Watch West Of The Jordan River
- 2018
- 1 hr 24 min
-
6.4 (100)
West of the Jordan River is a stunning 2017 documentary film that explores the complex and tumultuous history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Directed by renowned Israeli filmmaker Amos Gitai, the movie features interviews with a range of high-profile figures, including former US President Bill Clinton, Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely, and Palestinian refugees living in various parts of the West Bank.
The film was shot over the course of a few years, capturing the hopes, fears, and daily struggles of ordinary people living in the midst of one of the world's most intractable political conflicts. The film's title refers to the West Bank, a territory that has been at the heart of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians for decades.
One of the most striking things about West of the Jordan River is the way it weaves together different perspectives on the conflict. Through interviews with Clinton, Hotovely, and others in positions of power, the film highlights the political and diplomatic challenges involved in trying to find a lasting solution to the conflict. Meanwhile, interviews with ordinary Palestinians and Israeli settlers reveal the human toll of the conflict, including ongoing violence, displacement, and the erosion of basic human rights.
The film also touches on a range of other issues related to the conflict, including the role of religious extremists on both sides, the impact of global politics on the region, and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian statehood. Through these diverse perspectives, the film creates a complex and nuanced portrayal of a conflict that has defied resolution for generations.
One of the most powerful aspects of West of the Jordan River is the way it humanizes the conflict. Rather than reducing the conflict to a political or military issue, the film foregrounds the experiences and perspectives of ordinary people caught up in the conflict. For example, the film follows the experiences of several Palestinian refugees who were displaced from their homes during the 1948 war that led to the creation of Israel. These personal stories bring the conflict to life in a way that is both moving and sobering.
Throughout the film, Gitai employs a range of cinematic techniques to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. Handheld camera work and natural lighting give the film a sense of urgency and realism. Meanwhile, Gitai's use of archival footage and news reports adds historical context to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
The film's climactic scene features a meeting between Gitai and Clinton, during which the former president reflects on his efforts to broker peace in the region during his time in office. Clinton's reflections highlight the complex and seemingly intractable nature of the conflict, as well as the difficult choices that must be made by leaders on both sides.
Overall, West of the Jordan River is a powerful and important documentary that provides a rich and complex portrait of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through its use of diverse perspectives and cinematic techniques, the film creates a sense of urgency and emotional resonance that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. So, if you are interested in political documentaries, this is definitely one to watch.
West Of The Jordan River is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 56.