As a seasoned movie enthusiast with a soft spot for documentaries that unveil the intricacies of political power, I found “The Bibi Files” to be a gripping and enlightening cinematic experience. This film is more than just a critique of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; it’s a heart-wrenching tale of corruption, fear, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
It’s important to clarify that Israeli politics and Jewish religion are distinct entities when criticizing the Israeli government today. Criticisms of Israel, especially as a collective entity, can be considered antisemitic according to a recent bill passed by the U.S. Congress. This bill (H.R. 6090) has not been taken up in the Senate yet, which means critical pieces like this article or documentaries such as “The Bibi Files” could still be shared. This is another example of the growing disregard for law by the Israeli government, symbolized by its long-time Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
If you’re not well-versed in the political scene, “The Bibi Files” provides an insightful, albeit biased, starting point. Even if you’re already familiar with the Netanyahu family, this documentary offers fresh perspectives as it presents interrogation videos featuring Benjamin (also known as Bibi), his third wife Sara, their son Yair, and numerous political figures, oligarchs, employees, and associates within their circle.
You might be familiar with the details of their corruption, but witnessing it unfold carries a distinctly emotional impact that words can’t fully capture. For example, while you may know Sara Netanyahu is perceived as harsh and uncivil, observing her breath heavily, shout in anger, and argue with officers during her interrogation is an entirely different experience. This footage, skillfully integrated with new interviews and historical clips, is exceptionally revealing and maintains a captivating flow. The length of 115 minutes feels more like just an hour.
The Trial of Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu serves as the head of Israel’s Likud political party, a conservative nationalist group that has been influential for the past three decades. He entered the party in 1988 and has been moving around various roles within the Israeli government ever since – from deputy leader to diplomat, prime minister to opposition leader, finance minister to prime minister, repeatedly. In the latest election, he needed to form an alliance with extreme right-wing militarists to retain his power.
The Bibi Files isn’t a traditional history lesson or biography; rather, it offers a focused, detailed account of the corruption allegations against Benjamin Netanyahu and their connection to October 7th and Israel’s ongoing expansion and conflicts. Essentially, it delves into the charges of bribery and fraud leveled against him, making its release timely, as it debuts in theaters (and on JOLT streaming platform) just a day after the first day of Netanyahu’s public corruption trial.
Alex Gibney Hands Over the Leaked Police Footage
Alexis Bloom, known for producing the acclaimed documentary Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes, now brings us The Bibi Files. This straightforward presentation is a result of her past collaborations with Alex Gibney, an esteemed filmmaker who has worked on projects like Taxi to the Dark Side and Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, both of which showcase Gibney’s distinctive editing style. In fact, it was Gibney himself who received leaked interrogation footage in 2023 and played a part in producing The Bibi Files. This film also boasts Andy Grieve, an editor on several Gibney documentaries, as one of its key contributors.
In this production by Grieve and Bloom, they skillfully captivate viewers with unseen interrogation clips as a variety of interviewed individuals offer their well-structured insights. Titled The Bibi Files, the documentary showcases intimate interviews with Netanyahu’s ex-associates, journalists, survivors of the Oct. 7th incident, and notably, Bibi’s close advisor and campaign manager, Nir Hefetz. The narrative subsequently delves into a concise overview of Bibi’s life journey, his political rise, and his shift towards more extreme right-wing ideologies. Archival footage and interviews seamlessly complement each other in this engaging documentary.
The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Netanyahus
However, the highlight of the documentary lies in the leaked interrogation videos, which show the diligent work of the police, journalists, and the attorney general’s office as they interrogate and successfully flip those close to the Netanyahu family.
In simpler terms,
One troubling element of the video is observing the apparent self-assuredness and invulnerability the Netanyahus seem to think they possess, coupled with a clear disregard for ethics, law, and Israeli citizens. The way Bibi pretends to know nothing during questioning from multiple officers is almost amusing. It’s unfortunate that he arrogantly taps on the table, crying, “False!” while being presented with evidence such as documents, testimonies, and recordings that implicate him.
If you believe Bibi is problematic, you haven’t encountered Sara Netanyahu, who appears more like a malevolent spirit than a human being. A heavy drinker according to those around her, Sara berates and demeans the officers during her questioning attempts. Without a hint of self-reflection, this entity gives off the vibe of an overused rich villain in almost every movie you’ve ever watched. Simultaneously, their son, with his foul mouth, abuses police officers just as he dehumanizes every Arab in his frequent online and podcast calls for genocide. What a fascinating family.
‘The Bibi Files’ Goes From Fraud to Genocide
“What stands out most in The Bibi Files is its exploration of the link between Netanyahu’s alleged crimes and the ongoing situation in Gaza, which has been labeled as genocide by various organizations such as Amnesty International, the United Nations, Jewish Voice for Peace, the International Federation for Human Rights, and numerous other bodies, experts, and influential figures. The film suggests that Netanyahu’s growing apprehension about facing imprisonment has fueled a more aggressive military campaign, with Israel currently engaged in operations not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria. This might resonate with Americans who believe that Trump ran for President partially to evade potential prison time.
A shared trait between Trump and Netanyahu is their attempt to exercise power in an effort to halt the public screening of movies that were unfavorable towards them. For instance, Trump sought to stop airing episodes of The Apprentice, while Netanyahu aimed to prevent the premiere of The Bibi Files at the Toronto International Film Festival. Isn’t it telling for democratic leaders to engage in such behavior?…
The Bibi Files is a cold and crisp look at corruption until it enters its searing and emotional third act, incorporating the events of Oct. 7th and Israel’s subsequent actions. The footage is horrifying on both sides; you may want to look away from the screen at several points. We’re introduced to the family members of Israeli hostages who are critical of the government, but who fear retribution. There’s a powerful interview with a wise young woman from a kibbutz who watched Hamas kill dozens of her friends and loved ones. Her quiet but pointed critique of Netanyahu may even be more affecting than the crimes against him.
The Bibi Files – A Cry for Justice
From Jigsaw Productions comes “The Bibi Files”, now playing in cinemas. You can check theater showtimes [here](link). Additionally, the movie is available for streaming on JOLT [here](link).
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2024-12-13 04:02