The new Israeli Musical, Victory, Reimagines the ‘Star is Born’ in Hebrew
Victory is a new Israeli Hebrew-language musical by director Eliran Peled. This exciting film has an original script and has been lauded for its choreography, music and singing. It has been dubbed the Israeli take on “A Star is Born,” one of a popular series of adaptations depicting the rise of a talented young singer and actress.
Shortly after the film debuted in 2023 to good reviews, it was nominated for several awards, including Official Competition - Haifa International Film Festival 2023, Official Selection - Jewish International Film Festival (Australia) 2023, Official Selection - Miami Jewish Film Festival 2024, and Official Selection - Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2024.
Using the 1967 Six Day War as its backdrop, Victory attempts to do an Israeli take on “A Star is Born”. Neta Agmon, the wife, played by Yael Szutlman, is the star of the show. She embodies the classic tale of a young aspiring actress on the rise in show business, dancing in the bright lights of Tel Aviv. However, the movie adds a twist to the formula by juxtaposing Neta’s rise with the struggles of her husband, Damos Agmon, played by Daniel Litman.
Neta’s career success coincides with a collective Israeli sigh of relief as a short war concludes and jubilation follows the quick victory. However, Damos, a returning veteran, cannot share in the country’s celebrations. Although, as a soldier, he should be happy to be alive and to have been involved in winning the war, he struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Throughout the film this becomes a recurring challenge, as Damos does not revel in reliving the “glories” of war. The stigma of that era toward mental issues has him ostracized and ridiculed for seemingly abnormal behaviour.
The soundtrack of Victory is a standout feature of the film. Composers Daniel Markovich, Ran Shem-Tov, and Ben Zeadman have crafted a soundtrack that is both catchy and deeply meaningful. The music ranges from deep ballads to upbeat anthems, reflecting the highs and lows of the film. Each song, performed with passion and precision, adds depth to the characters and their stories. Moreover, each character’s journey is portrayed through a series of musical numbers that range from heart-wrenching ballads to exuberant dance sequences, showcasing Director Eliran Peled’s ability to intertwine the narrative and the music so that they work in harmony.
The cast delivers stellar performances, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their role. The film’s choreography blends traditional Israeli dance with modern influences, resulting in visually stunning sequences that enhance the storytelling while also keeping it grounded in history.
Victory’s accomplished cinematographer is Saar Mizrahi. He made particularly good use of colour, further underlying the contrasting elements within the film. For example, the clothing and sets are expertly done, transporting moviegoers back half a century into 1960s Israeli aesthetic with drab military and muted rural civilian clothes contrasted with the glitz, glam, and bright primary colours of the ‘big city’. Portions of the film were shot in black and white, providing a stark contrast to what is otherwise a bright and colourful set.
Overall, Victory was a thoroughly enjoyable musical. Although occasionally stumbling at the beginning, it quickly finds its feet, hits its stride, and eventually sticks the landing at the end. Eliran Peled has released a film that is an enjoyable entry to the series of adaptations of “A Star is Born”, providing enough new aspects to make it its own and putting a distinctive Israeli stamp on the genre.
This film will be screening at the Rady JCC Berney Theatre on June 19th, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available through www.radyjcc.com.