I saw this movie at Telluride, with the director present. Yes, it is a good movie, but it hardly rises to the level of "a plea for peace". The actors find fault with Israel, but never look at their own behavior an how that has led to tragedy for all. It is the usual blame game, multiplied by 10. The constant refrain that all their troubles stem from the occupation, their inability to take any responsibility, left me feeling tired, bored, wanting more. Yes, it does show third world conditions and compares this with glitzy Tel Aviv. One could do the same thing in New York City, or Los Angeles, but suicide bombing is not the preferred way of moving ahead in those places. THe characters are well drawn, but the story line relies heavily on propagandistic statements, many of which are absurd.
At one point, the director attempts to show an ethical side to the bombers, when one of the men sees a young child and as a result does not board a bus. Yet this same bomber has no compunction about killing other young innocents. The director does not understand that morality relies on such principles as do no harm, do not take away someone's freedom (the victims of bombings have no choice), be fair, etc.
This is a movie that needs to be made, but a more nuanced fully-developed story would be appropriate, more informative, and most important a more compelling and absorbing film.
At one point, the director attempts to show an ethical side to the bombers, when one of the men sees a young child and as a result does not board a bus. Yet this same bomber has no compunction about killing other young innocents. The director does not understand that morality relies on such principles as do no harm, do not take away someone's freedom (the victims of bombings have no choice), be fair, etc.
This is a movie that needs to be made, but a more nuanced fully-developed story would be appropriate, more informative, and most important a more compelling and absorbing film.