Victory at Entebbe

Fighting Back
In this post-September 11, 2001 climate we are now in, it is important to remember that there have been times in the not-too-distant past when people of decency have fought back against the barbarity of terrorism. Case in point: the Israeli government's lightning-quick raid to save more than one hundred of its own being held by Palestinian terrorists aboard a hijacked Air France airbus at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. It was an operation, nicknamed Thunderbolt, that resulted in few innocent lives lost and, justly, the deaths of the hijackers and their supporters.

The made-for-TV film VICTORY AT ENTEBBE, which somehow managed to get shot, edited, and aired within five months of the July 4, 1976 event, is the first of three films on the subject. It suffers a bit from the faults of being shot so quickly, in a studio, and on videotape (later transferred to film). But it somehow put together a massive all-star cast, one that includes Burt Lancaster, Anthony Hopkins, Elizabeth Taylor,...

Decent stage play quality
I was so amazed when I learned of this event that I found and watched all three of the movies mentioned on this page: Victory at Entebbe, Raid on Entebbe, and Operation Thunderbolt. I have to disagree with one of the other reviewers of Victory at Entebbe.

First General Ariel Sharon is not portrayed in this movie. It is General Dan Shomron. Only the last name was used in the movie, so it was easy to mistake. Second, Was Yoni Netanyahu [removed by reviewer to not spoil it]? I was not there, but all three movies have it that way. Finally, this movie is not "horrible." Yes, some of the actors over do it, but it looks like they did the scenes in one take so we take what we get. It was done on video tape so it looks kind of like a soap opera. But just imagine you are watching a low budget play and give the actors break. It is a drama, and it is entertaining if you are not too critical.

The score, composed by Charles Fox, is very good. So if you have realized...

Breathtaking! The determination of a people once again!
True life story - One the most faithful portrayals of Operation Thunderbolt, the celebrated rescue of Israeli citizens on an Air France Flight hijacked by PLO and German terrorist to Uganda, and the daring rescue by the Israeli armed forces.

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