BEAUFORT

Joseph Cedar Written by Joseph Cedar, Ron Leshem Starring: Oshri Cohen, Itay Tiran, Eli Eltonyo, Itay Turgeman, Ohad Knoller Distributed by: United King Films, Kino International Released on March 28th, 2008 in a limited U.K. release. Review by Michael Edwards

rating: 2.5

Have you ever watched a film or play abut the First World War? If so, have you ever thought that modern warfare in Lebanon might have been a bit like that? If you have, you probably share something in common with filmmaker Joseph Cedar, whose portrayal of the experiences of a small number of Israeli troops defending a cavernous, concrete encased fortress in Southern Lebanon bears remarkable resemblance to the many portrayals of the psychological ravages of WWI trenches. The fortress in question is the eponymous Beaufort, an ancient piece of masonry dating back to the crusades which as much mythology as bloodshed attached to its walls. The film takes place in 2000 when the Israeli forces abandoned the post after eighteen years of occupation. In between the opening of the film and the explosive destruction of the fortress by retreating Israelis we are treated to two hours of occasionally poignant, frequently picturesque but often mundane and predictable set-pieces about the fear, unpredictability and psychological impact of warfare. The winding tunnels surrounding Beaufort are reminiscent of trenches, the long scenes of quiet before the rocket attacks, the youth of the protagonists and the unshakeable sense of hopelessness all slot together to create a bleak and cohesive movie, but lacks originality to my mind. The fact that Beaufort was up for the best foreign language feature Oscar is in part due to the cohesion and overall well-polished finish of the movie, but also I suspect down to the much-needed humanisation of those Israeli soldiers who are so often reduced to polemical political diatribes in the media today. A worthy cause perhaps, but not always the greatest basis for an enjoyable few hours of viewing. Having said all that, although the plot is predictable, (a character has only to reveal a snippet of his future plans or personal life before his 'untimely' demise), and the combat scenes frequently somewhat hammed-up, there is an earnestness in this film and a quiet integrity in the performances that draw you inside and weave you into this depressing world of painful routine, punctuated by senseless and, most importantly, faceless slaughter. The focus of the film is, I think, not in its political agenda. The tale is simply one of the immense personal suffering that befalls those at the centre of conflict, a tale that should be told again and again. I just wish that this tale was told with a bit more style and flair to punctuate the poignancy of the banal. Beaufort is released in selected UK cinemas on 28th March.