Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘September 5’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Jacques Lesgardes (Zinedine Soualem), Marianne Gebhard (Leonie Benesch), Geoff Mason (John Magaro), Carter (Marcus Rutherford) star in Paramount Pictures’ “SEPTEMBER 5”. ©2024 Paramount Pictures

What is genuinely fascinating about historical moments, the ones that people will study for generations on end, is that… no one has a clue that those moments are historical in the slightest when they happen. For when it comes to the persons going through them, it’s just another day. One that started out like any other, with breakfast, a shower, and everyday thoughts. But just like that… something happened. Something we reflect upon now and they had no clue this was how the day was going to go, and it is just wild to know that history is made in such a simple manner. That decisions brewing far away from our own can give rise to lead to moments that we reflect upon forever and what’s equally as fascinating, is how we pay little mind to how those moments influence the future.
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Take for instance, how we digest and receive news. Because if something big happens in the news, we know about it, quick. For the networks with bust into our daily viewings with a BREAKING NEWS segment that informs us what is going on, and the news channels will ponder upon what happened and offer any updates, constantly. All thanks to the twenty-four-hour news cycle. Not to mention, through social media we can dig into live updates and just be in the moment. But it wasn’t always like that. The news used to be reported a few times a day and that was that. We would head off to bed and see what the morning broadcast or newspapers had to offer. But that all changed in September of 1972, courtesy of a historical moment that simply came out of the blue in the most nonsensical of places, and it just so happens that brand-new film from Paramount Pictures ponders upon that moment, in September 5.

Which is a story that plunges us into the heart of Munich, Germany in the early hours of September 5, 1972, in the midst of the 1972 Summer Olympics, and in this time period we are introduced to the Sports team from ABC. Who are doing some extraordinary stuff during the games. Since they are able to get a live feed of the Munich games out to the world, a first, made possible through new satellite technology and well… what seems like just another day for the rotation crew, turns out to be anything but. For in the early hours of this fateful day, shots are fired in the Olympic Village and just like that… this intrepid crew of sports reporters find themselves in the midst of a historic event. For soon they learn that the terrorist organization, Black September, has taken the Israeli athletes’ hostage in an effort to gain political swing, and it is up to this team to tell the story live. A move that will forever change how we consume news, courtesy of a powerful moment in history.  

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Which is… the perfect way to explore the nature of how history is made and how one day can change so much. Because this story makes sure to showcase, how this was a day like any other. That everyone involved in the ABC Sports Newsroom had no clue that history was on the horizon and that their actions would offer influence for decades upon decades to come. They just did their job, and in doing so… created the modern news cycle. Since the work of these individuals showcased how real-time news could inform us like never before and impact us like never before. Not to mention, it showcased how there was a real appetite for live news, and that the demand the people put forth after this fateful day, would bring about the news cycle as we see it now, so we could be in the know and feel a real sense of knowledge and power from being up to date on world happenings.
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But while that does make for some fascinating lessons regarding history and our world and how it all comes together, this is also… a critical re-telling of a devastating day in history, and that allows for the film to tell a very human story. About a group of reporters and producers that really didn’t know what was happening and had to react to the horrors of a hostage situation in real time. Which adds a stunning sense of realism to this story. As though we have been transported back in time to 1972, wherein we can live out how the day unfolded with this crew and that makes… for a compelling viewing experience. One that is intense, and riveting, and truly draws you into the moment, and it even educates along the way. Since not everyone knows all the details of what happened on this dark day, and that is important… since it keeps the memory of those lost during this tragedy, alive.

All of which gives rise… to an incredible motion picture. One that does indeed offer up a unique perspective on history, how it’s made and how singular moments and decisions can have a lasting impact for decades on end. Along with a powerful history lesson that truly reminds us of how quickly the world can change and the darkness we are capable of, and all of these elements, and the fine performances present from the cast… make this a must-see feature. Simply because it is important, pertinent, and downright poignant. Since in a way it helps us to process the waves of history happening now, courtesy of a powerful story that reminds us of the lives lost on this tragic day, and how their deaths, changed the world in ways we never thought possible. 

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