O Jerusalem

I know of no other book ever written which so accurately covers this most significant subject, so completely, without resorting to fiction. The authors compiled dozens, if not hundreds, of firsthand accounts of the actual players on both sides of this historic struggle. This exceeds the work of "Exodus" in that NO fiction is used. As we all know, Truth is Stranger, and when it comes to this subject, that is an understatement. The authors did an absolutely historic job. The book limits its scope to the single period between the time of the UN vote to end the mandate, Nov. 1947, the declaration of the Modern Jewish State, and the initial war of Independence which determined its survival, up until the first UN truce. This book should be required reading by every person personally touched by the Middle East Conflict. That is, just about everyone. I only wish I had known a lot sooner this books existence. I would have read it years ago. P.S. Regarding the film that was done; there is no connection to the book other than the fictional movie was based upon the same period of time. Since the film was totally fiction, it could have easily been concocted without tainting the fantastic work of the two authors.

I can also see why this movie received such critical disdain. There is a good movie here – but it’s at least twice as long as the current running time of 101 minutes. I enjoyed it well enough, having read the book just recently (the reason I picked up this movie). It would, in my opinion, be fairly incomprehensible to anyone who has not read the book – or at least anyone who does not have a fair working knowledge of the events of the 1948 War. Frankly, this movie bears about as much resemblance to the literary source material as the Brad Pitt version of World War Z bore to the brilliant book on which it was “based.” Actually, the relationship between film and page is far less in this case because this film could very easily exist without the existence of the book since the historical events that form the context for the story are not the product of Larry Collins and Dominique LaPierre’s imagination, whereas World War Z the movie does construct a narrative within a fictional situation created by Max Brooks. The one facet of the book that I think is conveyed fairly well in this movie is a fair balance and lack of overt bias in dealing with a very complex situation in which, in truth, there is no absolute right nor wrong. The desperate conviction driving the Jews, having just endured a genocidal disaster unparalleled in human history, that they must have their own state vs. the Palestinian Arabs’ determination to maintain their longstanding residence in the only land that the Jews would – could – ever consider their homeland are tragic and seemingly irreconcilable imperatives. David Ben-Gurion’s rabidly intense determination to hold Jerusalem at all costs seems insane from any practical, strategic standpoint – and yet was absolutely necessary because he rightly perceived that without Jerusalem there is no Israel. All of that comes through very clearly in Ian Holm’s scenery-chewing performance which makes his casting the highlight of the film. Ultimately, however, this movie is very much a failure, especially when set aside the book. If marketing it in the US as “Beyond Friendship” was an attempt to distance film from book, I think that was a wise choice – although ultimately the film falls face-down off its own two feet even without the inevitable comparison with the book.

This film is a well-casted adaptation of the novel of the same name. Although not a thorough as the novel, it nevertheless depicts that dangerous time at the end of the British rule of Palestine and the beginning of the Jewish State of Israel through the eyes of a Palestinian and an American Jew. There are various levels of each society that we meet before the division becomes too deep.JJ Feild stands out in a fine cast as the American Jew returning home from WWII. I recommend reading the novel and viewing this film. Several books on the subject would be "Exodus" by Leon Uris and The Lemon Tree (which tells both stories will equality and is true.).

The Dvd condition is not at all as described: scratches all over and filthy

How do you explain and justify the right of the Jewish people to reclaim the ancient homeland that was taken from them by force by the Roman Empire? The movie O Jerusalem does a pretty good job. The musicis an integral part of the movie that adds to the intensity of human emotion and self-determination.

The DVD "O Jerusalem" was somewhat thrilling in the presentation of the drama of the diverse ethnic backgrounds being placed in the cauldron of intransigence in the midst of the evolution of modern Israel. Having also read the book of the same title, I can imagine the unsettling feelings of both sides. What was then the catastrophe of human hatred, was then after left unmended with both the characters suffering the death of loved ones. This is still sad as the unfolding episode as we see it still outworks itself far beyond numerous handshakes on the white house lawn and more people of ill will wanting to continue the hatred and violence. When will Jerusalem be more than a vision of peace and become a reality? This is the question posed.

This is the greatest background story ever written of the founding of the Nation of Israel in 1948! I love it! Very interesting, it tells the story from both sides! Amazing!

It doesn’t work, can’t see this good movie

Film que j’aime beaucoup.

The dvd was so beautifully packed, with a ribbon around it and a bow. The seller sent a very charming note, with an explanation how to obtain the English version (it was a Czech product), together with a beautiful postcard with pictures and flags of various districts in Czechoslavakia, I was so touched. As for the film itself, it was a very stirring and moving account of the formation of the Israeli state and the strong feelings of both the Jews and the Palestinians. One could see and understand both sides very clearly and the acting was convincing. I bought it because I admire JJ Fields very much, and he didn't disappoint. Ian Holm made a very good Ben Gurion and the acting of the character Saheed was very moving. A brilliant film. I went straight to the Internet to read more about this very troublesome period in the Middle East.

It was a great story and a good movie..I just felt the direction was poor is areas so you were not sure what was going on.

La película, aunque entretenida y bien hecha, no deja de tener cierto tufillo (muy llevadero) a telefilm. Dicho esto, aunque la factura no esté al nivel de Éxodo, los hechos narrados constituirían su secuela.Solo por eso, resulta muy interesante para cualquiera mínimamente interesado en conocer el origen del estado de Israel y su polémico nacimiento.

C est un film, il est super