One of two companion documentaries from directors Joanna Natasegara and Richard Symons, The Price of Kings: Shimon Peres looks at the life of current Israeli president Shimon Peres. Born into a devout Polish Jewish family, Peres immigrated to Israel before World War II and the holocaust, which claimed the lives of many of his family. His contribution to the Israeli efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the 1940s and the foundation of the State of Israel in 1948 is discussed through a series of interviews with his contemporaries, his granddaughter and news footage. There are also interviews with Shimon Peres himself.
As Shimon Peres nears the end of his life and political career, the documentary considers the legacy he has created so far. Told from an Israeli point of view, this documentary wishes to create a portrait of Shimon Peres during his long and often changing political career. He is shown to be both respected and opposed and a man determined to serve his country. Due to the sensitive nature of the political topic, the interviewees are quite measured in how they answer each question. Peres is known for internalising his emotions and his poker face is explained by many during the documentary but none so interestingly as the man himself.
The sacrifices required of his family are also discussed with one of Peres’ granddaughters talking about her experiences with her grandfather and what it means to be related to such a public figure. The roots of his political aspirations are explained for those who are not familiar with the story with the documentary makers, being mindful that the audience needs to be given some information regarding the ongoing political situation in Israel.
The ramifications of the decisions made by Peres and his colleagues down through the years have often created life or death situations and this responsibility is duly considered from many angles. The documentary does not shy away from the Israelis that oppose and question Peres, with some giving hard line or more moderate criticism of the president.
Well photographed, with seamless editing and use of news footage, the documentary does shine a necessary light on a political figure that has been so important on the world political stage for so long. The companion piece to this documentary is The Price of Kings: Yasser Arafat; a discussion of a significant Palestinian statesman. The decision to make separate documentaries using the same title but highlighting different Israeli politicians makes for an intriguing film making opportunity.
Though it is a pity that a Palestinian perspective on Shimon Peres is not included, the documentary does make for an interesting insight on Israel and the various attitudes of the diasporas to their current president, one of the founding creators of the State of Israel.
Mairéad has awarded The Price of Kings: Shimon Peres three torches of truth.
{ 0 comments… add one now }