Reviews

This film does a pretty good job dealing with the age old conspiracy theory of "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion". The film does a good job of showing how, once again, in times of trouble the Jews are blamed as the masterminds of some evil plot to control the world. "The Protocols" were originally used by the Czars of Russia to incite violence against Jews, then of course Hitler used them, and today once again they are being used by Terrorists to spread lies against the Jews. A very heavy moment in the film is when the white power skinhead shows the empty shelf where he can not keep the protocols in stock because they are selling so fast. My favorite part of the film, however, was the music . . . original soundtrack by John Zorn in the vein of "Massada" and special appearance by Chasidic Rapper Matisyahu!

I saw this film at the Tribeca Film Festival with the Q & A with Sister Rose afterwards. It was an intensely emotional experience. As a Jew the film's subject matter is particularly relevant to me, but the film's themes are universal. The film's subject, Sister Rose and her struggle to change the Catholic Church's official doctrine concerning the Jews, offers glimpses into the spirit of a true activist and the process of change for meta-institutions. While the film's conflict, the struggle to change official church doctrine, is poignant given the popularity of Gibson's 'Passion', it is Sister Rose herself who steals the show. This elderly Nun, who is not in the best of health, has more spitfire that a Redbull guzzling adolescent skater. While this is accurately portrayed in the film, it became even more evident during the Q & A session after the Tribeca screening. Sister Rose took the mike from the Director and would not give it back. While she did answer the audience's questions she did an equal amount of prophesizing and preaching on the topics of equality, justice, and the fight against hate. I left that screening with a renewed sense of optimism and the furnace of my own 'passion' stoked!

The best documentary I have seen so far this year.