Watch 21 Hours at Munich

21 Hours at Munich, released in 1976, is a gripping drama that is based on real-life events. The movie chronicles the events of the Munich Olympics massacre. On September 5, 1972, eight members of the Palestinian group Black September broke into the Olympic Village in Munich, Germany, seized a group of Israeli athletes, and held them hostage.

The film begins with the famous scene where the Black September terrorists are seen scaling the fence of the Olympic Village in the middle of the night. They slip past the guards and make their way to the Israeli athletes' quarters. From there, they take eleven Israeli athletes, coaches, and officials hostage.

The movie then shifts focus to the response of German authorities to the crisis. As news of the hostage-taking spreads, the German police and government officials are thrown into a state of panic. They have never dealt with a situation like this before, and they are unsure how to proceed.

William Holden plays the role of Manfred Schreiber, the Bavarian chief of police tasked with negotiating with the terrorists. Schreiber is a seasoned cop and a father of two. He is a steady and level-headed person, but the terrorists are not interested in negotiating with him. They demand the release of over 200 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Shirley Knight takes on the role of Ankie Spitzer, the wife of Israeli fencing coach Andre Spitzer, who was among the hostages. Spitzer is a strong and determined woman who is willing to do anything to save her husband's life. She becomes the de facto spokesperson for the families of the hostages and demands action from the German authorities.

Meanwhile, Franco Nero plays the role of Issa, the leader of the Palestinian terrorists. Nero's performance is chilling and convincing, depicting a man who is willing to do anything to get what he wants. Issa is calm and calculated, and he knows how to manipulate the situation to his advantage.

Over the next 21 hours, Schreiber, Spitzer, and the terrorists play a game of cat and mouse, with each side trying to outsmart the other. As the clock ticks down, it becomes increasingly clear that a peaceful resolution is unlikely. When the German authorities finally make a move to rescue the hostages, the situation quickly turns violent, leading to a tragic and unforgettable conclusion.

21 Hours at Munich is a significant departure from the typical action movies of the 1970s. The film is tautly directed, with stark, realistic depictions of the tense situation. The acting is superb, with Holden, Knight, and Nero all delivering nuanced performances. The movie does not glamorize the situation or try to sugarcoat the act of terrorism. Instead, it presents a sobering and thought-provoking look at a difficult and complex situation.

Overall, 21 Hours at Munich is an intense and gripping drama that is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. It is a film that explores the themes of terrorism, international relations, and the human cost of conflict. The movie is a testament to the courage and resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable terror.

21 Hours at Munich is a 1976 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.