Children No More: Were and Are Gone

There’s been multiple Oscar nominated films this year that have to do with the war in Gaza. And the reviews seem to be leaning towards who is making the films, instead of the actual film. This is an Israeli documentary short film that showcases Jewish citizens protesting against the war in Gaza. What a powerful idea, right? Well the people on Letterboxd seem to not think so because they’re Jewish.

I think this is a powerful short film about how the hate we feel needs to be expressed at the Israeli government, not its citizens. While the documentary shows that there are still people that are for the murder of children in Gaza, it’s most definitely not everyone. So let’s not review bomb a solid short film because you hate their race. Isn’t that what we in America were fighting against in the 60’s?

There’s been multiple Oscar nominated films this year that have to do with the war in Gaza. And the reviews seem to be leaning towards who is making the films, instead of the actual film. This is an Israeli documentary short film that showcases Jewish citizens protesting against the war in Gaza. What a powerful idea, right? Well the people on Letterboxd seem to not think so because they’re Jewish.

I think this is a powerful short film about how the hate we feel needs to be expressed at the Israeli government, not its citizens. While the documentary shows that there are still people that are for the murder of children in Gaza, it’s most definitely not everyone. So let’s not review bomb a solid short film because you hate their race. Isn’t that what we in America were fighting against in the 60’s?

Children No More: Were and Are Gone is a difficult documentary to watch, not because of how it is made, but because of what it shows. Structurally, the film is slightly basic as a documentary. The storytelling and production style feel fairly straightforward and even a bit simplistic.
However, the power of the documentary doesn’t really come from its filmmaking style. It comes from the raw reality it puts directly in front of the viewer. Watching it, what becomes truly shocking is not just the deaths of children themselves, but how easily people seem able to ignore those deaths even when the evidence is right in front of them. The film forces the audience to confront that uncomfortable truth.
Despite its somewhat basic structure, the documentary succeeds in doing what many films struggle to do, it makes you sit with the reality of what has happened and question the moral distance people create when confronted with suffering. It is emotionally heavy and often frustrating to watch, but perhaps that frustration is part of its purpose.

Children No More: Were and Are Gone is a difficult documentary to watch, not because of how it is made, but because of what it shows. Structurally, the film is slightly basic as a documentary. The storytelling and production style feel fairly straightforward and even a bit simplistic.
However, the power of the documentary doesn’t really come from its filmmaking style. It comes from the raw reality it puts directly in front of the viewer. Watching it, what becomes truly shocking is not just the deaths of children themselves, but how easily people seem able to ignore those deaths even when the evidence is right in front of them. The film forces the audience to confront that uncomfortable truth.
Despite its somewhat basic structure, the documentary succeeds in doing what many films struggle to do, it makes you sit with the reality of what has happened and question the moral distance people create when confronted with suffering. It is emotionally heavy and often frustrating to watch, but perhaps that frustration is part of its purpose.

I hope with every fiber of my body that one day the people of Palestine can know true peace

I hope with every fiber of my body that one day the people of Palestine can know true peace

While the politics the film showcases are very sound (regarding of course the brave protestors), as a film it isn’t as effective as it could be. It serves more as a compilation of many genocidal fascists screaming against the horrendous reality of Gaza. The murdered children, who are front and center, are only really explored at face value. As are the activists themselves. I’m sure of the good intentions behind Children No More, but it doesn’t hit as hard as it could have.

While the politics the film showcases are very sound (regarding of course the brave protestors), as a film it isn’t as effective as it could be. It serves more as a compilation of many genocidal fascists screaming against the horrendous reality of Gaza. The murdered children, who are front and center, are only really explored at face value. As are the activists themselves. I’m sure of the good intentions behind Children No More, but it doesn’t hit as hard as it could have.

*“our goal is to awaken something inside”
*i really wish this documentary was longer. 🇵🇸

*“our goal is to awaken something inside”
*i really wish this documentary was longer. 🇵🇸