While Munich The Edge of War is rather pedantic in its execution, there are elements of the story that are truly fascinating. A standard historical drama that has interesting elements including some wonderful performances.
This is a story about the lead up to the Second World War and the political machinations that occurred before. Munich doesn't fall too hard into cliches. It gives Neville Chamberlain a generous portrayal while still not endorsing his positions. It also allows the German people of the era a more nuanced portrayal as it focuses on resistance to the Third Riche and its policies. It does highlight the way some Germans were awakening to the horrors of its government and the growing nightmare that was coming, while also focusing on how the West, specifically Britain, tried against all hope to wish it all away.
Irons is especially good as Chamberlain in a role that is far more complicated than one would expect. He manages to portray just how far off Chamberlain was while also helping to understand his desperation to find peace. But its Jannis Niewöhner who truly shines as a young German disillusioned and guilt ridden over the direction of his country who tries to do what he can, but also feels like he stops too short.
Its the strong performances and director Schwochow's ability to build tension even in quiet moments which makes Munich quite watchable. Sometimes films like this, where we know what is going to happen, are hard to get too invested in. But Munich gets us there, caring about what we are seeing. As the film builds to its inevitable conclusion we feel for the hopelessness of the characters and for Europe as they step towards war.
Munich The Edge of War
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewöhner, Jeremy Irons, Sandra Huller, Liv Luna Fries, August Diehl, Ulrich Matthes
Director: Christian Schwochow
Writer: Ben Power
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