The Gatekeepers
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: February 1, 2013
6.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 32 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
19
Mixed:
7
Negative:
6
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
Isaac_adhdFeb 4, 2013
Still, for all the exploits and moments of success, the prevailing tone at the end is one of near-despair over the future of Israel on the part of knowledgeable patriots who have spent their lives manning the ramparts. The climactic commentsStill, for all the exploits and moments of success, the prevailing tone at the end is one of near-despair over the future of Israel on the part of knowledgeable patriots who have spent their lives manning the ramparts. The climactic comments of all six participants lament weak-willed leadership, an Israel that's become a “police state,” and a point at which “We've become...cruel.”… Expand
4 of 4 users found this helpful40
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10
jeremypMar 16, 2013
An absolute must for anyone who has followed the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, but from the mouth of one side looking back on history, and from people who should know, and who are amazingly frank and self reflective. Former leaders of ShinAn absolute must for anyone who has followed the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, but from the mouth of one side looking back on history, and from people who should know, and who are amazingly frank and self reflective. Former leaders of Shin Bet, the Israeli secret service, are interviewed and are surprisingly candid, wise, philosophic and even rueful about their business. A cautionary tale indeed and quite appropriate in this day of occupation,drones and special ops. Now if we could only get something similar from the other side!… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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10
DanDCMar 2, 2013
Outstanding documentary. Essential viewing for those who care about the future of Israel (as opposed to those who prefer to score cheap points by taking an easy position on Israel-Palestine). Compelling, frightening, and very insightful. OneOutstanding documentary. Essential viewing for those who care about the future of Israel (as opposed to those who prefer to score cheap points by taking an easy position on Israel-Palestine). Compelling, frightening, and very insightful. One of the most memorable films I've seen in years. The humanity and the internal conflict of the interviewees shines through.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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1
MorriBeyJul 19, 2013
Dramatic documentary about colonial occupation and murder of indigenous inhabitants told without remorse. Its a movie one would expect in a parallel universe where the bad guys won but horrifying it exists in ours.
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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8
MarcDoyleFeb 4, 2013
I thought that I knew a little something about the internal politics of Israel. Obviously not enough. This is an incredibly interesting look into an organization from the men who ran it during very difficult periods of recent history.I thought that I knew a little something about the internal politics of Israel. Obviously not enough. This is an incredibly interesting look into an organization from the men who ran it during very difficult periods of recent history. Shockingly candid accounts with at least some perspective on and temporal distance from the events. This may strike many as minor, but the only aspect of the film that rubs me the wrong way is the way the filmmakers use what looks like video-game graphics to fill-in or connect the very famous photographs from these conflicts. For such an austere conversation, it pulls me out of the moment.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
jon44Nov 1, 2018
In spite of its spare visual style, this is the most engrossing documentary I've seen. Brings up so many complex moral issues in a way that's incredibly compelling. While all of the interviewees offer little hope for a peaceful pathIn spite of its spare visual style, this is the most engrossing documentary I've seen. Brings up so many complex moral issues in a way that's incredibly compelling. While all of the interviewees offer little hope for a peaceful path forward, their own ability to show compassion and wisdom at least offers something.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
TyranianDec 22, 2019
Fascinating documentary that condemns Israel's counter-terrorism measures but doesn't delve too deeply into why they might be necessary.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
BestponyJul 22, 2013
I'd recommend this film to anyone interested in the gray areas of modern democracies. It's not just about the Shin Bet, or Israel, or the Middle Eastern situation. Ultimately, it's about any country that has to straddle the line betweenI'd recommend this film to anyone interested in the gray areas of modern democracies. It's not just about the Shin Bet, or Israel, or the Middle Eastern situation. Ultimately, it's about any country that has to straddle the line between transparency and human rights on the one hand, and the safety of its citizens on the other. The real strength of the film and its main selling point is that Moreh mostly lets these men talk, and the interviews offer brutally honest confessions and profound questions that you just won't get from someone who hasn't spent years steeped in the conflict.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
foxgroveApr 16, 2013
A fascinating and interesting documentary about the Shin Bet, Israel's security agency. The film expertly mixes archive footage with six talking heads, who were former leaders of the organisation, to present a disturbing portrait from allA fascinating and interesting documentary about the Shin Bet, Israel's security agency. The film expertly mixes archive footage with six talking heads, who were former leaders of the organisation, to present a disturbing portrait from all sides. As one former leader says 'One man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter'. The film does get a bit bogged down with less interesting asides, but generally it's on the money. It also lends credence to the famous quote 'What's the definition of hell on earth'? Answer Other People! After watching this I can only agree.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
NCDoctomJul 18, 2013
This is a fascinating movie no doubt. It is also depressing in the extreme, be sure to take a double dose of your favorite anti-depressant before and after you go. This movie gives credence to the adage that power corrupts. The power of theThis is a fascinating movie no doubt. It is also depressing in the extreme, be sure to take a double dose of your favorite anti-depressant before and after you go. This movie gives credence to the adage that power corrupts. The power of the Israeli intelligence agency has been and continues to be a terrible thing. I left the movie feeling so sad not just for the Palestinians, but for the Israeli citizens, who have had to endure 60 plus years of strife. What a shame.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
EpicLadySpongeOct 20, 2016
The Gatekeepers manage to keep this documentary filled of surprises and interesting facts. 2013 has always been filled, if so, with one of the possible movies where everything is possible. Oh wait, that's every year.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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