Watch Policeman
- NR
- 2014
- 1 hr 45 min
-
6.3 (1,104)
Policeman is an intense and thought-provoking drama from 2011, directed by Nadav Lapid. The film tells two intertwining stories. The first follows a group of wealthy and privileged Israeli villagers, who live in a gated community and enjoy a life of luxury. The second story follows a group of young Israeli anti-terrorist police officers, who are tasked with tracking down a group of militant anarchists.
Yaron (Yiftach Klein) is the leader of the police force, a dedicated and skilled officer who has become disillusioned with his work. He is married to a beautiful woman named Anat (Yaara Pelzig), and they are expecting their first child. Despite his privileged position, Yaron sympathizes with the anarchists and their desire to change society.
Meanwhile, a group of young anarchists is planning a terrorist attack on a major Israeli target. Led by the charismatic and ideologically motivated Natanel (Michael Moshonov), the anarchists represent a radical alternative to the complacent and materialistic lives of the villagers.
As the two stories unfold, the viewer is drawn into a complex and emotionally charged narrative. The villagers are presented as shallow and self-absorbed, with little concern for the world outside their own gated community. The police officers, by contrast, are shown to be deeply committed to their work, but also increasingly alienated from mainstream Israeli society.
The film is shot in a distinctive and arresting style, with long takes and static camera shots that give it a documentary-like feel. The use of natural light and muted colors creates an atmosphere of dread and tension, as the two stories move inexorably towards a violent confrontation.
Throughout the film, there are moments of quiet introspection and reflection, as the characters struggle with their roles in Israeli society. Yaron, in particular, is torn between his loyalty to the police force and his sympathy for the anarchists. He is a complex and nuanced character, whose inner turmoil is conveyed with subtle and powerful acting.
The film's depiction of Israeli society is uncompromising and challenging. It highlights the deep divisions between different groups within the country, and the difficulty of finding common ground. The wealthy villagers are presented as a symbol of the country's materialistic excess, while the anarchists represent a desire for radical change that threatens the existing order.
Policeman is a powerful and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about Israeli society and the role of the police in maintaining order. It is a complex and multi-layered work that rewards repeated viewings, as the viewer comes to understand the motivations and actions of the characters.
The film is beautifully shot and expertly directed, with a strong sense of pacing and visual storytelling. The use of naturalistic performances and a non-linear narrative structure creates a sense of immediacy and urgency that keeps the viewer engaged throughout.
In conclusion, Policeman is a striking and essential work of Israeli cinema, that offers a fresh and provocative perspective on the complexities of Israeli society. It is a film that demands attention and discussion, and one that will stay with the viewer long after the credits have rolled.
Policeman is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 79.