The Gatekeepers

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: February 1, 2013

6.8	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 32 Ratings

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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