Really Surprised!

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

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.

This was an excellently directed film that captures the "Palestinian-Israel" conflict in Israel that continues through today. The film helps anyone who has not had the privilege I have had of going to Israel first hand to understand the frustration and the severity of the problem of who's land Israel rightfully belongs to. Unfortunately this documentary helped to solidify my own opinion that the problem really is unsolvable without one side completely giving in, which as far as I'm concerned, will never happen.My biggest complaint is why was this documentary not made more accessible for more people to see? I would LOVE for all my friends and family to see it, but it hasn't played anywhere near my home. I was fortunate enough to see it on showing for a very limited number of people at UC Davis. The area where I grew up, the Bay Area, is full of Jews, as is the area if LA where my Grandparents live. Why is this movie not being shown? I agree 100% with the other comment that says this movie should be a requirement for all see. It's no punishment; it is wonderfully and powerfully directed film!

7 children, 7 hates, 7 different lives, 7 possibilities, 1 meeting and 1 million chances to peace. "Promises" is a shiny and wonderful documentary about the conflicts between Israel and Palestine showed by children. It's extraordinary to see them talking about the conflicts: they repeat their parents' opinion until the director B.Z. suggests a meeting. Some agree; others no. And the great moment of "Promises" is their meeting, when they're just kids: playing, eating, laughing, talking, crying... That meeting waves to peace. It seems to be the solution adults don't want to see. "Promises" is great, one of the best movies I've ever seen in my whole life. 10/10.

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.