The Gatekeepers
User Score
7.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12

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  1. foxgrove
    Apr 16, 2013
    6
    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 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
  2. jeremyp
    Mar 16, 2013
    10
    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 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!… Collapse
  3. DanDC
    Mar 2, 2013
    10
    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. One of the most memorable films I've seen in years. The humanity and the internal conflict of the interviewees shines through.
  4. Isaac_adhd
    Feb 4, 2013
    10
    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 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.”
  5. MarcDoyle
    Feb 4, 2013
    8
    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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
91 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Empire
    Reviewed by: David Hughes
    Apr 8, 2013
    100
    Insightful, revelatory and profound, Moreh's Oscar-nominated documentary combines riveting interviews, archive footage and - yes - state-of-the-art photographic effects to offer a unique perspective on the Israel-Palestine issue.
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  2. St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Reviewed by: Calvin Wilson
    Mar 14, 2013
    88
    Although The Gatekeepers lacks the stylistic inventiveness of “Fog,” it is nonetheless a compelling account of what can go wrong when power is unrestrained.
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  3. Arizona Republic
    Reviewed by: Bill Goodykoontz
    Mar 1, 2013
    90
    Using the interviews along with news footage and occasional re-enactments, Moreh conducts a kind of primer in the organization’s history, which is, in its own way, a history of modern Israel. It’s fascinating.
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