Watch Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story

Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story is a 2012 biographical documentary film that takes viewers on a journey through the life of Yonatan "Yoni" Netanyahu, an Israeli commando who was tragically killed during a top-secret mission to rescue hostages at Entebbe Airport in Uganda in 1976. The film, directed by Ari Daniel Pinchot and narrated by Netanyahu's younger brother, Benjamin Netanyahu (who would later become Israel's Prime Minister), opens with a montage of newsreel footage from the Entebbe crisis, which serves as the backdrop for the film's narrative. From there, we are introduced to Yoni Netanyahu, a charismatic and determined young man who is portrayed as something of a rebel in his early years. He is seen in archival footage swimming in the ocean with his father, Shimon Netanyahu (a prominent Zionist intellectual and right-wing activist), and later attending school in the United States, where he becomes involved in left-wing activism and anti-war protests.

However, after returning to Israel and joining the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Yoni undergoes a transformation and becomes a model soldier and leader. The film traces his military career, from his service as a paratrooper in the Six-Day War, to his role as a commander in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, and finally to his untimely death at Entebbe.

Throughout the film, we hear from friends, family members, and fellow soldiers who knew Yoni, and who speak passionately about his bravery, integrity, and commitment to Israel's security. We also see interviews with figures such as former Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former US President Bill Clinton, who offer their perspectives on Yoni's legacy and the significance of the Entebbe raid.

Despite its heavy subject matter, Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story is a visually stunning film, with breathtaking aerial footage of Israel's landscape, as well as rare archival footage of Yoni and his comrades in action. The film is also notable for its use of animation to illustrate key moments in Yoni's life and military career, a technique that adds a unique and artistic touch to the storytelling.

Overall, Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story is a moving and informative tribute to a true hero of Israel's military history. Through its combination of archival footage, interviews, and creative storytelling techniques, the film offers a compelling and nuanced portrait of a complex and inspirational figure, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Israelis and supporters of the State of Israel around the world.

Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 58.