Jerusalem

JERUSALEM is a vivid documentary about how three faiths somehow manage to coexist in an exclusive piece of international real estate: a spiritual nexus of humanity. The film is only 45 minutes long, so there's scarcely enough time to go into the city's history. Even the portion on biblical archeology could be expanded into a multi part series. Basically, the filmmakers show modern-day JERUSALEM through the eyes of three young women - Christian, Muslim, and Jewish - as they try to explain why the city is so special to them.

The problem is - the young women don't get to explain why Jerusalem is so special. Individual sequences are ravishing, with a wealth of long tracking shots and a few astonishing digital recreations. The film itself, however, doesn't have much of a story or point of view.

Without a specific focus or point of view, JERUSALEM can seem like eye-candy; visually engaging, but emotionally remote.

I really enjoyed watching this movie ,it was magnificent the camera work , the colors , everything was perfect . in my humble opinion this movie must be divided to a parts , because it's about the most holy city in the world which had longest history even before abraham's religion , so you can't summarize this long story in 44 minutes .

8/10

Jerusalem is the kind of film usually displayed on shopping center to advertise the new flat or curved television set. It's an undeniable graphical masterpiece as every shot is done with such precise cinematography. Its frame, composition of scenery, the contrasting shadow and lighting, one can take a random screenshot and it would be an impressive work of photography.

The documentary takes audience through walks and lives of the holy city's citizens. It mainly tells the culture of three different major religions from perspectives of young women. They depict the city and its meaning to them, both personally and culturally while Benedict Cumberbatch narrates how the place came to be.

It's a grand view of many corners and landmarks, taken in such angle that it is simply immersive. The high rise scene is gorgeous, meanwhile the first person perspective, especially when the camera walks through gates of houses, mosques or churches, is intimately welcoming. Every shot is taken with purpose and they are never out of focus, it offers a steady pace throughout the entire visual marvel.

Granted, it doesn't cover much of the more bloody history, yet this is meant for a testament of human cultures and celebration of life. It's simply a marvelous display of excellent cinematography, regardless of one's faith.

Watching this as a video on a television, as I did, probably meant it wasn't as impressive as it would have been in a theater, but it was beautifully photographed.

It presented a reasonably even-handed and, as far as I know, accurate portrayal of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities residing in Jerusalem. It was a decidedly superficial and elementary presentation. I'm not sure who the intended audience was, though the approach suggested it was aimed at school children or possibly as a tourism promotion.

There was no reference to any of the difficulties faced between the communities, at least until the conclusion when a vague mention was made of historical conflicts and a hope that seeing the commonalities and shared faith of Christians, Muslim and Jews might eventually be considered more important and valuable than the emphasis on differences.

Overall it was nicely done, but very superficial and lacking any depth. I doubt many people would come away motivated to work for peaceful coexistence, though maybe those who are open-minded will better understand that Jerusalem of all places ought to inspire peace rather than conflict between the three major Abrahamic religions.

As one of great Faith in the Christian beliefs, I went knowing I would see and experience the mother land - Jerusalem, Israel. Growing up, like many, I have heard of the many stories of Christ Jesus and the many amazing works recorded in the Bible. As you can imagine, this was only a historic imagery I could only grasp through the retelling of events that happened many many years ago. So when I was up early this morning at 5:30am I wondered what I would do with my day off during the long Easter break. I looked up movies that I could go an watch and came across the Jerusalem 3D IMAX screening. This was surely a divine appointment for me to go and see this film as I had no intention prior to today to see this film nor go see a movie or even go out. I went on my own to this film and had never regretted the choice to make the long journey into the city to watch Jerusalem. It was an awe inspiring film with majestic panoramic views of Israel's beautiful landscape. The very opening moments of the intro over whelmed me and I was in tears through out the film as I was exposed to the wondrous splendour Jerusalem presented. I saw the ruins and monuments, the reconstructions of famous sites and buildings and also the people of Jerusalem. The history behind Israel was wonderfully narrated as I took in the realisation that this was the centre focal point of the 3 power faiths - Jewish,Muslim & Christian faiths are all rooted here in this Holy Land. I went away knowing so much in the 45min film and was equipped with inspiration and drive to one day visit Jerusalem,Israel. My heart automatically yearned for Jerusalem and I instantly fell in love with her grace and precious priceless value. I was deeply moved watching Jerusalem due to my spiritual ties to Israel and my strong love for Christ as this was the place he spent his last few days leading into the festival we celebrate, Easter. I encourage all to see who have the chance to view this on the big screen. A must see in my opinion. Thanks for reading. Hopefully I'm writing about My own experience about Jerusalem once I fulfil a dream to make a trip there and retell it from my own personal account.