September 5 review by Bobby Blakey
Films based on true stories are often the best and most unbelievable ideas out there. The tragedy of the Munich Massacre of the 1972 Olympics has spawned numerous documentaries and films throughout the years. The latest September 5 takes on a different approach to the situation and stars Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Ben Chaplin, and Leonie Benesch from director Tim Fehlbaum. Could this film give new insight to the that tragic piece of history or will it miss the scoop?
September 5 follows the 1972 Munich Olympic hostage crisis from the perspective of the ABC Sports crew. The film highlights their transition from covering the Olympics to reporting on the hostage situation involving Israeli athletes and showcases the intense and emotional experience of live broadcasting during a global tragedy.
I love history but have seen so many things about this I wasn’t sure it had anything all that new to say in regard to the story itself. The approach of it all from the perspective of the press does just that. It is fast paced, stressful and engaging watching this group of Olympic sports news people suddenly change the game into covering the biggest story in the world. It has a gradual and sometimes subtle approach to the story with it not trying to force the excitement and dread down your throat and instead let it happen organically.
I loved that the overall visual style of the film looks like the time as well with a gritty tone to it and further made it fill like the 70s. The entire cast is superb with all of them able to carry the fast-paced dialogue and energy they bring to the newsroom. The fights, dedication, fear, pride and stress all shine through their performances and in turn right through the screen to the audience.
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This is a pretty simple film in regard to the structure and story, but the attention to detail in both the newsroom and the recreations along with real video footage used in the film truly does it justice and takes you right to the front line. I was surprised how this film still sucked me right in despite knowing how it all plays out. If you are one of those that don’t know, do yourself a favor and hold off on doing the research until after you let the story play out in this film.
Witness the work, sweat, effort and insanity that went into pulling off one of the biggest live television coverages of all time with September 5 available now on digital and Blu-ray from Paramount.