Matine K

The film was exceptionally biased and ahistorical. For someone who is a history geek I was disappointed how the word “ Palestine” was not mentioned once during the film despite the main cause of the conflict was the displacement of the Palestinians. There were scenes in the film that collectively labeled Arabs as utterly bloodthirsty and barbaric where they were killing surrendering Israeli soldiers. This might have happened in very rare cases but not to the extreme of what the film depicted. If one watches the beginning of the film you will see how the movie is presented as Israel fighting for its survival and that the Arab leaders are totally irrational that wish to destroy the Jewish state. This is where the film failed to recognize the Egyptians claim of reclaiming the Sinai in this conflict and were not calling for the total destruction of Israel. Sadat only wanted his territory back. I was also a bit annoyed how they presented General Moshe Dayan, as he was portrayed as weak and a coward. There is a scene in the film where he felt sick seeing the mass number of Arab forces when he visited the frontlines. While in reality all that he did was return back to Tel Aviv to inform the cabinet that the casualties were high and one would potentially be witnessing the destructing of the third temple meaning the State of Israel was on the verge of capitulation. The film totally over exaggerated that scene. However, from a feminist point of view. I have to say I was impressed how Golda was demonstrated of having overcome a dominated patriarchal society in Israel. The audience was reminded of how Israel was still a patriarcal society where her cabinet did not bother to stand up when she entered the room nor address her as Madam Prime Minister. There was this sense of total disrespect because of her gender which was fairly accurate. The film also made good use of some historical footage such as the battles and the peace process with Sadat which actually showed reconciliation. There is a scene at the end of the film which neatly sums up the peace process where the two leaders chuckle and become friendly. Overall not a bad film, but be cautious when watching and take everything said with a pinch of salt.