Horst in Translation ([email protected]) "Mogadischu" is a German television film from almost 10 years ago that was directed by Roland Suso Richter and written by Maurice Philip Remy. I have seen some other work by Richter and there was some that did not impress me, but this almost 110-minute film here was a really decent watch. The reason may be that the story and the events of the hostage situation were just so interesting and perfect to make a (good) film about the entire affair. Thomas Kretschmann impressed me here too, I did not see him as a greatly talented actor really so far, but he won me over here. As the film is about real events during the days of left-wing terrorism, also be prepared for a couple really shocking moments that obviously had to be handled like that. They could not have turned this into some kind of feel-good movie.I was occasionally tempted to give this one a ****/***** even, but eventually there were 2 or 3 pretty weak moments that kept me from doing so. One would be Nadja Uhl's phone conversation in the cockpit. I am not sure if this one really took place like that back then, but to me it looks as if it was just included for dramatic purposes. And in any case it is truly cringeworthy melodramatic bait. Quite a shame as without these moments, this may have been one of the finest television works in German history. But nonetheless, it was a gritty, edge-of-seat watch for the most part and I very much recommend checking it out. It is not only interesting from the pure dramatic film lover perspective, but also an important chapter of (German) history. Very much recommended.

deventhakkar Great acting and excellent visual effects, particularly the computer generated imagery of the hijacked plane, D-ABCE "Landshut" City Jet 737 looks really amazing, taking off, flying and landing. Of course, parking scenes and refueling scenes were done with the real aircraft on green screen. The aircraft looks so realistic and beautiful blue and yellow colored, thanks to the director and painting crew for adjusting and repainting the 1970s Lufthansa livery on CN-RMI resembling D- ABCE (Royal Air Maroc), literally! Portrays the 1977 hijacking beautifully colored and realistic. This closely follows the true plot. Great job to the researchers, producers and vfx team! Acting and performances, GREAT! The director chose an excellent German cast to play the roles, the hijackers/terrorists and including those who played the Arabs in Dubai and Yemen and the African actors playing the Somali dictator Siad Barre and the rest of the Somali forces communicating in Arabic, German and English. The hijackers swearing emphasizes their cruelty and anger and the props (guns, grenades, Che Guevara shirts etc) are also great. However, some scenes including the the Landshut landing, refueling and takeoff from Bahrain were missing. Other than that part, the filming scenes were so awesome, despite being shot in Germany and morocco, they looked like the actual places in 1977. Overall, i'd give this a 8.7 to 8.9 out of 10 as a few parts from the actual story were not included but other than that, it's great! This is WAY better than the 1997 docudrama film Todesspiel! WATCH THIS if you're interested.

PippinInOz This is a real treat! You know those rare occasions when you are channel hopping and come across a film that sounds like it could be okay? Well, this is how I ended up being totally absorbed by this film. And I mean totally, by the end nothing could tear me away from the screen.Other reviewers have already done a great job articulating the actual story line, so it is pointless me repeating it again. The power of this film lies in the fine performances - of ALL the cast - including the extras. I was genuinely fascinated to read one of the reviewers here writing about their experiences as an extra on this film. Also not at all surprised to hear the 'method' style approach to those terrifying scenes on the plane, because this is just so horribly convincing. Great work by you all, seriously, a film like this succeeds or fails on its extras!Anyone had the misfortune to experience a long haul flight in Economy recently? Yes? Well, the film makers position you right in that plane with the hostages and you can almost smell the sweat and fear, sense the claustrophobia. Similarly, the terrorists' agitation is convincing and truly terrifying. The actor who plays the leader is just fantastic in the role. Watching him swing between the human being that he is and the terrorist / freedom fighter with a gun in his hand is revealing. SPOILER: Watch this guy's performance during the birthday cake scenes: 'Everybody sing!' It is watching a man edging ever further into madness, into the abyss, credit again to the actor. Having said that, all of the actors in lead roles are magnificent.I could go on....in short: If you see this on television, even if you do not normally watch a sub titled film, watch it. Highly recommended.

anthony-733 Much of this film was shot at the old Casablanca airport as Royal Air Maroc has a 737 identical to 'Landshut' (the hijacked plane) which is grounded there. It was repainted in Lufthansa colours, and the cast was confined to the aircraft for up to 12 - 14 hours a day, so the feeling of being 'hijacked' was very real.... no breaks for long periods, very hot, quite an experience for the extras who made up the majority of the passengers.Also, the whole film of the hijacking was shot 'in sequence' over ten days, and the 'passengers' were not briefed on how the 'hijackers' were going to behave, some of the fear you see is 'real', not acted. Even tho' you know it's just a prop, having a gun waved in your face when you are not expecting it is NOT a nice experience.And very little make up and so on was used, putting on clothes dirty from yesterday at the start of each days filming really put us in the mood. If the film is as realistic to watch as it was to be part of, then it has to be a really good film - it hasn't come to Maroc yet, so all I've seen of it are the (video) rushes we were shown every evening.