The reviews are out for the new film "West of the Jordan River," which received satisfactory feedback from critics who generally lauded it for being thought-provoking and moving.
The documentary, directed by Amos Gitai, received an impressive 86 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a site that aggregates review scores from different entertainment sources. Here are what some of the critics had to say.
Pamela Pianezza from Variety wrote, "Not only a thought-provoking, moving and surprisingly optimistic documentary, but an intimate, handmade artifact that can look forward to wide exposure on the festival circuit ahead."
In addition, Harvey S. Karten from Big Apple Reviews remarked, "Everyone in Israel and the territories wants peace according to Gitai's doc, but still there is no peace. Could the people be moderating their real views to get space in this film, or is there another reason?"
Finally, Nikki Baughan from Screen International stated, "A compelling snapshot of a region desperate for change, but still in danger of being suffocated by both its history and political inertia."
The documentary is about Gitai's return to the occupied territories in the Middle East for the first time since his critical 1982 film "Field Diary." In this installment, he surveys the land and interviews the people who struggle every day with military occupation. He hears the stories of the citizens, Israelis, and Palestinians, and their efforts to lead a normal life.
Gitai's comes across human right activists, military personnel, journalists, Jewish settlers, and everyone in between, who appear to be the victims of failed politics in a corroding government. In the midst of everything, the men and women try to rise above and act in the name of civic consciousness.
"West of the Jordan River" is set to premiere on Friday, Jan 26, in theaters all across the nation.
