On May 3, 1898, Golda Meir was born in Kyiv — a prominent political figure and one of the founders of the state of Israel. On this anniversary, interest in the biographical film ‘Golda’ is growing, allowing for a re-examination of the events of the Yom Kippur War and how to maintain composure during hostile aggression.
This is reported by Finway
The Yom Kippur War and Golda Meir’s Role
The film ‘Golda’ focuses on the dramatic events of October 1973, when Israel faced an unexpected attack from Egypt and Syria. The film impresses not only with its artistic mastery but also with its parallels to the present: in 2023, Israel also unexpectedly faced an attack from Hamas militants. For Ukrainian viewers currently living in the realities of war with Russia, the events depicted in the film resonate particularly strongly.
The main character, brilliantly portrayed by Helen Mirren, emerges as the true ‘Iron Lady’ of Israel. Despite her advanced age and serious illness, Golda Meir demonstrates exceptional resilience, wit, and quick thinking even in the most challenging circumstances. Her calm contrasts with the panic of the military leadership, including Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, and becomes a model to emulate.
“Don’t worry — I will stay under the roof. You go to your ministries and act according to the instructions received.”
The film also emphasizes that Israel was unprepared for the attack due to intelligence failures, but thanks to Golda’s decisive actions and resilience, the country was able to withstand. Even in moments of greatest tension, she retains the ability to joke and support her team, remaining internally free despite all the difficulties.
Personality and Leadership: From Daily Decisions to Global Politics
In the film, Golda Meir is portrayed not only as an experienced politician and strategist but also as an ordinary person with personal experiences. Certain scenes depict her in everyday life, making her character even more relatable and understandable. Some decisions she makes from the heart, such as insisting on the rescue of 400 surrounded soldiers, despite the significant risks involved. Afterward, she struggles for a long time to recover from the experience, adding depth and sincerity to her character.
A significant part of the film focuses on Golda’s negotiations with international allies. Thus, support from the USA, particularly due to the intervention of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, was crucial for acquiring modern military equipment. The scene where Golda serves Kissinger borscht before an important conversation highlights her diplomatic talent and humanity. At the same time, she fiercely defends Israel’s interests, refusing to agree to a ceasefire on unfavorable terms.
Director Guy Nattiv has created a dynamic and emotionally charged biopic that combines the personal experiences of the heroine with tense military-political events. The film impresses with its simplicity, authenticity, and the deep acting performance of Helen Mirren.
‘Golda’ is not just a historical film but a reminder of how important it is to maintain calm, determination, and humanity even in the most challenging trials, which is especially relevant for modern Ukraine.
The trailer for the film ‘Golda’ is available for online viewing.