Watch Beneath the Helmet

Beneath the Helmet is an emotional and inspiring documentary that tells the story of a group of young Israelis as they go through their military service. The film follows five young soldiers, including an immigrant from Ethiopia, a Russian immigrant, a religious Jewish student, a secular Tel Avivian, and a Bedouin serving in the IDF's combat division.

Directed and produced by David Coleman, the movie offers a unique perspective on the daily life of Israeli soldiers and their families. Through interviews with the young soldiers, their parents, and commanders, the documentary gives a glimpse into the challenges, hopes, and dreams of these young people who are serving to protect their country.

The movie starts with a brief history of Israel and its wars, establishing the importance and necessity of the Israeli Defense Forces. It then moves into the personal stories of the soldiers, each one sharing their motivations for joining the army and their thoughts on the conflict. The young soldiers open up about the pressure of serving their country, the risks they face, and their longing for home.

The documentary also showcases the diversity of Israeli society, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of different groups within the army. We hear from an Ethiopian immigrant who feels out of place in the army and struggles with discrimination, a religious Jewish student who grapples with the military's secular culture, and a Bedouin who faces prejudice and distrust from his fellow soldiers due to his Arab heritage.

Despite their differences, the soldiers all share a deep commitment to their mission and a sense of duty towards their country. They work together to overcome challenges and create strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie. As the documentary follows them through their training, we see them grow and develop, both as soldiers and as individuals.

One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is the relationships that the young soldiers form with their families. We see the parents' fears and anxieties as their children go through dangerous training and missions, and the soldiers' own struggles with being away from their loved ones. The emotional reunions between the soldiers and their families towards the end of the movie are truly heartwarming and highlight the sacrifice that both soldiers and their families make for their country.

Throughout the movie, the soldiers also discuss their hopes and dreams for the future. One soldier dreams of becoming an astronaut, while another hopes to become a lawyer. Despite the hardships of serving in the military, they all have a strong faith in the future and the belief that they can make a positive impact on the world.

Overall, Beneath the Helmet is a powerful and moving documentary that humanizes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and provides a unique perspective on the lives of young Israelis. The film is a testament to the courage and dedication of the soldiers serving in the IDF and a reminder of the importance of supporting those who are willing to put their lives on the line for their country.

Beneath the Helmet is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.