time 7/10
Great film 
It's an incredibly awful film that manages to be awesome at the same time
bridgdav said:
Has anyone seen or mentioned The Voices yet..?
What a very strange but very clever film. A completely different look at Mental illness and schizophrenia.
Also had me laughing out loud.
A 7/10 from me.
yep, me on the 16th:What a very strange but very clever film. A completely different look at Mental illness and schizophrenia.
Also had me laughing out loud.
A 7/10 from me.
"The Voices
WTF film...
Ryan Reynolds is a likeable serial killer who makes a few mistakes in his rehabilitation... bonkers, gruesome, bloody comedy....also with Gemma Arterton
You will feel quite odd by/at the end of this... 7.2"
marcosgt said:
Finally saw Fury on Saturday - I thought it was good war film.
You can pick holes in it, but overall it was good with some excellent action scenes and sense of jeopardy.
M.
like... two hand grenades going off 4 feet from Brad Pitt in a tank - and he suffers a slight graze to the forehead, and some closed eyes. You can pick holes in it, but overall it was good with some excellent action scenes and sense of jeopardy.
M.
Some fine action but IMHO very silly. 5/10
irocfan said:
Big Hero 6... wasn't sure what to expect to be honest - but what a fun film some lovely touches and gorgeous visuals
Starship Troopers: Invasion... a so-so animation, not good (so voice acting was 'questionable') not bad (the powered armour and spaceships were particularly impressive)
Starship Troopers: Invasion... a so-so animation, not good (so voice acting was 'questionable') not bad (the powered armour and spaceships were particularly impressive)
Lordbenny said:
Silver Lining Playbook - I know this is the 'good films' thread but had to inforce the fact that Oscar does not mean good film! Could only manage the first 20 minutes....appalling... 3/10
I liked it, if you accept it in its cutesy way, a good film to watch with the OH. Gassing Station | TV, Film, Video Streaming & Radio | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff