Azimuth

Azimuth, released in 2017, is a profound and thought-provoking war drama, directed by Mike Burstyn, that dives deep into the human psyche and the blurred lines that exist amidst the hues of conflict, fear, and survival. The movie features a compelling cast, led by Yiftach Klein and Sammy Sheik, with a notable supporting portrayal by Alon Dahan.

The narrative unfolds against the grim backdrop of the Six-Day War in 1967, between Israel and its neighboring states, a historical event that marks a crucial turning point in the history of the Middle East. Rather than showcasing the war on a large scale, the film chooses to take a more intimate approach by narrowing down the focus to two soldiers, one Israeli and one Egyptian, who embody the tension, angst, and rage of nations at war.

Yiftach Klein, known for his compelling performances in various acclaimed Israeli productions, slips into the character of an Israeli soldier who, like many of his compatriots, is thrust into a brutal war against his will. Although he initially appears to be the embodiment of the hardened soldier, Klein’s performance gradually peels back the layers to reveal a war-weary man struggling to comprehend the insanity around him.

Contrasting Klein is Sammy Sheik, an Egyptian soldier equally caught in the web of the escalating conflict. Sheik delivers an exceptional performance as he portrays a man consumed by fear, anger, mourning, and an intense desire to survive. As his survival instincts kick in, his character undergoes a radical transformation.

Alon Dahan, on the other hand, provides valuable support with his affective portrayal, reminding the audience of the countless, nameless heroes and victims of a brutal war.

Azimuth is set predominantly in the confines of a deserted UN outpost in the Sinai Desert. The film opens to the maddening quiet that follows a recent gun battle, introducing the audience to the harsh reality of the aftermath of conflict. Within the confines of this outpost, the two soldiers encounter each other, for the first time, as enemies. But their association soon morphs from foes to reluctant allies as the harsh realities of war and a shared humanity bind them together.

The film stands apart for its brilliant storytelling, unfolding the psychological impact of war in stark and unforgiving detail. Through the horrors of a hostile battlefield, the film subtly highlights the disregard for human life, reflected in the prevalent carnage and mind-numbing violence. Yet, amid such devastation, it subtly hints at the possibility of empathy and understanding that emerges from recognizing shared human experiences.

Mike Burstyn remarkably captures the stark realities of life on the battlefield and maintains an authentic feel for the terrors of war throughout the movie. Visuals are used with judicious measure, maintaining the gritty, desolate, and austere aura of the situation that the soldiers find themselves in. The cinematography brilliantly captures the bleak, sandy landscapes under the harsh sun, making the Sinai Desert an essential character contributing to the overall narrative, while the sound design lends an eerie reality to the horrors of war.

Azimuth is not merely a war movie; it is a poignant exploration of what people become when they are forced beyond their limits. It is an emotionally charged film that bypasses politics and concentrates on the human aspect of war, offering a nuanced look at the changes sustained by individuals amidst conflict and hostility.

By threading the tale through historical events, Azimuth offers a commentary on the senselessness of war and its psychological toll on soldiers on opposite sides of the conflict. It brings to focus the absurdity of enmity based solely on national identity and challenges audiences to question the very essence of conflict.

Overall, Azimuth is a compelling study of individuality, shared humanity, survival, and the wreckage that war leaves in its wake. It navigates these challenges in a thoughtful manner and stands as a daring testament to human resilience. It is an intense, stirring watch that leaves a stamp on the viewer's mind, making them reflect upon the ravages of war, the varied aspects of human nature, and the hope for empathy even in the most hopeless situations.