

Movie spotlight
Promises
Documentarians Justine Shapiro and B.Z. Goldberg traveled to Israel to interview Palestinian and Israeli kids ages 11 to 13, assembling their views on living in a society afflicted with violence, separatism and religious and political extremism. This 2002 Oscar nominee for Best Feature Documentary culminates in an astonishing day in which two Israeli children meet Palestinian youngsters at a refugee camp.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary follows the lives of seven children living in Israel and the Palestinian territories during the late 1990s. It offers a poignant look at their daily lives, hopes, and fears amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film highlights the children's resilience and their differing perspectives on the world around them. Through their eyes, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of the conflict.
Critical Reception
Promises was widely acclaimed by critics for its sensitive and powerful portrayal of children caught in the crossfire of conflict. Reviewers praised the filmmakers' ability to gain the trust of their subjects and present a balanced, humanistic perspective. The documentary was lauded for its emotional impact and its ability to foster empathy and understanding.
What Reviewers Say
A deeply moving and important documentary that humanizes the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of children.
Praised for its intimate access and balanced perspective, offering a rare glimpse into the lives affected by the ongoing strife.
The film's strength lies in its ability to foster empathy and encourage dialogue about a complex geopolitical issue.
Google audience: Audiences found 'Promises' to be a powerful and emotionally resonant film. Many Google users were moved by the children's stories and appreciated the film's balanced approach to a sensitive topic. It's frequently described as eye-opening and thought-provoking, prompting reflection on the human impact of conflict.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2002. Won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2001.
Fun Fact
The filmmakers originally intended to make a film about children in various conflict zones worldwide, but focused solely on Israel and Palestine due to the profound impact of the stories they discovered there.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources