Watch Above and Beyond

Above and Beyond is a 2014 war documentary about the Israeli Air Force's (IAF) role in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The film chronicles the experiences of a group of American World War II pilots who volunteered to help the fledgling Jewish state establish an air force against overwhelming odds. Narrated by actor Paul Reubens, the film combines archival footage, reenactments, and interviews with surviving pilots to tell the story of how Israel acquired its air force. The film begins by exploring how the IAF was formed out of necessity, as the Arab nations surrounding Israel were far better equipped and trained than the new nation.

The filmmakers did an excellent job of balancing historical footage with interviews with the pilots themselves, as well as military historians and figures from the time, like former Prime Minister Shimon Peres. Using historical footage, they show the pilots being trained in America and their journey to the Middle East, where they were initially tasked with smuggling planes into Israel.

The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war, and shows how the IAF struggled with limited resources, primitive equipment, and a shortage of trained pilots. However, the Americans were determined to help Israel succeed, going above and beyond what was asked of them by the Israeli government.

As the war progressed, the IAF grew more efficient and effective, thanks in large part to the contributions of the American volunteers. The film highlights significant moments in the conflict, including the battle for Tel Aviv, as well as the establishment of a blockade that cut off supplies to Arab forces.

The climax of the movie centers around Operation Yoav, a massive Israeli offensive that involved multiple fronts and a coordinated assault on enemy positions. The IAF played a crucial role in the operation, bombing key targets and disrupting Arab supply lines. Viewers are left to wonder if Israel could have succeeded without the vital contributions of these American pilots.

What makes Above and Beyond such a compelling movie is how it showcases the experiences of the pilots themselves. Although many of the volunteers had previously fought in World War II, they were still in their mid-twenties at the time of the Arab-Israeli War. The film captures their youthful enthusiasm and the sense of adventure that drew them to Israel, and it's fascinating to hear them reflect on their experiences decades later.

Perhaps most importantly, Above and Beyond illustrates the pivotal role that air power played in the 1948 conflict. By using their planes effectively, the IAF was able to level the playing field against superior foes and ultimately secure Israel's independence. This underscores the importance of investing in modern military technology and training, even when facing long odds.

Overall, Above and Beyond is an excellent war documentary that is both educational and entertaining. It sheds light on a little-known but essential chapter in the history of the Israeli military and provides a unique perspective on the Arab-Israeli conflict that is accessible to viewers of all ages.

Above and Beyond is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 69.