User Reviews

In this beautifully structured documentary, the viewer follows the people of Budrus from the timeless beauty of their olive groves into the line of Israeli fire, as tension builds and culminates in dramatic conflict between a steadily growing group of unarmed protesters, and the bulldozing Israeli Defense Force.

Although it would be justifiable to tell this story solely from a Palestinian vantage point, the filmmakers lend even more credibility to the voice of Ayed Morrar, the film's Palestinian protagonist, by respectfully and thoroughly presenting Israeli points of view throughout the film. Soldiers, captains, newscasters and politicians weigh in from the other side of the "wall-in-progress", while back in Budrus - a heroine emerges. Morrar's 15 year old daughter Iltezam is caught on camera jumping into a bulldozer's newly dug pit, to prevent the uprooting of yet another olive tree, as her voice-over describes what was going through her head: "what can one person do?" This heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting documentary answers that impossible question, by demonstrating the power of peaceful resistance - even in the face of seemingly never ending aggression.

Budrus is exceptional! I liked how it shows both sides, the Israeli soldiers and the Palestinians. This film stands above other films I have seen on this subject. It seems to shed light by calling on humanity's consciousness to do what is right in the world. I found Budrus to be an accurate portrayal of a nonviolent resistance movement.

I was really impressed how the different factions had to come together to really make a statement. It was inspiring to see Fatah, Hamas, Israeli and international activists, and especially to see the women protesting for humanity and human rights right along side the men. I like how they use public relations and nonviolent protest to protect their livelihood (Their Olive Groves).

Budrus is in my mind is a must see documentary. I recommend this doc to anyone who wants a "how to" guide for making peace and solidarity between different peoples of the world.

Budrus is so awesome! I really liked how the women became a part of the nonviolent protests in the little village of Budrus. I found Budrus so interesting and cool, seeing Jewish women protesting right along side the Palestinian women. The soldiers seem less threatened and less likely to shoot an unarmed woman. This documentary will inspire and empower women of all races, creed, belief, nationality, etc.

It had me gripping on the edge of my seat and really hoping good will prevail in the face of uncertainty. It showed me a whole new light on what's happening in the Occupied Palestine Territories that I had never seen before. The struggles, the trials, the triumphs, the tears, the power of nonviolence and seeing the good side of humanity prevail.

This movie gets a 10 from me. Now at the top of my list of favorite documentaries. You should check it out.

This is a wonderful documentary about the power of nonviolent protest against forces who do not hesitate to use live ammunition to get their way.

It is very sad that there are still entities on this earth that think they have the right to take away anything that they can steal, just because they have more weapons or power than those from whom they steal. It is very hopeful and encouraging that some people still chose not to respond with violence, opting for peaceful protest instead.

Budrus was a prime example of just such circumstances. Julia Bacha has captured evidence that, when faced with an armed oppressor, a community of people, even ones who are not all on the same political side initially, can still come together against what they all know to be wrong in a nonviolent way, and actually change things.

Ever wondered if non-violent resistance is futile?

Ever questioned whether the very protesters who vow never to take up arms are dooming themselves to insignificance and the demise of their cause, however noble?

For all its history and morality, is non-violent protest going out of fashion? Why, one could reasonably ask, organize million-strong marches when you could take a few hundred, cause a bit of trouble and be assured of instantaneous, blanket, worldwide media coverage and a week's worth of column inches?

Before you lose any hope, consider the case put forward by Julia Bacha's Budrus. Threatened by the prospect of Israeli's 'Security Wall' cutting it off from a large portion of its arable land, the town organizes a series of protests designed to prevent the progress of the contractor bulldozers. Avowedly non-violent (indeed, they are almost mini-festivals with their chanting, smiles and gentle ribbing of soldiers), the protests develop from small, local, all-male affairs to regional, unisex events to being the centre of an evocative international saga.

The star of the resistance movement is the town's understated 'community organizer' (can't write that without thinking Obama), Ayed Morrar, who succeeds in uniting Fatah and Hamas factions, both within his town and externally, behind the non-violent movement of his town. This is no mean feat in a nation once united, but now increasingly divided itself. Budrus could easily have become another platform for a Palestinian spat but thanks in part to Morrar's mediation, and (one feels) the presence of the international media, internecine rivalries are put to one side for the sake of the town and its efforts.

"It takes a village to unite the most divided people on earth"

Like most statements about this particular region, there is much to be disputed about the film's byline. The Budrus movement is a great advert for many things - but I'm not sure Middle Eastern unity is one of them. The fact is that the wall is still being built, and will soon act as a permanent reminder of the absence of unity in the region. What do we make of the tens of Israelis willing to go into Palestine and protest on behalf of the Budrus villagers? It is encouraging, granted, but ultimately relatively meaningless until the Israeli left-wing is sufficiently strong enough to influence Israeli politics. It is propitious that so many are young, for it might connote a generational change, but then again, they are no younger than the Israeli soldiers against whom they direct their protests.

Nevertheless, in the meantime 'Budrus' offers hope to villages in Palestine and beyond who suffer under the repression of foreign states and bodies. Non-violent protest can and does work, and is just as courageous and brave as any armed struggle.