Watch Colliding Dreams

Colliding Dreams is a documentary film released in 2015, directed by Joseph Dorman and Oren Rudavsky, that explores one of the most complex and divisive issues in world history – the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film features a combination of historical footage, interviews, and original music by renowned composer Michael Bacon, giving a comprehensive look at the roots of the conflict and the divergent narratives that have arisen from it.

The film begins with a brief overview of the conflict's origins, dating back to the late 19th century when Zionism began to take shape as a political movement. From there, it delves into the lives and viewpoints of both Israelis and Palestinians, presenting their stories and insights into the conflict from their unique perspectives. The film does an admirable job of remaining impartial, giving voice to individuals on both sides of the debate without taking sides.

Colliding Dreams focuses on the idea of "narrative" and how it has fueled the conflict - Israelis and Palestinians each have their own unique narrative that informs their views of the conflict. The film explores these narratives in-depth, taking the audience on a journey through the history of Zionism, the creation of Israel, and the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians. The film does an excellent job of providing historical context for the conflict while remaining engaging and thought-provoking throughout.

One of the documentary’s strengths is the multitude of perspectives it offers, from Palestinian activists to Jewish settlers, from politicians to academics. Through their diverse points of view, the film digs deep into the reasons why both sides consider their positions just and urgent. One of the central themes of the movie is that both Israeli and Palestinian sides believe that their claims to the land of Israel are legitimate, compelling, and non-negotiable.

Despite the film’s neutrality, it does not shy away from the difficult and painful issues at the heart of the conflict. The documentary dives into topics such as the 1948 Palestinian exodus, the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the various failed peace agreements between the two nations. Colliding Dreams shows that both Israelis and Palestinians have deep and often conflicting historical and religious ties to the land of Israel, and those connections make it difficult to find a resolution that satisfies both sides.

The documentary also covers the activities of extremist groups on both sides, such as the Jewish Defense League and Hamas, and the filmmakers dissect the role of such groups in perpetuating the conflict. Similarly, the film takes a critical look at U.S. foreign policy towards Israel, highlighting the limitations in America’s ability to broker a lasting peace between the two nations.

The ultimate message of the movie seems to be one of cautious optimism. It acknowledges that a resolution to the conflict is not imminent, but it also emphasizes the importance of dialogue and understanding between both sides. Colliding Dreams urges viewers to see beyond the headlines and propaganda to grasp the human stories behind the news. In doing so, the film insists upon the audience to have empathy for these individuals who long for peace in their communities.

Colliding Dreams is a profound and nuanced exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By presenting the perspectives of multiple voices on all sides, the film emphasizes the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and empathy in seeking a peaceful resolution. It’s a documentary that tackles the conflict’s complexities with an analytical eye and an empathetic heart. The documentary stands as a testament to the fierce emotions and complicated, interwoven histories that underpin the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Colliding Dreams is a 2016 history movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 79.