Image of Victory

I almost never watch foreign language films but was enticed by the appeal to actual events, and I actually enjoyed those aspects of the film. The acting was fairly good and the humorous parts were plausible. What I disliked was the portrayal of the Egyptian film Director. It's hard for me to digest a dyed-in-the-wool antagonist being 'haunted' by the woman's smile. The film reminded me of the pro-war films during the post-WW2 and Vietnam eras: "We" are good and 'the Other' is evil/incompetent'.

This film happened to be well done, with some human interest threads.

It's an amazon movie, the best of Avi Nesher so far (and he produced many great movies). The story as well as the actors, plot, soundtrack and camera effects - all is just perfect. I don't want to write any spoilers but I really encourage you to see it in the cinema (better than on Netflix)

So first in general I love Avi neshers works . He has some gems . This is one of them. It's a great film. There's one major issue . Gratuitous nudity . To which there's no need ..... I don't understand why this was added to film. It adds nothing and makes it unable to be watched by kids and religus . This could be shown in school if not for that or to children . Due to that wouldnt.... It's a powerful movie . I don't agree with all the points made but I think Avi is fair and trust to be neutral. Hes done this in the past . Which is rare as most Israeli media is super left wing . He shows the good , bad and ugly . Would give 10/10 if not for unnecessary nudity ....

Exceptional movie. Someone wrote it is anti-war movie. It is not anti-war movie, it is anti those who start the wars, who abuse peoples' elevated emotions and send them to kill and to be killed, instead of trying to resolve the existing grievances in a peaceful way. It also directed against those who makes an entertainment from the human tragedies depicting them as an "image of victory", just like ancient Romans found a fun in watching gladiators fights. It tells how little progress we made in the last 2000 years, despite our achievement in technology and science. It also gives a clever idea that what you may see as your victory in reality could be the image of your defeat.

One objection I have to the movie is how it portrays Aba Kovner. Aba Kovner was one of the leaders of the unground resistance in Vilnius ghetto, a heroic fighter against Nazis and a prolific poet. You can find more information about him by surfing the internet.

Very well made Israeli movie with excellent characters,wonderful acting (Joy Reiger is sensational) what I liked most is that it's a true story. The action scenes are very realistic and the human emotional scenes are very touching. The director did a tremendous job. You will love it.