1955
Directed by Thorold Dickinson
This is another film that is very difficult to find which is why I haven't posted in awhile (don't be fooled into thinking that it is because I got a life). However, I finally found it in a college film library. It is possible to buy a copy but not without paying a ridiculously high price.
I always wish that one of these hard to find films will become my favorite so that it is worth the quest. However, so far they have all been merely so-so and this movie is no exception. This is the story of several soldiers who decide to try to hold Hill 24 for Israel. Along the way, we learn how each soldier came to defend the hill.
This film is major propaganda, pro-Israel and very, very anti-Arab. As an American, I am used to this kind of propaganda. Still, I was disappointed that this movie was so biased; The Book led me to believe it would be more like a documentary. I will give the movie credit for not being overly sentimental and the soldiers' stories were quite interesting.
This is a tricky one. While I found the film entertaining, it was really quite flawed, with weird jump cuts and the obvious bias. You are likely to never see this movie in your life, but I still think it is worth a watch.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
First feature film produced in Israel.
Just a note: I found a version on youtube. There is a trailer on youtube and the link the another page with the full movie in the comments. We are basically detectives.
ReplyDeleteI forget how I eventually managed to find this, but I certainly remember it being difficukt to see.
ReplyDeleteAn important film to see .. but not a rewarding - or even all that interesting one. The blunt, simplistic propagander of it is very offputting .. and counter productive. Well, to someone sitting safe and sound in a western nation, not being attacked all the time it is. If you were an Israeli in 1955 it had an impact similar to almost any early 1940's British or American moral lifter.. That's why I am prepared to give it a bit of a break and grant it the 'important film to watch' thing.
Rachel, we totally are. We do a lot of good work by finding obscure movies and then complaining about them. Ray, I agree to an extent but I can think of a lot more impactful movies that are better done.
ReplyDeleteAs is the case for all propaganda films this one is also aimed inward. It is not really for the outside world who would be rather mystified. To an Israeli it makes perfect sense, telling them how and why they earned the land, particularly with the endning. Spilling their blood in an eternal watch is a very strong symbol.
ReplyDeleteI live in Israel for the time being so I get glimpses into that world and still I feel this movie is aimed passed me and not at me. My parent in law are totally into it.
That's interesting that you live in Israel and could compare your own experience with it.
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