After seeing both versions of the Entebbe movies, 'Raid on Entebbe' is definitely the better of the two. Not only are the production values and sets better, the acting is much more understated and restrained. It really allows the exciting story to shine through.
The performances are really what makes the movie great: Yaphet Kotto is outstanding as President Idi Amin Dada. His fake cheerfulness towards the Jewish hostages is much more frightening than the actual terrorists with their guns. Sylvia Sydney is great as the doomed woman sent to the hospital. As always, Martin Balsam (which is the main reason I watched this) gives a good solid performance as the hostage who develops a sort of uneasy rapport with one of the terrorists, leading to the scene during the rescue mission.
This movie is excellent--a tastefully done account of a real life, courageous mission with an exciting climax. If it's on, I highly recommend it. It's really worth your while.
The performances are really what makes the movie great: Yaphet Kotto is outstanding as President Idi Amin Dada. His fake cheerfulness towards the Jewish hostages is much more frightening than the actual terrorists with their guns. Sylvia Sydney is great as the doomed woman sent to the hospital. As always, Martin Balsam (which is the main reason I watched this) gives a good solid performance as the hostage who develops a sort of uneasy rapport with one of the terrorists, leading to the scene during the rescue mission.
This movie is excellent--a tastefully done account of a real life, courageous mission with an exciting climax. If it's on, I highly recommend it. It's really worth your while.