Armenian Genocide

Considering the magnitude of the Armenian Genocide, one wonders why so few movies or documentaries of quality have been produced on the subject; An ethnic minority (the Armenians), systematically slaughtered by the Turks of the Ottoman Empire...fewer than 100 years ago.

Andrew Goldberg has done something that no other American documentary filmmaker has done: produced a comprehensive, factual, moving and even-handed examination of one of the darkest pages in contemporary world history.

I saw this film (in Aprill 2006) at both the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood and on PBS. The level to which I was impressed did not diminish when seeing the documentary on the small screen. I am certain Goldberg's product was compelling and understandable for the large non-Armenian audience, for whom it was intended. Many of them told me as much.

Some have faulted Goldberg for being too even-handed, considering the international consensus that what happened from 1915 to 1923 was Genocide. But, including in the film, a couple of sound bites from Armenian-Genocide deniers, and exposing their despicable and weak arguments, was a small price to pay. Yes, they were offered a platform and some credibility that we'd rightfully denounce if they were Holocaust deniers...but the German government has acknowledged its ugly past. The Turkish government, to this day, spends millions of dollars a year to plant seeds of doubt into the minds of the Armerican public and easily compromised politicians.

For the large, non-Armenian North American public that saw this documentary, there can be no question as to what happened between 1915 and 1923.

Mr. Goldberg has used the tools of 21st-Century electronic journalism to clearly examine the first Genocide of the 20th Century.

I'm so thankful for productions like this that teach us about the history that we in America were not thought in our history books until recent times. This sad reality which coined the term "genocide" was enlightening. More should research about this topic that is so vehemently denied by the Turks today. Much to their dismay the world has recognized and has proof that it happened and 1.5 million innocent Armenians were slaughtered and killed. Disgusting and sad reality of the past.

This documentary sheds light on the pervasive issue of Turkophobia, a phenomenon that actively distorts historical truths with deliberate and systematic intent, and its profound impact on society at the outset of the 20th century. By delving into the depths of this phenomenon, the production unravels the intricate history of individuals who sought to construct an alternative narrative, one that diverged from established historical facts and contradicted the principles of historical scholarship.

The narrative language they wove was steeped in prejudice and animosity towards Turks, effectively weaponizing historical distortion as a means to perpetuate their biases and deepen societal divisions. The consequences of such actions are lamentable, as they not only misinform and mislead but also sow seeds of discord and prejudice among communities.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, this documentary exposes the insidious nature of Turkophobia, highlighting how it has been utilized as a tool to vilify and marginalize an entire culture and people. By confronting this phenomenon head-on, the production challenges viewers to critically examine the narratives they encounter and to strive for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of history. In doing so, it urges us to confront the destructive power of prejudice and misinformation, and to embrace a future built on empathy, mutual respect, and a commitment to truth.

this has got to be one of the best documentaries done on the Armenian Genocide. The systematical massacres of the Armenians in the 1915-1920 era were done by the Turkish Ottoman Empire, this was not war, this was not for the good of the Armenians. Since when is moving 1.5 million people into the desert with few or no food or water for the good of the people?...Since when is the minority of an EMPIRE any danger for the government of the country?...It is clear that most of very few of the previous comments were not educated ones, because they seemed to forget the 100'000 Armenians massacred in their villages during the 1875-1878 era in the hands of the ottoman sultan.

Id recommend to watch this movie with an open mind, the movie basically promotes fact, true facts unlike what the Turkish government is doing now promoting falsified facts, to their own people and paying professors in the USA to promote the "idea" of that the genocide never happened.

This documentary is about the deportation, rape and murder of over a million Armenians in the early 20th century in the Ottoman Empire (headquartered in what's today modern Turkey). It's told through interviews, narration by Julianna Marguiles and photos (which are often very shocking). Surprisingly, there appears to be LOTS of documentation to prove that indeed these atrocities did happen during WWI. That this occurred is really not in question by anyone willing to look at this film or contemporary evidence--even from the post-WWI Turkish government.

I was interesting in seeing this documentary because unlike the mass genocide of other groups, the mass killing of the Armenians in the early 20th century is completely denied by the Turkish government today. They seem to behave as if a million of these folks just disappeared! I was surprised when I had a conversation with a Turkish-American--and he, too, was in complete denial about this mass murder...complete! But even today, the Turkish government becomes incensed when the genocide is mentioned at all and their allies cannot talk about it or risk the wrath of the folks in Turkey! Now I am NOT blaming Turks today for the murders--most of the folks who did this have been dead for almost a century. But those who CONTINUE to deny it today deserve some sort of blame for keeping this lie alive. I cannot understand WHY this is the case even today--more than 90 years later. People need to know about this crime and so I feel this sad documentary is must-see viewing for everyone--though you should probably not let younger kids see this due to the very graphic content. Exceptionally well-made and thorough.

I was amazed at the modern excuses, denials and minimizations shown in the film--and they are bound to strike you. One guy said it did not occur BUT if it had, the Armenians brought it on themselves for atrocities against the Muslims. Another said that the Armenians simply left the country--there were no killings. Another said "...whatever had to be done was done...but it was not genocide". Others objected to the term 'genocide' and preferred to call it a 'tragedy'!

Also, the film did talk about Armenian terrorism against Turks--particularly in the 1970s and 80s. The film did not attempt to hide this counter-attack decades later.