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.
