Directed by Guy Nattiv (Strangers (2007); The Flood (2010); Skin (2018)) and starring Helen Mirren (The Queen (2006); The Madness of King George (1994); Gosford Park (2001); Calendar Girls (2003)) and Liev Schreiber (Spotlight (2015); The Manchurian Candidate (2004); Asteroid City (2023)).
Historical drama / biopic; 100 mins; 12+
A look back at a seminal moment in history, the escalating regional conflict and the Yom Kippur War in October 1973, just over fifty years ago.
Golda Meir (Helen Mirren) was Israel's Prime Minister and the state was not yet recognised by many countries. A taut retrospective that shadows her in the lead-up to, during and in the aftermath of, the Yom Kippur War.
It views Israel's intelligence and counter-intelligence operations from a different light as the politicians and military look at the same issue from different perspectives. They sense an invasion is imminent, but dare they strike first as a strong deterrent? How would they be seen internationally? When both Syria and Egypt (who importantly do not recognise Israel) do cross the border into Israel, military strategies and political stances come to the fore in a tense game of high stakes, brinkmanship and bloodshed.
It includes scenes from the "war room" with various high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Defence, Moshe Dyan (Rami Heuberger), Chief of Staff "Dodo" Elazar (Lior Ashkenazi) and Field General (and future Prime Minister) Ariel Sharon (Ohad Knoller).
At the time, Golda Meyer was receiving regular lymphoma treatments; she had to make huge decisions between hospital visits, illustrating the weight of responsibility that fell on her shoulders. During this time, she relied heavily on her long-time personal assistant Lou Kaddar (Camille Cotton).
Henry Kissinger (Liev Schreiber), himself a Jewish refugee, then serving as Secretary of State under US President Richard Nixon, then intervened with the aim of brokering a peace deal. Despite their close friendship and mutual admiration, Golda Meir plays tough in negotiations, strategising to get the best she could for Israel and understanding the sacrifices made by soldiers on the front line and their families. It also reveals insights into the close ties between the two countries, with US being Israel's ally.
Lots of chain smoking throughout and wonderful make-up, wardrobe and interiors reflecting the early 1970s. Similar in many ways to the 2017 film "Darkest Hour" about Winston Churchill.
Currently screening in Luxembourg at Ciné Utopia and CiNextDoor.
