Beaufort

Israel 2007

Poster and details imdb

Seen 26 July 2007

An Israeli film which highlights the last days of an army team at Beaufort, a historical outpost in southern Lebanon. The outpost was secured by the Israelis earlier during their incursion into Lebanon. The location is very strategic as it is on a mountain top. The site has seen many battles since time immemorial. The fact that the Israelis gained a foothold there was a triumph for the nation but eventually they had to leave as peace negotiations were ongoing. But before they leave the army planned to destroy the outpost leaving no trace of human existence there.

The film focuses on the commander of the outpost and his team. The emotional struggles during the last few days are heightened as attacks continued from the Hizbullah. Political decisions had to be obeyed and sometimes the wait is more torturous than the actual fighting. Unnecessary deaths occur and the blame game is openly debated.

A quote from one of the fathers who lost his son at the outpost might summarise the feelings of a grieving parent. He said he failed in bringing up his son properly or else the son would still be alive. He does not blame the military or the politicians but himself. His son did not learn adequately the lessons of fear.