Watch Rabin, the Last Day

Rabin, the Last Day is a dramatic film directed by Amos Gitai and released in 2015. The movie takes an in-depth look at the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin on November 4th, 1995. Gitai combines interviews, news footage, and reenactments to create a poignant portrayal of one of the most tragic moments in Israeli history.

The story begins during the days leading up to Rabin's assassination. The Israeli government is in the process of signing the Oslo Accords, a peace agreement with Palestine. Rabin is the primary architect of the agreement, and his efforts to bring peace to the region are met with mixed reactions from the Israeli populace. In the film, we see Rabin portrayed as a man who is struggling with the weight of his decision. He is aware of the danger he faces and expresses concerns about his security.

The plot then jumps back and forth between the events leading up to the assassination and the aftermath of Rabin's death. The film shows footage of the massive protests that rocked Israel in the days following the murder. Extremist groups opposed to the peace agreement were accused of inciting the assassination, and the nation grappled with the question of how to move forward.

Through interviews with politicians, activists, and average Israelis, Gitai explores the complex political climate that surrounded Rabin's death. We see the deep divisions between left-leaning and right-leaning Israelis, and the difficulty many had in accepting the peace process. The movie also delves into the mind of Yigal Amir, the man who assassinated Rabin. Amir was a far-right activist who opposed the Oslo Accords and believed that Rabin was a traitor to the Israeli state.

The film highlights the theme of extremism, both in the political sphere and in the actions of individuals like Amir. We see how the extremist rhetoric coming from either end of the political spectrum can lead to violence and tragedy. At the same time, Gitai also explores the personal toll the assassination took on Rabin's friends and family. His daughter, Noa, is shown mourning her father and struggling to come to terms with his death.

Throughout the film, Gitai maintains a sense of urgency and tension. The scenes leading up to the assassination are particularly powerful, with a palpable sense of suspense building as Rabin walks towards his car after addressing the crowd. The sound design and editing create a haunting atmosphere, adding to the weight of the tragedy.

Ultimately, Rabin, the Last Day is a powerful exploration of a moment in Israeli history that still resonates to this day. Gitai's use of different forms of media, from news footage to interviews to reenactments, creates a rich tapestry of perspectives on the events surrounding Rabin's assassination. The film urges us to reflect on the dangers of extremism and the toll it can take, both nationally and personally. In the end, it is a fitting tribute to a man who worked tirelessly to bring peace to his people, and whose death shook his nation to its core.

Rabin, the Last Day is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 66.