Cast
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William Holden
as Manfred Schreiber
Shirley Knight
as Anneliese Graes
Franco Nero
as Issa
Anthony Quayle
as Zvi Zamir
Richard Basehart
as Willy Brandt
Noel Willman
as Bruno Merk
Georg Marischka
as Genscher
Else Quecke
as Golda Meir
Michael Degen
as Mohammed Khadif
Jamshid Soheili
as Touny
Walter Kohut
as Feldhaus
Jan Niklas
as Schreiber's Aide
Franz Rudnick
as Troger
Günther Maria Halmer
as Spitzer
Herbert Fux
as Shorr
Crew
Director
- William A. Graham
Writer
- Serge Groussard
- Edward Hume
- Howard Fast
Producer
- Frank von Zerneck
- Robert Greenwald
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, 21 Hours at Munich examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director William A. Graham brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1976, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of 21 Hours at Munich took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1555 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 38 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While 21 Hours at Munich shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Perfect World, which focuses more on action than character development, 21 Hours at Munich offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Any Given Sunday and The Fan explore similar territory, 21 Hours at Munich stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 25, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 41m
Where to Watch
