September 5: Gritty and Immersive

September 5 challenges the viewer to consider the role of media in crisis by restricting them to the newsroom where a compelling story unfolds, resulting in a provocative film. 

Rating: 6.4/10

Highlights

• Interesting limitation in scope

• Asks important questions about journalism

• Riveting 

Lowlights

• Difficult to follow the characters 

• Little variation in lighting 

• Disappointing ending 

September 5 manages to tell a fifty-year-old devastatingly tragic story from the confines of just a few rooms in a single building with care and artistic precision. While watching the film, the viewer is truly transported to the newsroom of ABC's sports team at the Munich Summer Olympics. Gripped with anxiety for what's to come, the viewer is confronted with the points of view of the crewmates, who are most intent on crafting a compelling story of the hostage crisis taking place. Accordingly, September 5 compels quite important questions: What does it mean for an act of terrorism to be broadcast worldwide, including to the families of those involved? What essential aspects of being a caring human are lost when the need to document is prioritized over actual help? Viewing these turbulent days through only the eyes of journalists was fascinating, and triggers the audience to consider their own role in media consumption. September 5 is a unique film, and I appreciate the perspective it gave. 

Liked September 5? Watch Richard Jewell, a similarly thrilling film about a tragedy at the Olympics, though its narrative style is more conventional. 

Watch the trailer!