West Bank Story

A little while ago I posted a link to Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. While watching this, I had that same feeling of glee and excitement that ensues with a short musical comedy. The writing was witty and kept me eager for the next punchline, and the music was catchy and a refreshing mock-up of West Side Story. However, like Dr. Horrible's, I feel like this film also had a darker side that is never really addressed directly within the film itself.

I am not overly informed on the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, but I've been doing my best to stay on top of the news coverage in Gaza over the last few weeks. However, the conflict has been around for a very long time, so I easily find myself confused when I listen to coverage. I realize many Americans have established "sides" and that the common Evangelical choice is for Israel (obviously, it's the Holy land). I suppose that's personal, but as someone who believes in peace and pacifism  I lean neither with the Israelis or the Palestinians and rather I hope for the violence and death of innocents to subside.

I feel as if this film, however funny, was a representation of that desire for peace among certain people of the Israeli and Palestinian cultures. Obviously no one enjoys violence happening in their own backyard, and I feel as if this film was trying to bring to light how destructive the constant feuding can be for newer generations that truly have a desire for peace (i.e. Fatima & David).

I might just be fumbling around in the dark on that issue. I am aware that it's a very complex and involved situation, and although I want to be involved I have yet to find a night where I can sit down and really invest some time into understanding it. I do, however, really think this film was commenting on that issue, in the best way possible: sarcasm and music.

Overall I enjoyed it a lot, and I thought it was a great film!

- R.