Hey folks, Harry here... We're going to be featuring more and more DVD coverage. Yes, I know, I need to get back to it as well. I'll be introducing a couple of new reviewers here on DVDs here. And oddly enough they're both women, so pay attention, trust me - this gal knows her shit. Here ya go...
Greetings everyone, I am Calamity Jane, hear me Roar!!!
This is my first time writing for AICN and I look forward to writing weekly reviews of politically minded DVDs recently released and pre-releases. Just to give u talkbackers something to steam over, I am a passive aggressive political individual. I like Ghandi & Mr. Thomas J. yep:O) bring it on!
OK to Business...
DEATH IN GAZA
This is yet another reason to be thankful for HBO Video and British documentarians James Miller & Saira Shah (Beneath the Veil, 2001) they have together once again swept us away to yet another tragic, horrific, and cruel reality lying just a turn of our globe towards the Middle East. Unfortunately this time there was a casualty James Miller died while once again attempting to educate the world on issues that it seems most wish to ignore. I am truly thankful for this film even though I hate that it is based in reality, I am at least thankful that there is a visual record.
"Death in Gaza" is a documentary which ended filming May 2, 2003 with the death of its Director James Miller, he was shot by an Israeli soldier while shining a light on a white flag. YEAH.............. the film began as a documentary on three Palestinian children following their battles with life in the war torn Ghettos of Nablus. These children fight with fear and loss everyday, you can almost feel exactly that while watching the film. There are scenes in this film that should truly change your definition of terrorism, specially if you are or have been under-exposed to the past conflicts of Israeli & Palestinian people, I will not go into the modern state of this as this is a review not a news update.
The people in this film truly moved me and though the eye of Millers camera lens and the voice of Shah you are guided into a world of pain, hope and faith. They show you children picking up pieces of a man blown to bits, collecting them so that he may be buried, the children in this scene range in all ages. The individual stories of the three children fill your heart with fear and dread for them and those around them. This is unfortunately a very human story, and I believe everyone should see it whether you can stomach the blood and tears or not, you really just need to see it. Force yourself to see the world in all its beauty and rancid realities, so that you can help change that which needs be by just being educated enough to understand the different environments that breed hate and remorse. It's easy to just crack jokes and dehumanize the perceived enemy - simply based on race and beliefs, but ultimately it is a documentary like this that forces you to recalibrate what it is you believe. There are innocents on both sides. Human beings, men, women and children on both sides. And ultimately even those that attempt to just shine a light... are sometimes led to the slaughter.
If ya can't tell I truly love this film and in the same breath despise its ability to be a work of non-fiction. Go buy or rent this film. Sometimes it's good to put the frivolities of being "just a geek" to a side. There's far more going on in this world. Seeing this documentary, having it in your life - you can fight prejudices so simply just by exposing not only yourself, but those around you to powerful works like this. Afterall, how many tales do you have in your collection, whose creator died attempting to tell them. Miller did a great job on this powerful work. Give it your attention, he deserves at least that much!
The DVD's special features.......
Remembering James---This includes interviews with family, friends, and his colleagues giving you the chance to know a little about the man who gave his life educating people through the power of cinema.
James Miller Tribute Compilation---A compilation of all the projects he has helped bring to the public with the help of his camera, and support. This is my favorite feature of the three.
The Making of Death in Gaza--- Kinda self explanatory, this shows the preparation before, after, and during the film and filming.
Some of the Awards Received
BAFTA Awards: BAFTA TV Award for Best Current Affairs
Emmy Awards: Emmy for Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming,Outstanding Cinematography for Nonfiction Programming (Single or Multi-Camera), Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Film making
some Nominations
BAFTA Awards: BAFTA TV Award for Best Editing (Factual)
Emmy Awards: Emmy for Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming
release date on DVD Febuary 21 2006
Well hope everyone watches this, and buys it in demand enough for a follow up film investigating the same issue on the other side, I would personally love to see a film about Israeli children and their perspectives as well.
Viva La Revolucion de Cine! Abre tus Ojos!
Calamity Jane
