We know this is based upon true dramatic accounts, and while it does a good job in presenting it, but as for it being entertaining. I have to agree with another user-commenter that the film can at times feel plain in the portrayal of the situation. The rhythm can get bumpy and some sequences look blurry, but this could associate to it being a made-for-television feature. Still it stayed interesting enough, despite how the blunt story unfolds with its questions on the political stance, or the morality of innocent life. Even the cautious script felt kind of sub-par. The biggest draw card here though, has to be the well-ensemble cast (even though it doesn't match the one in "Victory at Entebbe") featuring Peter Finch, Charles Bronson, Sylvia Sidney, Jack Warden, John Saxon, Tige Andrews, Robert Loggia, James Wood and a cheery Yaphet Kotto puts a show on whenever on screen. No one really draws much impact because the focus in more in the story than star presences, but the appealing Finch, Bronson, Kotto, Sidney and Loggia are credibly good in their roles. Director Irvin Kershner mechanically lets it slowly boil down; concentrating on a realistic air (well detailed production design) and then goes onto unleash an intensely bold combat climax. David Shire accordingly composes a strong, forward musical piece filled with spirit, and unease.

This is an excellent made for TV movie which will cause even non-Jewish viewers to feel pride. The Isreali government assisted in the production of a similar movie, "Operation Thunderbolt" which is very accurate historically and should also be seen for comparison. That movie used actual Isreali soldiers and several survivors of the incident. "Raid on Entebbe" is a much smoother and more enjoyable production. The cast worked very well together. This was Peter Finch's last movie. Charles Bronson is at his best. An interesting blooper is that Yoni Netanyahu was a Lt. Colonel, but is shown in the uniform of a full Colonel. Don't let that ruin the movie for you, though, it should be in every historical and military collection.

This is an excellent production based on a real event. Centered around an all-star cast, the acting is as powerful one would expect. This is the true story of the Israeli raid at the Entebbe airport in Idi Amin's Uganda. There had been an aircraft hijacked and taken to Entebbe. The aircraft was full of Israeli citizens and Israel took quick action. The film's (and Yaphet Kotto's) portrayal of Idi Amin pulled no punches and ended up spot-on and Amin was shown to be the evil dictator that he was. Amin delighted in the embarrassment of the Israeli Government. The Israelis knew that if the hostages were going to be rescued, they would have to do it since all the rest of the world wanted to do was talk. The raid is fairly accurately (from what accounts I've read) depicted. All in all, a pretty exciting film. It's well worth a watch.

This movie was excellent, even for a 1977 TV movie, and I would recommend it to everyone although it is Out of Print and only available on VHS. You can still find copies of it on eBay and at old video stores. This movie is gripping from the beginning to end with a superb climax rescue scene at the end of the hostage crisis. Anyone should see this movie, particularly those who like military/action movies that are based on true events. THIS MOVIE MUST BE SEEN!