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Reviews
Hell House (2001)
Brilliant Documentary
A previous review for this film infers that the documentary makers lose respect for their subjects. After seeing the documentary, I couldn't come to the same conclusion. These people with all their good intentions bring ridicule on themselves. Bringing hell back into religion and trivialising disturbing scenarios with gory reenactments can breed the sort of hatred towards margianlised people that seems the antithesis of a Christian message. While sophisticated film festival audiences might be in fits of laughter at the planning and execution of hell house, there is a serious undercurrent. The makers should be congratulated for their subtle approach in dealing with the personal problems of the protagonists and the way such a seeming laughable freak show can 'convert' people to this form of religious belief.
If Hell house is preaching to the converted, the actual subjects of the documentary are definitely NOT preaching to the converted. They are preaching to those lacking direction or disillusioned with their life. As the ending shows, the scenes which seem ridiculous to us, lead some people to convert to the close-knit web of this Christian group. To me, this is a pretty frightening scenario. What is the community doing wrong that would make young people so susceptible to such an outdated morality? I just hope that this documentary will be shown more widely, particularly to younger people within the context of discussing the issues the documentary raises. And for most of us who will not subscribe to the often demented views espoused by some of the subjects of the doco - it's one of the most amusing and entertaining documentaries around.
Promises (2001)
Moving, Brilliant
I saw this film at the Sydney Film Festival and thought it was the highlight. Over five years, this remarkable documentary follows a number of Israeli and Palestinian children. The documentary doesn't try to pass judgment on these children and most importantly shows the tragedy that the mid east crisis has had on the way these children think and live. This film highlights the universality of childhood experience and also what brings them apart, how many of their ideas on face value are just reflections of what we imagine their parents would say but more importantly, despite years of being told something, the ability to find acceptance in their hearts. The children themselves show often amazing intellects for their age - especially from some of the Arab children, who you can tell would probably not have the same level of education and opportunity as the Israeli children.
If only this documentary could be shown throughout schools not only in the region but everywhere. Its value is not only so narrow as to be relevant to people who know something about the middle east. You'll go away feeling sympathy and concern for these children who quite unselfconsciously reveal their feelings.
I don't know why the registry for this film is so empty - hopefully it will be on video or DVD soon.