“The Gatekeepers” (credit: Sony Pictures Classics)

(KCBS) – KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews two documentaries; “The Gatekeepers” which tells the story of members of the Israeli Secret Service, and Werner Herzog’s “Happy People: A Year in the Taiga”, that takes audiences to a tiny village in Siberia. Sunday’s Oscars ceremony is also previewed.

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

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THE GATEKEEPERS (PG-13)

Nominated for the coveted Best Documentary Feature at this year’s Oscars, this tells the story of some guys who live dangerous lives – this group has commanded Shin Bet, Israel’s Secret Service – raising the question, for the last thirty years, what has it been like to be the one who decides life and death?

It’s not political – but humanistic, as we understand misgivings, mistakes and compromise. Searching for Sugar Man will win the Best Documentary Oscar, but this is a solid…

Three hats.

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HAPPY PEOPLE: A YEAR IN THE TAIGA (NOT RATED)

Most of us know director Werner Herzog and some of his work: Grizzly Man and Cave of Forgotten Dreams, to name a few. He is an unusual filmmaker – of both documentaries and features.

This time, he takes us to a tiny village in Siberia (“Taiga” refers to the subarctic forest at the edge of the tundra). Dog and man survive in this extreme, harsh land, and it’s clear Herzog admires this. The director’s voiceovers make the film less dull.

A disappointing Two Hats.

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Movies To See Right Now: Life of Pi, Silver Linings Playbook, Zero Dark Thirty, 56 Up, Quartet, & Lincoln

Home Viewing/DVD: Argo & Cabaret (restored)

You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl’s movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

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