“Murky” is a term that comes to mind when thinking about the tone and themes of Munich, and this is probably Spielberg’s murkiest film to date and is all the better for it. Of course, the set piece assassination attempts are tense and involving, but Spielberg is a master at this. What is more intriguing here are the themes and characters presented. Spielberg knew he would be treading a fine line in how the characters are portrayed, but he seems more interested in raising questions and acknowledging the complexities and frustrations surrounding issues that continue to have ramifications today. The film and themes are defined by a strong central performance from Eric Bana, showing one man’s gradual disillusionment with a task that seems so clear at the beginning. The depiction of the murder of Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic Games is gradually revealed over the course of the film and, despite the terrible nature of the events and obvious desire for justice, the film is at pains to remind its audience that no matter the righteousness of a response or need for retribution, ultimately violence begets violence and even the course of action that seems so right can have unintended consequences that spill out beyond the story depicted, no more so than in the final shot. An intriguing film in Spielberg’s catalogue.