From the start, the 1972 Olympic Games were far from normal. Twenty seven years after World War II Germany, was still hoping to shed a tarnished image. Here was a chance to erase memories of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The '72 Olympics in Munich was Germany's chance to show the world that the country had changed.
Billed as the "Olympics of Peace and Joy," the first 10 days were just that. Highlights included swimmer Mark Spitz's seven gold medals and seven world records and the Americans' first-ever basketball loss as the Russians pulled off a miraculous and controversial victory.
But the fun and games came to an abupt end in the early hours of September 5, when eight Palestinian terrorists disguised as athletes broke into the Israeli team's living quarters. Wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg was shot and killed. One athlete, wrestler Gad Tsabari, managed to escape, but the rest were rounded up and held hostage.
"One Day in September" is a gripping and harrowing documentary that chronicles the events of that terrible day. Director Kevin Macdonald combines news footage, live video from the day of the event and interviews with survivors and family members to create a mesmerizing film.
Making this already riveting film even more fascinating is the chilling commentary from Jamal Al Gashey, one of the Palestinians, who, to this day, remains in hiding. He calmly describes the reasons for their actions and how the terrorists justified what they were doing. He comes across as a man doing only what he thinks is best for his country and claims he has no regrets.
Even if you already know the story, "One Day in September" is still worth seeing for Gashey alone. But it's a meticulously documentary and an important history lesson, that will keep you on the edge of you seat the entire time.
Grade: A
"One Day in September" opens Fri., April 6 at Landmark's Downer Theatre.
