Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Victor Khomenko (M) on February 21, 2003 at 07:20:38

Saw it again after many years. Perfect fit for the "modern times".

The book it is based on is gripping, and the story has special interest to me. So I stayed till 1am watching it.

There are very few good things to be said about this film. Several good actors, and the chance to see Lino Ventura is not something to discard too lightly. The Canadian-born lead actress Leslie Hope to large degree compensate for Patrick and his latest peek...

In case you missed it, the story is about the Israeli agents assasinating the Arab terrorists responsible for the slaughter of Israeli athletes in Munchen. While the book gives the rather sobbering account, it is not as obvious in the film... but then of course this is Hollywood.

For anyone interested in the history of that region - and these days sounds like the history of the world - this is something that should hit some buttons. But as far as films go - not much to write home about.

The worst and the most irritating casting decision - Steven Bauer as the team leader. Just about everything is wrong there, but most importantly - his mannerism and body language. Put simply, he would look very natural playing some mafia soldier on Sopranos, but as an Israeli commando officer... sorry man, he is just way too loose in joints for that!

This was in sharp contrast with another cable TV find past few days - the Australian 'The Lighthorsemen", that was of rather high caliber and enjoyable, even if a bit formulaic.