Ariel Sharon

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Slaves of the Sword

Ariel Sharon

Directed by Paul Jenkins
Produced by Liran Atzmor and Noemi Schory
Executive Producer Esther van Messel

film still A pair of bulldozers start up. They belch smoke and slowly, but inexorably, advance on Palestinian homes in Gaza, preparing to demolish them.

The footage is black-and-white, shot during Ariel Sharon's campaign in the early 1970s to stamp out Palestinian terrorism.

It was only the start of what would become Sharon's three-decade campaign in defense of his vision of Israeli security. A campaign that would include the siege of Beirut, the massacre of 1,000 civilians in the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila, and an aggressive response to the second Intifada.

Sharon's brutal tactics and support for the West Bank settlers' movement have made him a source of controversy in Israel, in the U.S., and internationally. Daniella Weiss, mayor of a West Bank settlement, stands on a hilltop pointing out the Israeli villages that dot the surrounding hilltops. "What Sharon did will prevent the foundation of a Palestinian state," she says. Opponents like outspoken writer and activist Itzhak Labour - who says that Sharonism is "non-stop aggression" - would agree.

Made during Sharon's tenure as prime minister, this film takes a critical yet balanced look at the man whose policies have affected not only Israeli, but also world politics. Using a wealth of archival footage of Sharon - from his early days as head of a commando unit, to his experience on the frontlines of the Yom Kippur war, to the political campaign trail, Slaves of the Sword: Ariel Sharon draws a picture of a man willing to sacrifice both lives and the truth in pursuit of his goals.

"There is not a more controversial or polarizing figure in Israeli politics than Sharon, and... SLAVES OF THE SWORD: ARIEL SHARON is remarkably and admirably balanced. Jenkins goes out of his way to give ample screen time to Sharon's friends and allies...as well as his opponents from both the peace movement and within Likud. The portrait that emerges (highly reminiscent of two no less controversial figures in 20th century American history, George S. Patton and Richard Nixon) is not a comforting one." - Jewish Week

" * * * [three stars]! Recommended! Offers a portrait the nicely balances praise and criticism. Manages to cover Sharon's career economically but insightfully, making expert use of news footage and interviews... A fine biographical introduction." - Video Librarian

"Gripping! Follows the rise of this controversial figure, from military hero to national disgrace, and on to the office of prime minister. The film ends on a note of guarded optimism, if only because its story remains unfinished." - The Village Voice

"A long overdue, thoroughgoing, critical bio. Intensive research, excellent interviewees and an informed view of Sharon's divisive warmaking and governing strategies makes for strong stuff. [The film] captures the extremely complicated nature of Sharon's bloody tactics." - Variety

"***(Three Stars!)" - The New York Post

"Highly Recommended! A key strength... is its effort to provide a balanced view of these Israeli leaders. Friends, family members, allies, and critics provide their perspectives... In addition, the films are visually appealing. Overall, this [film] provides greater insight into the foreign and domestic policy choices of the Israeli government. It assists in understanding the mindset and decisions made by these political leaders." - Educational Media Reviews Online

** 2004 Vancouver International Film Festival

56 minutes / color / 2003
Sale/video: $375
Rental/video: $75

Subject areas: Biographies, Ethics, History (World), Human Rights, Israel, Jewish Studies, Middle East, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Politics, Religion

Related Titles:

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Slaves of the Sword Series: This 3-part series investigates the lives, strengths, and limitations of 3 Israeli general/politicians, and asks: why does Israel, a democracy, continue to choose military men to lead?

Yitzhak Rabin: Examines late Israeli general, statesman, and pioneer for peace in the Middle East, who was assassinated in 1995 while implementing the doomed Oslo peace accords.

Moshe Dayan: An detailed personal and political portrait of the controversial Israeli general turned statesman, a one-time national hero and eventual political exile.

On The Objection Front: When a group of Israeli officers and soldiers announced that, while willing to serve in Israel's defense, they would no longer participate in the "War of the Settlements." they provoked fierce reactions in Israeli society.

Last updated 09/01/2006