“Gripping”, “intense”, “relentless”—critics are raving about 5 September, a film that revisits the tragic hostage crisis of Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Olympics. This tense thriller, which takes a fresh perspective through the eyes of a team of American journalists on the ground, has quickly become one of the most talked-about films of 2025.
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An Unrelenting Thriller
While the cinematic world has been slow to start in 2025, 5 September stands out as a must-watch. Currently playing in French theaters, this captivating thriller is drawing attention for its ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film revisits the 1972 Munich hostage crisis, a pivotal moment in history, and captures it from the perspective of American journalists reporting from the scene.
Released on February 5 in France, 5 September has already received glowing reviews from both critics and audiences. On AlloCiné, it boasts a solid 3.8/5 rating, with many praising its documentary-like authenticity. Critics describe the film as a “compelling docudrama” and a “gripping portrayal” that expertly captures a crucial moment in television journalism. The praise extends beyond France, as the film has earned an impressive 92% approval rating from critics and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Inspired by True Events
The strong reception is undoubtedly due to the careful attention to detail by Swiss filmmaker Tim Fehlbaum, who went to great lengths to ensure a heightened sense of realism and immersion. Based on true events, 5 September is not just a retelling of the hostage crisis, but an attempt to bring that traumatic moment to life with historical accuracy. The film’s grounded, human-scale direction, shooting on authentic locations, and incorporation of archival footage further deepen the realism of the story.
Fehlbaum also took the extra step of having actors meet with the real individuals involved in the events, allowing them to gain firsthand knowledge and insight. Additionally, the director made the unique choice to use period-accurate analog equipment to recreate the era’s atmosphere as faithfully as possible.
In short, 5 September is not only a thrilling, heart-pounding ride, but also an excellent way to revisit this dark chapter in history. The film sheds light on the crucial role of the press in broadcasting such world-altering events live and underscores the responsibility that comes with reporting on such high-stakes situations.