Helen Mirren gives a nuanced performance in ‘Golda’
In “Golda,” Helen Mirren portrays controversial Israeli leader Golda Meir as neither hero nor villain, but as a complex leader who made difficult decisions under extraordinary circumstances.
A riveting thriller, “Golda” is a must-see for history buffs and fans of political dramas.
Transporting audiences to the heart of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, it recounts a period marked by intense conflict and uncertainty for Israel. Over the course of 19 nail-biting days, Prime Minister Golda Meir, portrayed with gritty determination by Helen, finds herself at the epicenter of a crisis that threatens the very existence of her nation.
With the shadow of Israel’s total annihilation looming, Meir must outmaneuver her doubtful cabinet and navigate a complex web of international relations, particularly with the enigmatic US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (Liev Schreiber). As the clock ticks down, Meir’s unwavering leadership and deep compassion are put to the ultimate test, with millions of lives hanging in the balance.
“Golda” is a story of resilience, strategy, and the heavy burden of leadership, leaving viewers to ponder the controversial legacy of one of the world’s most formidable political figures.
On portraying such a complex and divisive figure on screen, Helen told BBC News: “All I’m doing is playing Golda during the period of the Yom Kippur War. I’m not explaining her, rationalizing her, or reappraising her. I’m just playing a woman of that age dealing with that situation.”
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