The world of broadcast news was a much different place in 1972 than it is today. Before 24-hour news stations, the push for ratings and sensationalism over facts, and when being objective and able to verify your sources in order to be broadcast was essential; this is the setting for the new movie “September 5”.
The movie features and ensemble cast who play their parts so well that they become their characters and at no time did I think it was actors playing a part but rather a behind the scenes look at what happened involving the actual players of that fateful date.
The movie follows the 1972 Munich Olympics and the production team arriving bleary-eyed for a day of Olympic coverage for the ABC network. Having to share satellite time with CBS and others is a key aspect of the day as time was carefully allocated and the ability to broadcast live was a key feature that networks touted to get viewers.
When shots are heard it is soon learned that militants have attacked the dorm of the Israeli delegation and due to their locale; ABC is able to roll studio cameras onto a hill and covertly place individuals to get footage of the exterior of the dorm.
With the clock ticking on their satellite time and with their insistence on being 100% factual over being first; the sports production team finds themselves unexpectedly having to cover headline news with the entire world watching.
Lingering animosity with post-war Germany and their lack of armed security does not sit well with several of the Jewish staff and only adds to the tension.
What follows is a gripping and engaging story that fills in the behind the scenes stories as well as the events as they were captured. The portrayal of the era was so complete that it was almost like watching better quality film from the era as the look, colors, styles, and muted tones were captured so well without losing any of the modern aesthetics of modern film.
I knew of the incident as I even played a Journalist in “Prefountaine” where the tragedy was included, but to have the full story including the politics and decisions that went on behind the scenes was amazing.
“September 5” was a film that I went into without much hype and easily found it one of the most gripping and captivating Dramas in recent memory and the top-notch production values, direction, writing, and acting made it easily one of my favorite films in recent memory and one that I highly recommend.
4.5 stars out of 5
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