Capturing War, a Personal Tale From the West Bank

Read Time:3 Minute, 59 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Three Promises
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 1m
Director(s): Yusef Srouji
Where To Watch: opening theatrically in New York on May 10, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In THREE PROMISES, director Yousef Srouji serves up a profound visual feast that digs deep into the personal archives of a family caught in the crossfire of geopolitical strife. This compelling documentary looks at the simplicity of daily routines with the complexities of living under constant threat, offering viewers more than just a snapshot of conflict—it portrays the resilience of the human spirit in the West Bank during the Second Intifada (was a major uprising by Palestinians against the Israeli occupation, characterized by a period of heightened violence in the Palestinian territories and Israel between 2000 and 2005.)

THREE PROMISES is far more than a recounting of historical events; it's an intimate exploration of how global conflicts impact individual lives. Crafted through the unfiltered lens of home videos shot by Yousef Srouji's mother, Suha, the documentary parallels ordinary life against the extraordinary backdrop of war. These personal recordings reveal the stark contrast between moments of family bonding and the chilling realities of nights spent in bomb shelters.

Director Yousef Srouji revisits his early 2000s childhood through these poignant visuals, capturing the dual existence his family endured. The stark and raw footage is a core element of the film, offering a deeply personal glimpse into the everyday lives changed forever by the Second Intifada. This narrative choice enriches the film, providing an engaging and enlightening perspective on the conflict.

Behind the camera, Suha Srouji emerges as both a historian and protector, wielding her camera as a tool for resilience. Her footage does more than chronicle the events unfolding around her; it acts as a therapeutic device, helping her family navigate and exert control over their turbulent environment. This blend of personal catharsis and documentary filmmaking underscores the film's central themes of survival and identity.

The psychological impact on Yousef and his sister Dima is clearly depicted. Their casual conversations about warfare, interspersed with typical childhood banter, highlight a jarring normalization of violence and war around them. This unsettling aspect of the film paints a vivid picture of the conflict's deep and lasting effects on its youngest victims.

The heart of the film lies in Suha’s internal conflict. Her repeated promises to flee for safety, juxtaposed with her strong ties to her homeland, illustrate the agonizing choices faced by those living in war zones. This emotional conflict, depicted with subtlety and depth, adds a layer to the documentary, highlighting the complex interplay between desire and the ability to act.

Celebrated for its authentic depiction rather than sensationalism, THREE PROMISES stands out as a poignant piece of filmmaking that is more timely than ever. It delivers a powerful narrative that enriches the viewer's understanding of the Palestinian experience, shedding light on the personal costs of political conflicts.

THREE PROMISES transcends simple storytelling as it examines how people endure and adapt to life during wartime. The film captures both everyday and traumatic moments with a compelling balance. The film’s portrayal of the Srouji family’s determination to maintain their humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity is inspiring and moving.

THREE PROMISES invites its audience to contemplate the lasting effects of conflict on personal and collective memory. This documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in the transformative power of narrative film to convey profound personal truths and foster a greater understanding of universal struggles. It is a vivid reminder of the resilience and unity that can emerge even in the most challenging circumstances.

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[photo courtesy of TIKKUN OLAM PRODUCTIONS]

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