One of the original members of the Israeli Air Force as featured in "Above and Beyond"
"Above and Beyond" is the inspirational story of the Machal — a ragtag group of volunteers who helped birth the Israeli Air Force in 1948. Told through the perspective of a group of surviving veterans, this documentary is sure to thrill and excite at this year's Heartland Film Festival.
One part history lesson and two parts motivational tale, "Above and Beyond" sheds light upon the rarely acknowledged Israeli War of Independence. Taking place at the conclusion of World War II, the Machal formed out of necessity to defend Israel from Arab conquest. Consisting of a quirky group of men hellbent on ensuring the survival of their own people, the documentary does a fantastic job of highlighting the unique personality of each pilot.
Risking not only deportation, but their lives to boot, this brave group of men banded together without compensation to ensure freedom for the Jews of Israel. Despite great adversity, many of the Jewish Americans who volunteered their expertise did so knowing they were entering a point of no return. Not only that, but the odds were stacked against an Air Force which, before 1948, didn't even exist.
From a historical perspective the story is simply awe-inspiring, especially given its lack of notoriety. Moreover, the great detail to which each individual's story is told adds an additional layer of depth to an already ambitious documentary. Serving as a proverbial melting pot of courageousness, the Machal serve as a perfect example of the strength of the human condition.
"It wasn't their country, but they made it their war," the film's tagline, is indicative of the heart and soul of the story. What was once merely a footnote in history is now getting the attention it truly deserves. "Above and Beyond" is a much-needed history lesson.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi5L49cG4_4&w=560&h=315]