The gripping new film “September 5” offers a fictionalized yet detailed account of how ABC Sports journalists scrambled to cover the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis as it unfolded in real-time. The movie, directed by Tim Fehlbaum, immerses audiences in the chaos and pressure of a newsroom during one of the most shocking events in modern history.
Set over the harrowing 22 hours when eight members of the Palestinian group Black September attacked the Israeli delegation, the film focuses not just on the tragedy but on the team of sports broadcasters-turned-journalists who brought the unfolding story to the world.
The attack began in the early hours of September 5, 1972, when the assailants broke into the Olympic Village, killing wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg and weightlifter Yossi Romano. While some managed to escape, nine Israeli athletes were taken hostage.
The movie unfolds moment by moment, capturing the newsroom’s frantic pace as broadcasters and technicians navigate technical hurdles and personal inexperience. At the center is Geoffrey Mason (portrayed by John Magaro), a 28-year-old coordinating producer tackling his first major news event. Despite doubts about his experience—“He’s covered minor league baseball games,” someone says dismissively—Mason finds himself at the helm of a breaking international crisis.
The newsroom ensemble is brought to life by an exceptional cast. Peter Sarsgaard lends authority as Roone Arledge, then-president of ABC Sports, while Ben Chaplin plays operations engineer Marvin Bader. Leonie Benesch stands out as Marianne Gebhardt, a German-speaking interpreter whose role offers a unique perspective on Germany’s attempt to present itself positively in the aftermath of World War II. An actor portrays Peter Jennings, while archival footage of legendary broadcaster Jim McKay seamlessly blends into the narrative.
Director Tim Fehlbaum’s meticulous approach recreates the era’s analog technology—from walkie-talkies to the manual addition of text on screen—highlighting the challenges broadcasters faced. Fehlbaum, alongside his screenwriting team, reconstructed events almost minute by minute, giving the film an authentic newsroom feel.
While the team’s determination to deliver the story is commendable, the film does not shy away from showing mistakes made under pressure. A pivotal moment at the Fürstenfeldbruck airfield—where imperfect secondhand information is broadcast—reminds viewers that journalism is often the “first draft of history.”
“September 5” resonates with modern audiences in its portrayal of the media not as a faceless monolith but as individuals under immense pressure to get the story right. At a time when public trust in journalism is often strained, the film humanizes reporters, capturing their struggles and the weight of responsibility they bear.
While the film maintains a retro aesthetic, its themes feel contemporary. It avoids sensationalizing the tragedy, opting for a sobering and respectful retelling of events.
As Fehlbaum’s film reminds us, “This is not Apollo 13.” There are no happy endings here. But “September 5” remains a riveting and compelling watch—a testament to the unsung heroes who chronicled history as it happened. The Paramount Pictures release is rated R for language and runs 94 minutes. It opens in theaters on Friday.
Rating: ★★★ out of 4
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
