I picked this up at a local library in Ottawa, Canada, hoping it might illuminate the Israel-Palestine conflict for me. I chose this title because it seemed like it was the most balanced and "neutral" documentary they had. Every other documentary seemed to have a pro-Palestine slant. There was one about Israeli soldiers who are conscientious objectors, another about the plight of displaced Palestinians . As an aside I'm deeply disappointed that a publicly funded Canadian institution seems so blatantly politically biased. Shame on the head librarian at the main Ottawa branch for such an overt attempt to affect public opinion. An institution such as a library should serve to illuminate and enlighten, not proselytize.

The DVD box touts the fact that it contains an "Israeli and a Palestinian" but there is no neutrality here. Rather than a well-spoken proponent of Israel, the American-Israeli in question is a far-left leaning Palestinian sympathizer. This is worse than FOX News in terms of propaganda. Like with Hannity and Colmes, we are presented with the forceful and charismatic viewpoint of the Palestinian host which we are meant to agree and sympathize with, instead of a weak counter argument from Colmes though, we get an "Israeli" that merely nods his head and agrees with everything the host says.

Through the use of Michael Moore style ambush journalism the film attempts to sensationalize and demonize the Israeli right while painting the Palestinian terrorists as simple reactionary victims of Israeli aggression. A leading Palestinian militant is patiently listened too and portrayed as a rational and sensible individual. They even show him playing with his small child during the credits, wanting nothing more than to live in peace.

Over-editing seeks to portray an Israeli spokesman as an irrational idiot, demanding an end to an interview once he clearly realizes what is going on. No attempts are made to try and understand Hamas or other terrorist groups. There is no serious analysis made concerning the history of anti-semetism in the area or the use of propaganda, brainwashing and child soldiers by Palestinian militant groups. The effects of suicide bombings in civilian areas is not explored. This film is one sided propaganda for the Palestinian cause and nothing more. This is only one side of the story, those looking for the other half will have to look elsewhere, and for that I can only award a 5/10.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

The war genre features armed conflicts, both historical and fictional, and the experiences of individuals and groups involved in warfare. This genre explores the physical, emotional, and moral challenges faced by soldiers, civilians, and others affected by war.

Occupied Minds is the story of two journalists, Jamal Dajani, a Palestinian-American and David Michaelis, an Israeli, who journey to Jerusalem, their mutual birthplace, to explore new solutions and offer unique insights into the divisive Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film takes viewers on an emotional and intensely personal odyssey through the streets of one of the world's most volatile regions. Among the myriad of voices Dajani and Michaelis hear from are: a wanted Palestinian gunman, an Israeli soldier breaking the silence about his service, an Israeli surgeon who lost his eyesight in a suicide bombing, an Israeli mother who lost her son in the conflict, and a Palestinian activist. As Dajani and Michaelis make their way through the many worlds that make up contemporary Israel and Palestine, they struggle to find lasting solutions to what others believe may be a never-ending conflict.

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