'Five Broken Cameras' Film Review

"I feel like the camera protects me, but it's an illusion." -Kino Lorber

Directed by: Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi

In 2005, Emad Burnat bought his first camera to capture his son, Gibreel's birth. Then, Burnat began to film Bil'in, a village in West Bank, during  Israel. Five years later, co-director Guy Davidi, edited the footage into what we know as the documentary, 'Five Broken Cameras.'

The film focuses on the evolution of a West Bank family's conflict as many political and land issues unfold. It also explores themes of innocence verses corruption of children that live in the West Bank. This theme is exaggerated through words Gabreel learns from a young age like 'war' and 'wall.' It is quite alarming that children are exposed to such issues while they are so young.

Because filming conditions were dangerous, five of Emad's cameras were smashed, hence the film's title, Five Broken Cameras.

This film was developed by the Greenhouse Development Project and funded internationally and through Israeli funders.

'(500) Days of Summer' Film Review

       (500) Days of Summer, directed by Marc Webb, portrays love and all its facets by employing a non-linear structure.

        The story begins with the aftermath of Tom and Summer's breakup. As Tom shares the story of his 500-day relationship with Summer with his younger sister, Rachel (Chloe Grace Moretz), their contrast in age adds voice of reason without employing a  gay best friend, like most romantic comedies revert to doing.