West of the Jordan River [Sub: Eng]

A film that has a lot to say but lacking the appropriate way to say it.

"West of the Jordan River" is as formally precise at it is politically unapologetic.

The maddeningly unfocused Israeli documentary West of the Jordan River doesn't reveal anything insightful about Gaza settlers' reasons for either supporting or rejecting a two-state solution.

Through interviews with Israeli politicians, and Palestinians and Israelis in the West Bank, "West of the Jordan River" gives voice to peace-seeking residents on both sides of the conflict.

A dry and sometimes depressing film, but informative and humane too.

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.

Interviews mostly liberal Israeli politicians, journalists, and activists in civic organizations working to bridge the gap the government won't cross--feels sadly dated .

An Israeli director's look at the devastating fallout from the 50-year occupation of Palestine.

An annoying rehash of anti-Israeli sentiment in connection with the occupied territories.

The result is a work that feels like a preamble to a larger statement that the filmmaker can't manage to formulate.

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?

Gitai's latest is just as scathing as his previous offerings, but much more streamlined than some of his earlier non-fiction ventures.