Watch Promises

Promises is a unique and moving documentary film that was released in 2001. Directed by Carlos Bolado, Justine Shapiro and B.Z. Goldberg, the film explores the lives and experiences of seven different children living in Israel and Palestine. Through their stories, the audience is given an intimate and powerful look at the complex political and social dynamics that exist between these two groups of people, and the impact these dynamics have on the lives of ordinary individuals.

The film begins by introducing the seven children: Yarko, Mahmoud, Faraj, Sanabel, Moishe, Daniel, and Shlomo. Each of these children comes from a different background and has unique experiences growing up in the region. Despite their differences, they all share a desire for peace and a better future for themselves and their communities.

Throughout the film, we see these children interacting with each other and sharing their personal stories. They talk about their families, their experiences with violence and conflict, and their hopes for the future. The children are honest and candid, and their experiences provide a powerful and moving perspective on the realities of life in this area of the world.

One of the most powerful aspects of Promises is the way in which it explores the relationships between the children and their families. We see how their parents and siblings shape their experiences and attitudes towards the conflict, and how they struggle to find common ground in the face of such deep-seated divisions. We also see how the children are affected by their interactions with adults in positions of power, including soldiers, political leaders, and religious figures.

The film does an excellent job of balancing these personal stories with a broader exploration of the political and social dynamics at play in the region. Through interviews with experts and scholars, we learn about the history of the conflict and the various ideologies and perspectives that continue to shape it today. We also see how these larger forces impact the day-to-day lives of the children, and the challenges they face in reconciling their personal dreams and desires with the uncertain future of their communities.

Overall, Promises is a powerful and deeply moving documentary that offers a unique and complex perspective on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Through the stories of seven children, we are given an intimate and personal look at the complex political and social forces that shape this world, and the impact they have on the lives of ordinary individuals. Whether you are familiar with the conflict or approaching it for the first time, Promises is an important and compelling film that offers a nuanced and empathetic perspective on this ongoing crisis.

Promises is a 2001 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3 and a MetaScore of 80.