Entebbe

The 2018 historical political thriller directed by José Padilha and written by Gregory Burke is based on the true events of Operation Entebbe in 1976. The film recounts the hijacking of Air France Flight 139, traveling from Tel Aviv to Paris, which was commandeered by four terrorists—two Palestinians from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and two Germans from the Revolutionary Cells. The aircraft was diverted to Uganda, where the hijackers, supported by dictator Idi Amin (Nonso Anozie), held 248 passengers hostage at Entebbe Airport, demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. The narrative delves into the tense negotiations between the terrorists and the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (Lior Ashkenazi) and Defense Minister Shimon Peres (Eddie Marsan), as well as the meticulous planning of a daring rescue mission. The film also explores the internal conflicts among the hijackers, particularly between Wilfried Böse (Daniel Brühl) and Brigitte Kuhlmann (Rosamund Pike), who grapple with moral dilemmas and the ramifications of their actions. Interwoven is a subplot featuring an Israeli dance troupe, whose performances metaphorically reflect the tension and desire for freedom. The climax centers on Operation Thunderbolt, where Israeli commandos, led by Yonatan Netanyahu (Angel Bonanni), execute a successful raid, rescuing most of the hostages. The film received mixed reviews from critics: some praised its attempt to present multiple perspectives, while others criticized it for lacking emotional depth and fully developed characters.