The Gatekeepers
Director: Dror Moreh
Actors: Ami Ayalon, Avraham Shalom, Avi Dichter
PlotThe documentary delves deep into the operations and ethical dilemmas faced by the Israeli internal security service, Shin Bet, through candid interviews with six former leaders of the organization. Spanning decades from the 1967 Six-Day War to the present, these officials disclose their firsthand experiences and decisions made in the pursuit of national security. They provide a rare glimpse into the complexities of counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and the moral quandaries inherent in their roles. Incidents that have shaped Israel's political landscape, such as the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, are discussed with stark honesty and critical reflection.
As the narrative unfolds, the film explores the evolving nature of threats faced by Israel, from early Palestinian resistance to more recent conflicts with Hamas and other militant groups. The former heads of Shin Bet grapple with questions about the effectiveness and consequences of their measures, including targeted assassinations and coercive interrogations. Their perspectives offer a profound critique of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a sobering realization about the limitations of intelligence work in achieving lasting peace. The film's stark revelations underscore the intricate balance between maintaining security and adhering to democratic values.
Writers: N/A
Release Date: 19 Jun 2013
Runtime: 101 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: Israel, France, Belgium, Canada
Language: Hebrew, English
Home Video Reviews
The Gatekeepers delivers a compelling documentary on Israeli-Palestinian history with rock-solid video and audio; highly recommended for all audiences.
Read our review of The Gatekeepers Blu-ray to find out more