Promises Reaction Response Questions

“Promises” Reaction/Response

100 points

In your Google Docs Handin Folder answer the following questions about the film, “Promises.” You can copy and paste them into your Google Docs. You may answer them one by one, or you may answer in paragraph form, but I would like you to answer all of the questions as completely as possible. Don’t skimp.

1. Briefly summarize the film. (Tell about the children, what the main events/issues were, etc.)

2. What are some similarities and differences between the children? (What experiences and interests do they have in common? What experiences are different? ) You might also discuss physical, geographical, or ideological similarities and differences.

3. What quotes do you remember that you felt were particularly insightful or important? Tell why you thought they were important.  You can look here for a transcription of the film: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8thcax4UbemWFhFWDd4cTFDUnM/edit?usp=sharing

4. Mahmoud experiences a kind of disconnect when he discovers that B.Z. is Jewish. How does he handle this new information, and what effect (if any) do you think it will have on his overall attitude towards Jewish people in the future?

5. How did the visit between Yarko & Daniel, and Faraj & Sanabel change their perspectives of each other? Especially discuss Faraj’s attitude before and after meeting Yarko and Daniel. What changed, and what caused the change?

6. Each child’s position has been shaped by external influences. What were some of those influences? What are the past events in each of their lives that have made an impact on their personal viewpoints?

7. At the end of the film, how have the children’s attitudes changed/remained the same compared to when we first see them? What do you think caused/prevented the change?

8. What are the children’s hopes for the future? How do you feel about the chances of those hopes being realized? Explain.

9. Discuss the balance of perspectives in the film. Was there equity/fairness, or was there any bias one way or the other? Explain and give examples.
10. Was there any information missing from the film? Is there something that the makers of the film should have included? Anything they should have left out? Explain.

 

Additional Credit: If you could contact the children and the filmmakers, what questions would you have for them? To receive points, you must write good questions for each of the children and for the filmmakers.