Golda Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An old lady smokes a lot and makes important decisions during a war, probably because she misplaced her knitting needles.

🍿 Golda: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Premise

The film centers on Golda Meir, Israel’s Prime Minister, during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Facing immense pressure and high stakes, Golda must navigate critical decisions to protect her nation. The movie highlights her intense responsibilities and the immense weight of leadership during a time of national crisis.

Rising Tensions and the Yom Kippur War

As tensions escalate, Egypt and Syria launch a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, catching Israel off guard. Golda, grappling with lymphoma treatments and facing skepticism from her male-dominated cabinet, must make crucial decisions to mobilize defenses and seek international support. The initial days of the war are marked by heavy losses and a desperate struggle for survival.

Behind Closed Doors

The film offers a glimpse into the intense behind-the-scenes discussions between Golda and her advisors, including Minister of Defense Moshe Dayan and Chief of Staff David Elazar. Simultaneously, she negotiates with U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, seeking crucial military and diplomatic assistance. The film portrays her determination to secure aid while navigating complex international relations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Golda Meir (Helen Mirren): The ‘Iron Lady of Israel’ faces immense pressure and critical decisions during the Yom Kippur War.
• Moshe Dayan (Rami Heuberger): As the Minister of Defense, he grapples with the unfolding crisis and its impact on Israel’s security.
• David ‘Dado’ Elazar (Lior Ashkenazi): The Chief of Staff who bears the responsibility of Israel’s military strategy during the Yom Kippur War.
• Lou Kaddar (Camille Cottin): Golda Meir’s loyal personal assistant, offering unwavering support and companionship during the war.
• Henry Kissinger (Liev Schreiber): The U.S. Secretary of State navigates the complex relationship between the United States and Israel during the Yom Kippur War.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Henry Kissinger: “Madam Prime Minister, in terms of our work together, I think it’s important for you to remember that I am first an American, second I’m Secretary of State, and third, I am a Jew.” – Kissinger attempts to define his priorities during a tense negotiation with Golda Meir, emphasizing his loyalty to the United States.
• Golda Meir: “You forget that in Israel we read from right to left.” – Golda responds to Kissinger’s statement, cleverly pointing out that in Israel, his Jewish identity comes first.
• Golda Meir: “Teach our enemies a lesson they’ll never forget.” – Said during a cabinet meeting, reflecting her determination to defend Israel at any cost.

💰Box Office

• Budget: None
• Domestic Gross: $4,801,781
• Worldwide Gross: $7,039,700

💥 Golda Reviews

Personal Review

I was fascinated by Helen Mirren’s portrayal of Golda Meir. Seeing the weight of the Yom Kippur War on her shoulders was intense! The scenes with Henry Kissinger were particularly gripping, and I really felt the tension in the war room. I learned so much about Golda Meir and appreciated the focus on her leadership during such a critical time. It really made me think about the sacrifices leaders make.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in Israeli history”
  • “Admirers of Helen Mirren”
  • “Those interested in political thrillers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence”
  • “Smoking”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief strong language”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Helen Mirren delivers a solid performance as Golda Meir facing immense pressure during the Yom Kippur War. The film focuses on the political and strategic challenges she faced. While historically engaging, some viewers may find the pacing slow. Mirren’s transformation is remarkable.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Golda offers a compelling, albeit somewhat narrow, look at Golda Meir’s leadership during the Yom Kippur War. Helen Mirren’s performance is a standout, capturing the strength and vulnerability of the ‘Iron Lady.’ However, the film struggles to delve deeper into the historical context.

Audience Reactions

Helen Mirren’s transformation into Golda Meir is incredible and believable.: Viewers praise Helen Mirren’s performance as a standout element of the movie.

The film provides a good overview of the political tensions during the Yom Kippur War.: Many appreciate the movie for shedding light on a significant historical event.

Overall Consensus: A historically engaging film, elevated by Helen Mirren’s compelling performance as Golda Meir, but may lack depth for some viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Helen Mirren spent approximately 3.5 hours each day in the makeup chair to transform into Golda Meir, focusing on details like facial prosthetics and nicotine-stained fingers.”
• “The film incorporates actual news clips from the Yom Kippur War era to provide historical context and a documentary-like feel.”
• “The cabinet room used in many scenes is an exact replica of the real cabinet used in the Kirya base in Tel Aviv.”
• “The filmmakers consulted with Zvi Zamir, the former director of Mossad, for accuracy regarding intelligence matters during the Yom Kippur War.”

🖥️ How to Watch Golda?

As of October 2024, “Golda” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for streaming availability as services and offerings may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Golda, you might like these similar films:

• Darkest Hour (2017): Both films depict a leader under immense pressure during a critical period of war, making difficult decisions for their nation’s survival.
• The Iron Lady (2011): Another biographical drama about a powerful female leader facing political challenges and personal struggles.
• Munich (2005): Deals with the aftermath of the Munich Massacre and Israel’s response, exploring themes of retaliation and moral complexities in times of conflict.
• A Woman Called Golda (1982): An earlier biographical TV miniseries about Golda Meir, offering a broader look at her life and career.

🛒 Golda Related Products

• Golda: A Biography: A detailed biography exploring Golda Meir’s life, from her early years to her influential role as Prime Minister of Israel. Gain deeper insights into her decisions and legacy.
• Yom Kippur War: The Epic Encounter That Transformed the Middle East: An in-depth historical account of the Yom Kippur War, providing detailed context and analysis of the conflict’s impact on the Middle East.
• Israel Flag: A high-quality Israeli flag to show your support for the nation and its history. Made from durable materials for indoor or outdoor use.
• Helen Mirren Signed Photo: A professionally printed and signed photo of Helen Mirren. Perfect for fans and collectors.

🎧 Soundtrack

Golda features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Who by Fire” – performed by Leonard Cohen

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Spielberg Jewish Film Archive – Line of Life with Golda Meir

Ever wondered what Golda Meir really thought? This rare interview from 1977 gives you a glimpse into her hopes and dreams for Israel. It’s fascinating to hear her perspective directly!

Why Did The Yom Kippur War Happen?

Want to understand the events that shaped ‘Golda’? This video breaks down the complex causes of the Yom Kippur War. I found it super helpful in putting the movie’s events into context.

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