Tears of Gaza

Tears of Gaza is a riveting war documentary released in 2010 and directed by Vibeke Løkkeberg. As a gripping and uncompromising display of raw, real-life incidents, Tears of Gaza possesses the courage to delve into the harsh realities of the Gaza Strip directly affected by the Israel-Gaza war. Cinematic historical content is portrayed through the prism of humanity and the suffering of innocent civilians, especially children. It's a movie that humanizes a globally recognized and contentious war zone, presenting a different perspective to audiences worldwide.

This Norwegian documentary is constructed around the harsh realities of the 2008 – 2009 war in Gaza. The filmmaker, Løkkeberg, depicts the aftermath of the intense battle without directly trivializing the political aspects of the conflict. Therefore, the movie presents the perspective of those living in the volatile zone without overly politicizing their experiences. It makes the film a humanitarian plea above a political statement, focusing more on mere survival than taking sides on the conflict.

The movie doesn't shy away from presenting the terrifying realities of war, which could be a shock to some viewers. It has a graphic and detailed focus on the impact of the war acts on everyday humans' lives, the perils they face, and the struggle for day-to-day survival. But what makes Tears of Gaza stand out and affects viewers on a personal level is its focus on children – the young victims of war.

Tears of Gaza presents its narrative through the intertwining stories of three children: Yahya, Rasmia, and Amira. The viewer gets a heartbreaking insight into their lives as they live through the harsh war conditions and grapple with loss and destruction. These personal stories are woven with a raw intensity that brings the realities of war to the forefront.

Yahya, a 12-year-old boy, was caught out in the open and hit by a missile amidst war and managed to survive. Rasmia, a 14-year-old girl, lost her close family members in the war but manages to find her strength to keep going. Amira, a 15-year-old young woman, represents the resilience and human strength that emerge despite witnessing the horrors of war.

The intertwined stories of the three children are places where Løkkeberg's direction truly shines. The subtle yet potent storytelling might force audiences to question their understanding of war and its implications on peoples' lives.

Nevertheless, the film lacks technical prowess despite its emotional impact and strong content. A major portion of the film includes mobile phone footage captured by locals during the conflict, and hence the footage's quality and editing often leave room for improvement. However, this doesn't undermine the documentary's essence as it succeeds in capturing viewers' attention and stirring their empathy with its raw storytelling.

The movie also houses a haunting musical score, composed by Marcello De Francisci. The scores create a melancholic atmosphere that adds to the emotional tension prevailing throughout the movie. The music in Tears of Gaza is as much a character as its protagonists, narrating a story filled with distressed refrains and aching harmonies.

In a nutshell, Tears of Gaza is far from an ordinary documentary. It "shows" more than it "tells" and presents the bare-faced reality of war from the perspective of the most innocent and affected – the children. The movie is a raw, unfiltered overview of the Gaza war and its impacts. It elaborates on the struggle for survival, the enduring human spirit, and the resilience of children in the face of horror and devastation.

Tears of Gaza compels viewers to challenge their pre-existing perceptions of war, urging them to acknowledge the dismantling impact of such conflicts on human life. A hard-hitting documentary, it serves as a reminder of the dreadful realities of warfare beyond political borders and ideologies. It is a significant work in the realm of war documentaries for its potent depiction of war's human cost. A viewing might be challenging due to its graphic content, but it's a compelling story that needs to be seen and heard.