When Egypt, Syria, and Jordan launched an attack on Israel, Golda Meir (Helen Mirren), Israel's determined Prime Minister, managed internal conflicts within her predominantly male cabinet and raced against time to avert disaster during the 19-day span of the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Golda portrays her intense struggle to preserve Israel.
Helen Mirren's performance as Golda Meir is the film's strongest asset. Mirren commits to the role and transforms herself physically. Meir's struggle to grapple and navigate Israel's ongoing war is depicted flawlessly, along with the deep feelings of stress and terror seen in her eyes. Her patriotism and profound love for the citizens of Israel is clear. Live Schreiber has a minor, but pivotal role as Henry Kissinger and delivers a performance just as remarkable. His dynamic with Meir is one of the film's most enjoyable aspects due to their rocky relationship. Golda's runtime is definitely felt. While it sets a necessary somber mood for the gravity of the situation, it makes Golda void of visual variety. The film maintains a constant gloomy color tone, which is artistic, but this makes the film very tedious to watch. Even with its ticking clock pace, Golda is filled with excessive verbal communication instead of actual events occurring. Showing instead of telling would make Golda's stress and the growing tension more believable. Another huge highlight of Golda is Jasper Wolf's cinematography. Golda is filled with unique and stunning shots and camera movements. Shots are used to express the tension with rapid camera motion along with still, more mellow shots. This assists the actors' performances by improving the impact of their emotion.
Golda's message is the importance of unity and perseverance in difficult times. Despite all odds, Golda Meir pushes through obstacles in order to protect her country of Israel. She stands not for herself, but for all in trouble and in need of hope. Her endless patriotism and devotion drives her to fight for Israel and unify all. Parents should be aware that Golda is centered around a very heavy topic and includes violence and profanity.
I give Golda 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It will be released in theaters August 25, 2023.
By Daniel Salem, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
The film focuses on the 19-day Yom Kippur War and the tragedy of it all.
I remember in my youth, this war happening, but if pressed for the details, I would be hard-pressed to provide that. What this film shows is how Prime Minister Meir handled this crisis with an iron glove. Dealing with her all male cabinet and advisors, she is always the quintessential leader. She asks for their advice, but clearly the decisions she makes are completely her own. We see her soft side as she shows concern for the son of one of her secretaries in one scene and, in another, pulls out a small notebook wherein she keeps track of the number of troops who have died. I walked out of this film numbed to my core and really couldn't speak about it for hours. It just made me think deeply about how vulnerable the state of Israel is and what it must be like for those who live there to be surrounded by big and powerful countries.
The film's message is really about standing your ground in even the most difficult of situations.
I give Golda 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
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