Educational Media Reviews Online

Israeli and French film director Simone Bitton took me on a vivid journey into the last weeks of life for human rights activist Rachel Corrie. Bitton interviews, friends, co-activist workers, family members, soldiers, and medical personnel in her attempt to portray the various parties and factions that played related roles in the life of Corrie during the months leading up to and during March 2003. Her primary mode in fact finding is narrative discourse. Allowing each participant to put into their own words, their understanding of who Rachel was, and her influence upon their own life. Bitton also uses news footage, document review, and military video that seemingly provide a holistic portrayal and understanding of the events surrounding the life and death of Rachel Corrie. Perhaps most poignant and revealing about Rachel, is Bitton’s use of participants to read self-narrative from Rachel’s journal or diary written between January 25, 2003 when she arrived in Tel Aviv and the day of her death.

Two alternative views unravel in exploring Rachel’s death. One is that Rachel’s death was no fault of the IDF, but rather an accident due in part to Rachel’s carelessness. The other alternative is that the IDF bulldozer driver wantonly drove the D9 bulldozer over her and that IDF policy sanctioned such brutal behaviors toward Gaza residents. Much as an investigative reporter, Bitton seeks out military and medical personnel, Gaza residents who knew and provided the activists sustenance and room, police investigators, eye witnesses, and family in order to portray not only the mindset of Rachel Corrie, but also the policy of the military, and mindset of Gaza residents and military players.

Two stark and vivid statements are made by interviewees in this film which stand out, making me think deeply about this event. One unidentified soldier who admitted serving in the Gaza Strip during 2003 remarked candidly about the routine of life as a soldier and the demolition of Palestinian agricultural fields, homes and other property, “You fire (shoot) at a house a little to see if anyone is home, then you start wrecking. They either come out, or they don’t. We could shoot at houses for fun.” The second statement was by a resident identified as Abu Jamil when asked about what type of person Rachel was he stated, “Are you willing to give your life for your beliefs?” It is these types of candid remarks and responses to questions that provide the realism depicted in this documentary.

Whichever alternative position you take; whatever political beliefs you have, I believe Bitton has succeeded in uncovering many questions that deserve deeper consideration about how Rachel Corrie died. But, perhaps more importantly this documentary serves as a tribute to both Rachel Corrie and those who like her, seek to enforce a bit of civility to our world. Perhaps this film shows us the need to take better measures to train those who seek a life of activism so they are best equipped to face the hard realities of conflict. Perhaps Bitton also helps us to recognize that in times of conflict it is each party’s, and each person’s, responsibility to foster and maintain civility in relation to others who have diverse or controversial views about the subject.

Visit YouTube for a short trailer on the film. Other links regarding miscellaneous video, promotional photos and related subjects on the religion, politics, and people of Israel/Palestine are located on the Rachel page on the Women Make Movies web site. The film may be rented or purchased. K – 12, public libraries, and select institutions receive discount purchase pricing.