Monday, January 02, 2006

Munich - A Review

"There's enough food in here to feed Bangladesh."

That's the only line I found offensive in the movie. As soon as that was said, all 11 of us who went to see the movie were like, "They mentioned Bangladesh. Oh wait, heeeeey!"

Give credit to Steven Spielberg. He is a Jewish man, making a movie on a Jewish massacre, and he manages to strike a balanced note. Yes, the Israeli terrorism atrocities are only talked about, whereas the Palestinian terrorism attacks are shown, and we know visuals leave a stronger effect than mere words. Even when the Israeli assassins led by Eric Bana's Avner are questioning their policies, their actions, their targets, Spielberg shows the original Munich attack, as to why this is all taking place. However, Spielberg understands there are lot of gray areas in the Israel-Palestine conflict, and even as a Jew he does not shy away from asking tough questions. Just because Jews have been oppressed for thousands of years does not make them a decent race, says one of the assassins. My father never gassed a Jew, says an Arab terrorist. In the end, the movie's moral is tough, and depressing. Hate begets hate.

"Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just." (Quran, 60:08)

"We did aforetime grant to the Children of Israel the Book the Power of Command, and Prophethood; We gave them, for Sustenance, things good and pure; and We favoured them above the nations." (Quran, 45:16)

"Those who believe (in the Quran), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." (Quran, 2:62)

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7 comments:

Masti-boy said...

its a great movie...agree man !!

Masti-boy said...

but ya...there was so much food there on table..i would have thought of bangladesh too !!!

Aisha said...

Interesting review. I haven't seen it yet, my hubbs wanted very much to see it but I culdnt bring myself to see another sobfest created by Spielberg.... maybe i'll check it out. What do you think? Can it wait till rental?

mezba said...

Masti, no comments :->

Steve, I think it was pretty balanced, but the lead leaving Israel spoke to me as well. He comes to USA, and leaves all his past baggage behind. Or does he?

Aisha, to tell you the truth, for 2 hrs and 41 minutes this is a long movie, you will be more entertained with King Kong! If given a choice I would have gone to KK but all my friends wanted to see this one.

Having said that, it's not a sobfest but more like a realistic spy movie. Whereas Bond is more cool and suave, here you get the reality, bombs that don't work, targets that have families, your government that is not always right.

It is a long movie though, mostly of interest to those who know about the Israel-Palestine issue. I support movies that give a balanced look at Muslims (like Kingdom of Heaven, this one) so I would tell you to go take a look. However, it is your choice.

staufiq said...

A little confused with this movie still, days after seeing it.

I liked the conversation about importance of home between the palestianian and israeli.

very confused........is all i can say

Have you seen Paradise Now? If you see one movie about this conflict go see that one.

mezba said...

@OneMozluv: haven't seen Paradise now. What's it about (the basic jist)?

staufiq said...

Paradise Now is the story of two Palestinian childhood friends who have been recruited for a major operation in Tel Aviv. It centers on what is presumably their final day on earth. They cannot utter a word of their plans to their families. The following day, the two are sent to the border. The bombs have been attached to their bodies in such a way as to make them completely hidden from view. However, the operation does not go according to plan and the two friends lose sight of each other, leaving each one up to their own fate, while struggling with their convictions.


http://www5.naseeb.com/view-article-details.php?aid=110180