Black Sunday

Black Sunday

Year: 1977

Runtime: 143 min

Language: English

Director: John Frankenheimer

AdventureDramaThrillerCrime

As Vietnam War veteran Michael Lander's sanity unravels, he embarks on a deadly collaboration with Palestinian terrorist Dahlia to orchestrate chaos at the Super Bowl. With thousands of lives hanging in the balance, Israeli agent Kabakov and the FBI join forces to thwart Lander's catastrophic plan.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Black Sunday (1977)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Black Sunday (1977). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1975-1976

Set against the backdrop of the mid-1970s, the film reflects a tumultuous period marked by political unrest and terrorist activities. This era saw increasing tensions between Israel and Palestine, influencing the characters' motives and actions. The story’s time frame captures significant historical events that shaped international relations and terrorism.

Location

Beirut, Lebanon, Los Angeles, California, Washington, D.C., Mojave Desert, Miami, Florida

The movie unfolds in various significant locations, starting in Beirut, Lebanon, known for its rich history and as a hub of Middle Eastern conflict. The plot then transitions to Los Angeles, where iconic landmarks play a role, and Washington, D.C., the heart of American politics. Other notable settings include the Mojave Desert, highlighting its desolation, and Miami, a vibrant city caught in the crossfire of terror.

🌍 Locations 🏙️ Cities 🇱🇧 Lebanon 🇺🇸 USA

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Main Characters – Black Sunday (1977)
Meet the key characters of Black Sunday (1977), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dahlia Iyad (Marthe Keller)

Dahlia is a complex character driven by her past and desire for revenge against those who wronged her family. Her intelligence and cunning make her a formidable adversary, as she manipulates events to achieve her goals. Dahlia's journey offers a poignant look at the effects of war and loss on an individual's psyche.

👩‍🎤 Protagonist ✊ Determined 🎭 Complex

Mike Lander (Bruce Dern)

Mike is a troubled war veteran struggling with his past as a prisoner of war. His emotional fragility is magnified through his inability to cope with the trauma he endured. Despite his skills as a blimp pilot, Mike's unresolved issues ultimately lead him to take part in Dahlia's dangerous plans.

👨‍✈️ Veteran 🎭 Emotional 📉 Fragile

Major David Kabakov (Robert Shaw)

Major Kabakov is a seasoned Israeli commando tasked with thwarting the terrorist plot. His tactical mind and unwavering determination make him a key player in the film, as he represents the fight against terrorism. Kabakov's character embodies the moral complexities faced by those in the line of duty.

🪖 Soldier 🔍 Determined ⚔️ Resilient

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

Major Themes – Black Sunday (1977)
Explore the central themes of Black Sunday (1977), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💣 Terrorism

The movie delves deep into the theme of terrorism, exploring the motives and justifications behind acts of violence. It portrays the emotional turmoil of the characters involved and the devastating consequences of their actions on innocent lives. Overall, it raises questions about morality, sacrifice, and the impacts of geopolitical conflicts.

🕵️‍♂️ Espionage

Espionage is another central theme, highlighting the intricate web of intelligence operations and their implications for national security. The characters navigate danger and deception, depicting the shadowy world of undercover agents and their relentless pursuit of truth. The tension between the agents and terrorists illustrates the high stakes of their clandestine operations.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:10

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