Steven Spielberg, 2005 (9*)
I've always been puzzled that for some reason, this film didn’t receive the acclaim of other Spielberg films, yet it’s just about as good. The story is based on the true story of an Israeli agent, played by Eric Bana, who, along with four others (including Daniel Craig), relentlessly hunts down all the planners of the Munich Olympic terrorism that led to the deaths of 11 Israeli athletes. It's not a pleasant nor a quick mission, and is one which is bound to take its toll on all involved.

This is a long and gripping film, just what you would expect from the filmmaker of Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan. When Spielberg tackles an important subject, such as these war films and war crimes, you can’t think of any better modern director to handle the balance of action and character motivation. Five Oscar nominations, including best picture and director. No wins – this was the year that the mediocre, tv-looking movie Crash (not the good J.G. Ballard s/m one either) surprised real movie people by winning over this and Brokeback Mountain. Of the three, I'd easily pick Munich over the other two. It's Spielberg, what would you think?