As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I must say that Munich stands out as one of Steven Spielberg’s most thought-provoking and profound works. Coming from a film enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of this master storyteller over the decades, it is truly remarkable to see him tackle such a complex and controversial subject matter with such maturity and nuance.
Spoiler Alert: Spoilers follow for ‘Munich’
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- What Is Steven Spielberg’s ‘Munich’ About?
- ‘Munich’ Is One of Steven Spielberg’s Best Films — And One of Daniel Craig’s Too
- ‘Munich’ Is a Fantastic Spy Thriller
Over the last decade, Daniel Craig has ably proven that he’s more than just Agent 007. After winning unanimous praise from critics and fans alike as arguably the best actor to ever play James Bond, it would’ve been easy for that role to overshadow Craig for the rest of his career. Thankfully, he’s dispelled those fears at seemingly every turn, showcasing a surprising knack for comedic timing in Knives Out and the underrated Logan Lucky, and now he’s getting long-overdue Oscar buzz for supposedly career-best work in Luca Guadagnino’s Queer.
However, many knew that Daniel Craig had acting chops long before he redefined James Bond for the modern era. In 2004, his performance in Matthew Vaughn’s Layer Cake showcased an uncanny ability to draw the viewer in even as his character engaged in questionable behavior. Yet arguably the best pre-Bond film Craig starred in actually came out one year before Casino Royale, and this movie has slowly but surely proven itself with time as one of Steven Spielberg’s best.
What Is Steven Spielberg’s ‘Munich’ About?
In the year 2005, Daniel Craig collaborated with Steven Spielberg in the spy thriller “Munich”, a movie that offered intricate moral depth from both parties. This film delves into the consequences following the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich, Germany. During these Games, a Palestinian militant group referred to as Black September perpetrated a terrorist act, resulting in the deaths of eleven members of the Israeli Olympic team (the upcoming movie “September 5” similarly explores the aftermath of this tragic event).
In a previous role with Mossad, Avner Kaufman (Eric Bana) is tasked with orchestrating a secret retaliation against Black September. To carry out this mission, he enlists the aid of four Jewish volunteers from various parts of the globe: Robert, an expert in explosives (Mathieu Kassovitz), Hans, skilled in document forgery (Hanns Zischler), Carl, who provides essential support (Ciaran Hinds), and Steve, a skilled driver responsible for their escape (Daniel Craig).
Assisted by informants, the team carries out operations aimed at eliminating specific targets while dodging global law enforcement agencies. However, as the death toll rises, some members express concern over the morality of their actions, notably Kaufman. Their work often places innocent civilians in harm’s way, and despite their mission being billed as retribution, it appears they are only perpetuating a senseless cycle of violence. Moreover, operating covertly without any Mossad ties means their job is unappreciated, and even their own government views them as dispensable.
In the movie, Spielberg delicately explores a contentious matter without favoring any single side: neither Israeli agents nor Israeli people are depicted as wholly righteous or wicked. The Israeli agents strive to safeguard their people and create a sanctuary for Jewish individuals, yet they perform actions that border on moral ambiguity at best. Conversely, Black September’s terrorist activities are not condoned or justified in any way, but Spielberg portrays the struggles faced by many Palestinians who have endured years of oppression and seek a homeland they believe has been unfairly withheld from them. Ultimately, Spielberg emphasizes that this longstanding conflict harms all parties involved (especially nowadays), as violence only fuels more violence.
‘Munich’ Is One of Steven Spielberg’s Best Films — And One of Daniel Craig’s Too
The 2000s marked a period where filmmaker Steven Spielberg undertook some of the most intriguing and innovative projects in his career, including films such as War of the Worlds and A.I. Artificial Intelligence. However, among these, Munich arguably left the deepest impact, with Spielberg, who is often praised for his sentimental touch, presenting a work that was almost unremittingly grim and bereft of simple solutions. The film’s violence is particularly striking due to Spielberg’s refusal to romanticize or soften it. Moreover, Munich could be seen as one of Spielberg’s most introspective films. By examining the lengths a government will go to pursue justice, even in the name of a righteous cause, without bias, one might perceive Spielberg grappling with his personal convictions.
Instead of delving deeper into a contentious matter (we’ve covered enough about that), Spielberg skillfully makes his tale relatable and timeless. The poignant final scene where Kaufman struggles to make peace with his ex-supervisor, concludes with the camera sweeping over the New York skyline, highlighting the newly constructed World Trade Center. This subtle hint from Spielberg is evident: the film was launched as the Iraq War intensified. Therefore, it could be interpreted as a subtextual exploration of America’s moral standpoint following September 11.
In a remarkable ensemble, Spielberg benefits from top-notch performances. Notably, Eric Bana’s long-underestimated talent shines brightly, striking Kaufman with his portrayal of a character grappling with growing guilt and disenchantment towards a cause he once believed in. Ciaran Hinds delivers a powerful performance as one of the team’s seasoned members, and Geoffrey Rush leaves a lasting impact as Kaufman’s supervisor, even with minimal screen time.
During this time, Daniel Craig delivered an exceptional performance as a morally complex spy, a role he took on a year before he became the globally recognized secret agent we know. His character, Steve, appears to be the bloodthirstiest member of the team, at one point expressing concern only for the spilling of Jewish blood. However, this performance actually underscores Craig’s versatility as an actor; while Casino Royale portrayed Bond as a bit naive despite his cruelty, Steve is a seasoned killer with no apparent conscience, and Craig plays this ruthless character in a chilling manner.
‘Munich’ Is a Fantastic Spy Thriller
About two decades since its release, Munich continues to stand strong as a remarkable piece of cinema. In his four-star review, Roger Ebert aptly expressed that with this film, Spielberg initiated a broader conversation, helping to transform the indisputable into the debatable. Indeed, its contemporary political significance is evident, but it primarily serves as an exceptional spy thriller brimming with tension and moral complexity. What truly sets it apart is Spielberg’s refusal to lecture or condescend; instead, he aims to spark a conversation, acknowledging that there are no simple solutions in sight.
It’s also somewhat ironic that Daniel Craig partook in another tense spy thriller just a year before he redefined James Bond, but Munich is every bit Casino Royale’s equal and possibly its superior. Munich is available to rent on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Google Play.
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2024-11-28 07:01