Raid on Entebbe

Year: 1976

Runtime: 145 mins

Language: English

Director: Irvin Kershner

DramaHistoryThriller

Based on a 1976 Israeli rescue, an Air France flight hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine lands in Entebbe, Uganda. Terrorists release some passengers but hold 94 Jews and 12 crew members. Israel refuses to negotiate and sends fewer than 100 commandos who fly to Africa to carry out an operation in a remarkably swift assault that frees the hostages.

Raid on Entebbe (1976) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Raid on Entebbe (1976) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In 1976 an Air France flight is seized mid‑air and forced to land in Entebbe, Uganda, leaving a handful of passengers freed while a larger group of Jewish travelers and crew members remain captive. The crisis unfolds against a backdrop of international tension, with a small nation forced to confront a terrorist plot that reaches far beyond its borders. The film opens with the stark reality of a hijacked aircraft turned into a geopolitical flashpoint, setting the stage for a high‑stakes contest of resolve and principle.

The world of the story is starkly divided between the austere, bureaucratic corridors of Israeli decision‑makers and the stark, sun‑baked expanse of the Entebbe airfield, a place that suddenly becomes the center of global attention. The tone is urgent and disciplined, underscored by the weight of history and the moral calculus of refusing to negotiate with those who hold innocent lives. Every scene carries a pulse of tension, hinting at the delicate balance between diplomatic restraint and the impulse to act decisively.

At the heart of the unfolding drama is Yitzhak Rabin, the Israeli cabinet minister who must weigh the political ramifications of any response while confronting the human cost of inaction. He is supported by Dan Shomron, the seasoned commander tasked with shaping a covert rescue plan, and Yonatan Netanyahu, a fiercely determined elite commando whose personal commitment to the mission adds a deeply personal dimension to the operation. Their interactions reveal a blend of strategic calculation, quiet confidence, and the heavy burden of leadership when a nation’s values are tested.

The film’s style leans into meticulous preparation and quiet intensity, using a restrained palette to convey the stark reality of a mission undertaken far from home. As the commandos train and ready themselves for a rapid deployment, the audience feels the looming pressure of time, the unknown of foreign terrain, and the unspoken promise that every decision will echo far beyond the airport’s perimeter.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 18:07

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Thrilling stories of precise, daring military operations against impossible odds.If you were captivated by the daring operation in Raid on Entebbe, explore these movies featuring similar high-stakes military rescue missions. These films share a tense, fast-paced narrative, strategic action, and the heavy emotional weight of life-or-death decisions under extreme pressure.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a crisis—often a hostage situation—that necessitates a swift, specialized military response. The story builds tension through careful planning and intelligence gathering, leading to a climactic, real-time assault where precision and speed are paramount. The outcome is often a mix of triumph and sacrifice.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative journey builds towards a crucial objective, often involving great risk and sacrifice. The climax achieves the primary goal, but not without casualty or profound loss. The resolution acknowledges the victory while focusing on the sobering price paid, creating an emotionally complex and thought-provoking conclusion.

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