Golda (2023)

The Plot of Golda: It is October 6th 1973. Golda Meir the prime minister of Israel is informed that the Egyptians are preparing to attack the country assisted by the Syrians, but in  discussion with US Secretary of Defence Henry Kissinger she promises that Israel will not carry out  pre-emptive strike. The decision, together with limited preparation puts the country on the back foot and costs many lives. The American are cautiously supportive, providing aircraft to make up for some losses, and at one point Henry Kissinger travels to the country and cautions Israel  on their next move. The government meet daily but it is not until some days have passed that they make progress in their defence, eventually isolating large formations of the Egyptian army and providing a platform for negotiation.

Content: No sex or nudity, possibly a bit of drinking and noticeably continuous smoking on the part of the prime minister. Golda is seen testifying before the Agranat Commission (set up to investigate the failings at the start), allowing us to look back at the war. Partially filled ash trays are often featured.  The inner circle of the Israeli government meet almost continuously. Golda and Kissinger speak by phone and face to face. Golda is suffering from cancer and is seen being treated, with resulting distress. She is supported by her assistant. No actual battles are featured except for a bird’s eye view of a tank battle when the Israelis ambush the Egyptian tank forces.

A View: This is not a blockbuster, but here in Spain it is being presented at the same time as the IDF counter offensive in Gaza, possibly increasing interest. It is a smoke filled room film, literally and my quibble with is that it does not manage to make clear to us why Israel is losing or really why it is winning, except for explaining that they will ambush the Egyptian tank attack which, if true, must have depended on superior air support. But in its way it showed us how things probably go as governments send the front line troops to their deaths. One of those outings which you might wait for, until it comes out on cable.

Fun Fact: It took 3.5 hours each time Helen Mirren to be made up as Golda.