The Blessing and the Curse

I just watched the movie, and truly, this is one of the best films I've ever seen. It was heartbreaking, educational, and uplifting. So many films today focus on hate, bloodshed, and proving a point, but this film was far from that. It offered education in a way that anyone, regardless of background, can understand. It's a perfect balance, delivering its message without exploiting tragedy. The way it brings awareness to such a sensitive subject while offering hope and understanding is remarkable. Truly amazing and should be required when learning about the West Bank. A definite must-watch for anyone interested in the Middle East conflict.

The Blessing and the Curse presents itself as a moving portrait of Israeli settlers in Itamar grappling with grief after the tragic murder of the Fogels.

But stripped of its mournful soundtrack and sweeping shots of West Bank hills, what it really delivers is a deeply misleading and propagandistic defense of settler colonialism.

The film goes to great lengths to humanize the settlers, depicting them as pious, embattled victims clinging to their faith and land. What it never acknowledges - not once - is that this "land" is Palestinian land, stolen through decades of illegal settlement and military occupation.

The very presence of these settlers in the West Bank is a violation of international law, and their expansion comes at the expense of dispossessed Palestinian families whose voices are entirely absent and are afforded the dignity of a meaningful voice.

By portraying Palestinians only as faceless, lurking threats while framing the settlers' colonization as righteous and divinely ordained, Lentini's docu-drivel erases the violence of displacement and dehumanizes the people who actually belong to the land.

This is not a story of faith or resilience. It is a slick piece of propaganda that seeks to justify theft and dispossession while hiding behind the tragedy of one horrific act.

A more honest film would have told the full story: that these settlers are not merely victims, but also aggressors, building lives on stolen soil.

The movie is absolutely riveting. I was deeply moved by how the events of October 7th were reflected, though on a smaller scale. The Fogel massacre is a story that still resonates today. It should never be forgotten. The words spoken in the film echo the voices of those who lived through the aftermath of October 7th, but the film still manages to leave you with hope and excitement, rather than devastation.

The cinematography is stunning, and it feels like you're right there in the West Bank. The experience is unexpected; you feel a mix of nervousness and connection to the soil beneath your feet. The land itself holds memories, and you can sense it in every step.

This film is powerful and beautifully made, with a respectful and authentic portrayal of tragedy and resilience. It doesn't manipulate you, but rather invites you to feel the weight of the story and the strength of those who endure. It's definitely a must-see and one that will stay with you long after the credits roll.