THE HUMAN FACTOR – A Review by John Strange
Over the course of the last year, I have reviewed films from my home from film festivals all over the country. Several of these films have been documentaries related to the Arab-Israeli peace negotiations. Thanks to these films I have seen the negotiation process from several different angles with differing thoughts on the problems and travails these diplomats and leaders have encountered.
Director Dror Moreh brings us the process from an angle I have not seen. The American facilitators/negotiators from the US State Department have been integral in this process for over 30 years, through the terms of several US Presidents and under the direction of several different US Secretaries of State.
These men have devoted years to making the dream of peace in the Middle East happen. They have had small victories as well as setbacks, but their goal has never been achieved despite the hours/days/weeks they have devoted to the effort.
This film allows these men to describe their thoughts on the events as they happened and the ideas and ideologies that shaped the various attempts. They are not afraid to tell us when their ideas failed to produce the expected results. And when the leaders’ ideas, good intentions, and plans worked… and didn’t.
For history buffs (like me!), this is an excellent 5-star film! It does not try to color any of the issues towards any of the many sides of the issue. It is informative and fast-paced. At nearly two hours, you might be worried that you will lose interest along the way. I found this film kept my attention from beginning to end.
Director: Dror Moreh
Featured Negotiators: Gamal Helal, Martin Indyk, Daniel Kurtzer, Robert Malley, Aaron Miller, Dennis Ross
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some violence/bloody images)
Selig Rating: 5 Stars
Runtime: 108 Min.
Documentary
Language: English (with subtitles)
Movie Site: THE HUMAN FACTOR Official Site
Trailer: THE HUMAN FACTOR Trailer
Limited Theatrical Release: May 7th – The Angelika Film Center & Cafe Dallas / Plano
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
