One Day in September Poster

One Day in September 1999

★ 7.378 votes94 min📅 1999-10-22

"1972. The Munich Olympic Games. 121 Nations. 7,123 Competitors. Over a billion viewers ... and 8 Palestinian Terrorists. For the first time in 25 years, the truth is revealed."

One Day in September (1999) shines a stark spotlight on one of the darkest chapters in Olympic history, blending chilling archival footage with unflinching firsthand accounts to uncover the truth behind the 1972 Munich massacre.

Director: Kevin Macdonald

Cast

Michael Douglas
Michael Douglas
Self - Narrator (voice)
Ankie Spitzer
Self
Jamal Al Gashey
Self
Gerald Seymour
Self
Axel Springer
Self (archive footage)
Gad Zahari
Self
Shmuel Lalkin
Self
Manfred Schreiber
Self
Walter Troger
Self
Ulrich K. Wegener
Ulrich K. Wegener
Self

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One Day in September (1999) about?

This gripping documentary revisits the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, where Palestinian terrorists took Israeli athletes hostage during the Games. Through exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage, the film exposes the flawed rescue efforts that led to tragedy and the long-suppressed Israeli retaliation.

Who directed One Day in September?

One Day in September was directed by Kevin Macdonald, an acclaimed filmmaker known for his meticulous attention to historical detail and emotionally charged storytelling.

Who stars in One Day in September?

The documentary features interviews with Jamal Al Gashey, the sole surviving terrorist, alongside Ankie Spitzer, Michael Douglas (as narrator), and key figures from the Munich events.

Is One Day in September (1999) worth watching?

With a runtime of just 94 minutes, this documentary is a gripping and essential watch for those interested in historical events and political thrillers. Its blend of archival footage and personal testimony makes it both informative and deeply unsettling.

How long is One Day in September?

One Day in September has a runtime of 94 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About One Day in September (1999) — The Shocking Truth Behind the Munich Olympics Tragedy

One Day in September (1999) shines a stark spotlight on one of the darkest chapters in Olympic history, blending chilling archival footage with unflinching firsthand accounts to uncover the truth behind the 1972 Munich massacre. Directed with gripping precision by Kevin Macdonald, this documentary strips away decades of silence to expose the failures that turned the Games into a stage for terror. Through interviews with Jamal Al Gashey, the sole surviving terrorist, and candid recollections from officials, the film dissects a botched rescue operation steeped in political missteps and tragic incompetence. The atmosphere is tense and unsettling, mirroring the weight of a moment that shattered the world's trust in safety and unity.

Macdonald crafts a narrative that's as much about systemic failure as it is about human tragedy, weaving together personal and political threads to reveal the ripple effects of that fateful day. With a runtime of just 94 minutes, One Day in September delivers a punishing yet essential viewing experience, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about fear, justice, and the cost of inaction. The documentary's power lies in its unflinching honesty, making it a vital watch for history buffs and anyone seeking to understand the darker side of global events.