The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers

"The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers" (2013 release; 114 min.) is the first of a 2 part, 4 hour documentary based on the bestselling book "The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership" by Yehuda Avner. Avner served for 4 decades in various capacities at the ISraeli government, including being Ambassador to the UK, and as Speechwriter and Secretary to Prime Ministers Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir, among many other roles.

Several comments: In this first movie, after an introduction on Avner's background (borin in Manchester in the late 20s) and how he came to Israel, we get Avner's accounts of what Prime Ministers Eshkel and Meir were like. It is clear that Avner hold Meir in particular high esteem, as he speaks reverently about her. Second, besides the narrative from Avner, what is particularly interesting is the archival footage and pictures that accompany Avner's narration. Check out President Johnson's hosting of Eshkel and his entourage (including Avner) at Johnson's vast ranch in Texas in 1967, priceless! Third, at times (but thankfully not too often), some historical conversations are re-enacted by voice-overs, including Sandra Bullock voicing Golda Meir, and Leonard Nimoy voicing Levi Eshkol. Fourth, it still amazes when you look back to certain moments in time, such as: Israel hanging on for dear life in the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and when the US is getting ready to send over equipment to help Israel, NOT A SINGLE European country allowed the American planes to land for refueling purposes. Just wow. Last, there is a nice orchestral score to this documentary, composed by Lee Holdridge and performed by the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra.

This just opened at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati and the screening I saw this at was not very well attended, regretfully. That said, for me personally the documentary flew by in no time, I couldn't believe when the house lights came on. I enjoyed this quite a bit, and most likely I will also check out the second part (called "Soldiers and Peacemakers"), which will be out later in 2014. If you have an interest in world history, or simply want to see what a great leader can do for a country, you'll definitely want to check this out. "The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

This film is the first part of a two-part adaptation of Yehuda Avner's bestselling memoir "The Prime Ministers: An Intimate Narrative of Israeli Leadership." Avner is a very well-placed source because he served as a speech writer, secretary, and adviser to four Israeli Prime Ministers — Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, and Menachem Begin. He later served in diplomatic posts such as Israel's Ambassador to Britain, Ireland and Australia.

As Israel has fought a number of wars since the founding of the state in 1948 its leaders have been tested more than most, and Avner was right there when decisions that were crucial to the future of the country were made. His stories about about the behind-the-scenes details of political events from 1948 through the Six Day war should be of interest of history buffs and those interested in the psychology of world leaders. The director's decision to supplement the historical footage and interviews with excerpts from speeches read by famous actors was an unfortunate one, however. Although Leonard Nimoy does a creditable job voicing prime minister Levi Eshkil, it's kind of difficult to get over the "Mr. Spock" effect. Sandra Bullock, on the other hand, makes a laughable Golda Meir.

Some critics have faulted or even dismissed the movie because it doesn't present a balanced view of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The film never pretends, however, to be anything other than a memoir of one man's personal experiences. He happens to be an Israeli, so naturally, the film reflects that viewpoint. If you don't like Israel or Israelis, don't go to see this film.

I have just seen the second part of this wonderful series. Both parts are excellent. It is a personal view of an intelligent insider who attended many of the significant events of Israel's "rebirth" and coming of age. It is described with tact, as expected from a diplomat, insight and often humour. The footage is terrific. Not only do we meet the 5 Prime Ministers of Israel, each significant in his or her own way, but there are also vignettes with a number of American Presidents as well as Anwar Sadat who showed statesmanship and courage making an historic peace deal with Israel. This is a quality and entertaining documentary from a talented man who has left the world a fine, personal legacy. These films are not recommended for Israel bashers and anti-Semites.