Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Historical drama has wartime violence, frequent smoking.
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Golda
What's the Story?
In GOLDA, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir (Helen Mirren) finds herself in a tense period of leadership during the Yom Kippur War of 1973, when her nation is faced with complete destruction. With potentially millions of lives in the balance, she and her cabinet must make huge decisions that could ultimately decide the fate of the Israel she loves.
Is It Any Good?
While the decision to choose a non-Jewish or Israeli actor to play the titular role has drawn controversy, Mirren is characteristically reliable in embodying Israel's fourth Prime Minister. Golda concentrates as much on a moment in history as it does on the woman nicknamed the "Iron Lady" (a moniker she was handed long before Margaret Thatcher). Rather than exploring the character's past or even family -- she had two children, though is seen alone but for her assistant (a practical but caring Camille Cottin) -- the film focuses on a 19-day period, punctuated by a tribunal that followed. Mirren shows great levels of emotion through quite heavy prosthetics. There are enjoyable moments of sarcasm and sly manipulation that peek at a more interesting side to the political figure. But when compared to the real-life footage of Golda shown toward the end of the film -- vivacious, self-assured, celebrated; upstaging a table full of male politicians at the peace accord -- it feels like the movie never quite captures the energy or gets beneath the skin of the infamous figure. A well-made retelling of an important moment in history, and an interesting spotlight on a controversial woman, the movie is enjoyable but less impactful than its subject matter may promise.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the historical and biographical nature of Golda. How much did you know about Golda or the Yom Kippur War before watching the movie? Did you learn anything new? What do you think can be the pitfalls of portraying real-life characters and events on-screen? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
There has been controversy around the casting of Helen Mirren in the role of Golda Meir because she is neither Israeli nor Jewish and wore heavy prosthetics for the role. How do you feel about the casting? How do you think it ties into wider conversations about representation of marginalized groups on-screen?
While Golda is a complex character, she shows courage and perseverance, and moments of empathy. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times in your life when you've shown these qualities?
How was smoking depicted in the film? Do you think attitudes to smoking have changed since when the movie was set? Why, or why why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 25, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : September 19, 2023
- Cast : Helen Mirren , Camille Cottin , Liev Schreiber
- Director : Guy Nattiv
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Bleecker Street Media , ShivHans Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material and pervasive smoking
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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