The Gatekeepers
is not a film which holds the hand of the viewers, assuming them ignorant of
basic events and historical significance. Many documentaries these days merely
dumb down information and present it in an entertaining and agenda-based
manner. The Gatekeepers doesn’t provide a solid agenda or message, but instead
provides insight by humanizing the men at the top forced to deal with the
conflict in the most direct manner.
The Shin Bet is
Israel’s Secret Service, and the head of the Shin Bet is key to every decision
made in the war against terror, both Palestinian and Jewish. Six former heads
of this highly secretive agency agreed to be interviewed for this film, for the
first time reflecting publicly on decisions made, often controversially so. The
Gatekeepers stands above most documentaries with the exclusivity of the
interviews, and it is the humanizing element of talking with individuals that
allows us to see the conflict from a new perspective.
The six former
heads of Shin Bet have to answer for their actions, but they all seem prepared
for this. There are certain issues they have regrets about, while they stay
rigid on other decisions. Regardless, each answer humanizes them in a way which
was impossible before, allowing us to understand why decisions were made. The
Blu-ray includes a commentary and Q&A with director Dror Moreh.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 8/10
Disc Features: 6.5/10
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