Gethin Van Haanrath Absolutely brilliant documentary which would likely end up in my top 10 documentary films of all time. The best of these documentaries I find are ones where the camera is simply pointed and amazing things begin to happen. This is the complete opposite of editorial documentaries which take an issue and tell us what to think about it. Those movies can at times be quite good as well (Food Inc., Supersize Me) but I don't think they compare to documentaries like "Promises" and "Harlan County USA" Promises is about Palestinian and Israeli children. Surprise, surprise, they're not all that different. They like sports, their friends, some of their subjects in school. They're also both exposed to a huge amount of propaganda.The brilliant part of the documentary is when the filmmaker suggests two of the Israeli boys meet one of the Palestinian boys. They all share a love for sports so it makes perfect sense. When it happens the filmmaker just runs the camera and the boys act like boys. It's amazing because the boys realize everything they've been told by their parents, the government and their religious leaders is bullshit.The updates aren't as promising and it's suggested that it's up to the next generation to bring peace to this region. But I think it also shows that despite this experience these boys have, some of them fall into old habits anyway. The twins in the movie end up joining the Israeli military.I think it suggests that it takes extremely strong people in these climates to overcome the kind of propaganda they're facing from the time they're born. To oppose Palestine or Israel if you lived there would essentially make you and outcast.

YNOTswim "Promises" is an extraordinary film. It was deeply moving and profoundly devastating film, especially it echoes the reality of Iraq war and the recent attack in London. Through seven children's eyes, this film examines the root of hatred between Israel and the Palestinian and provokes the hunting question: "Is there ever going to have peace?" You would think those children are young and innocent. They might be young, but they grew up in the war zone and they saw their families and friends were killed or injured by the enemies. The seeds of hatred already buried deep inside of their young hearts. What a human tragedy! It broke my heart to see they lost the innocence at such a young age. Some of them were so articulate and insightful than many of the adults, such as the president. What troubles me the most is besides the lost in human lives, their hatred is coming from what they believe in: religion. All these fighting and killing are under the name of God.I was in tears when a phone call was made between the boys from both sides. I saw some hope, out of desperation. But how long will that hope last? Sadly, the war in Iraq is basically creating the exact situation in Israel and the Palestinian. There is no ending of killing in sight, only the deep hatred toward each other keeps building up."Promises" is a must see documentary.

Ohav Shomrony-Cohen Okay, folks... We had our nice secondary perspective at the situation, but just listen to a non- manipulated primary source such as myself, please.I am an Israeli teenager (fourteen years old) living in Berkeley, CA, and I would like to clarify that I have always stood with Israel, but not always agreed with it.This movie was, in fact, incredible. I enjoyed it and loved it. However, what I felt was happening was that the director used children to manipulate his left-wing views and project them innocently. Everyone who understands politics can see that this movie is left wing, as it criticizes the check points harshly, and projects the Israeli occupation as a satanic act.Now, if we just look beside the fact that these are cute/ugly/right-wing/left-wing/orthodox/ secular/martyred children... Take a look at the children's perspective and who we find a reliable source and who not...The chubby orthodox kid who loves his computer demonstrated the right-wing view of the Israelis, and as a slightly right-wing Israeli myself, I would like to say that his views do not represent the views of all of us. The director specifically picked a stupid-looking, stupid- talking, stupid-thinking right-wing kid in order to metaphorically say that these are the views of right-wing Israelis, and that's not true. On the other hand, the left-wing children, Yarko and Daniel (I was deeply impressed by those two), were very erudite, athletic, good- looking, and nice people - a model on how a kid their age should be. Just like there are smart right-wing people, there are also stupid left-wing people, and this is not the representation of a whole.On the other hand, the movie had some left-wing Palestinians (the girl whose dad is in jail), and some right-wing Palestinians (Faraj)... However, Faraj turned from a hating right-wing wannabe martyr to a much more tolerant, peaceful individual - and despite the fact that I am thrilled that he changed - I think that the message portrayed with this fact is extremely left- wing and biased. The fact that the right-wing Palestinian changed and the right-wing Israeli didn't gives outside viewers a bad image of Israel and the way it conducts its "occupation".I think that this movie is good for left-wing Israeli viewers, who believe in giving Palestine it's own state - but the bad thing is that even if you are a non-Israeli who is left-wing, it still sets a bad image on Israel. And both Israeli right-wing and outside right-wings would not think it portrays a good view on Israel.So, as an Israeli - I can see that the only way I can like this movie is if I am left-wing... And only Israeli left-wings will think it doesn't set a bad picture of Israel.I hope I made sense.Sincerely, Ohav Shomrony-Cohen 14 year oldfearlessdeadman@hotmail.comOVERALL RATING: ****/*****

bieszczt Promises is a film that everyone should see to get a better outlook on the situation in the Middle East. The film goes straight to the children most affected by the problem and presents an uplifting story without taking away from the reality and seriousness of the situation. This film presents viewpoints that are sorely needed in understanding the Israel-Palestine situation, while providing some hope for the future. I feel that this film has changed the way I look at things around the world now.