Promises (2001)

96% of critics liked it
(47 reviews)
94% of users liked it
(2,485 ratings)

B.Z. Goldberg, an American filmmaker who was raised in Jerusalem and is fluent in both Hebrew and Arabic, returned to the Middle East to help make this documentary, which chronicles his encounters with seven children between the ages of 11 and 13, some Israeli and some Palestinian, who discuss their… More B.Z. Goldberg, an American filmmaker who was raised in Jerusalem and is fluent in both Hebrew and Arabic, returned to the Middle East to help make this documentary, which chronicles his encounters with seven children between the ages of 11 and 13, some Israeli and some Palestinian, who discuss their political views, their thoughts about the ongoing violence in their homelands and the possibility of a lasting peace, and the impact the aggression has had upon them. Encompassing extremists and moderates on both sides of the fence, the seven youngsters are interviewed individually and then brought together, where their common interests become clear -- as well as the fact that it's quite possible they'll never live together in peace. Co-directed by Goldberg with Justine Shapiro and Carlos Bolado, Promises won the Audience Award at the 2001 Rotterdam Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 56 min.
Directed By: Carlos Bolado, B. Z. Goldberg
Written By: Stephen Most
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Special Interest

In Theaters: Mar 22, 2002 Limited
On DVD: Nov 16, 2004
Studio: Cowboy Pictures

Critic Reviews

Jane Sumner, Dallas Morning News
What's so extraordinary about this Oscar-nominated work is that it shows us that conflict through the eyes of seven bright, funny, thoughtful kids, ages 9 to 13, on both sides.
Loren King, Chicago Tribune
Beautifully crafted and brutally honest, Promises offers an unexpected window into the complexities of prejudice.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
Every individual will see the movie through the prism of his or her own beliefs and prejudices, but the one thing most will take away is the sense that peace is possible. That, in itself, is extraordinary.
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
A diverse and astonishingly articulate cast of Palestinian and Israeli children.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
Unexpected, and often contradictory, truths emerge.
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Takes a simple idea and just about breaks your heart with it.
Forrest Hartman, Reno Gazette-Journal
Beautifully explains the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Joshua Tanzer, Offoffoff
If there's one big point to Promises, it's that nothing can change while physical and psychological barriers keep the sides from speaking even one word to each other.
Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
A profoundly moving document...The filmmakers' refusal to downplay the situation's intractability makes the glimmer of hope the film offers that much more powerful.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
If nothing else, this balanced and moving film is both informative and entertaining.
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone, TheMovieChicks.com
The children are all so beautiful and smart and it's heartbreaking when they talk about death as casually as they talk about soccer.
Jim Lane, Sacramento News & Review
Give Shapiro, Goldman, and Bolado credit for good intentions, but there's nothing here that they couldn't have done in half an hour.
Paul Malcolm, L.A. Weekly
Too sincere to exploit its subjects and too honest to manipulate its audience.
Niki Patton, Martha's Vineyard Times (Massachusetts)
What emerges is an unsettling picture of childhood innocence combined with indoctrinated prejudice. Promises is a compelling piece that demonstrates just how well children can be trained to live out and carry on their parents' anguish.
Marta Barber, Miami Herald
A gripping documentary that reveals how deep the antagonism lies in war-torn Jerusalem.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
Promises is one film that's truly deserving of its Oscar nomination.
Bridget Byrne, Boxoffice Magazine
Even these tales of just seven children seem at times too many, although in reality they are not enough. Every child's story is what matters. This film can only point the way -- but thank goodness for this signpost.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Isaac H

By the end, the children are fleshed out and endearingly likable, and their opinions are eye-opening and well realized by the filmmakers. Unfortunately, Promises is undone by a bloated running time and a over-dependence on dull interviews and voiceovers.
Simeon D

Emotional documentary about the innocence of youth in national feuds. Powerful and informative. 97/100

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Promises (2001)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Isaac H

Simeon D

Cast

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