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American Radical: Trials of Norman Finkelstein

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I recently got a chance to watch the documentary "American Radical: The Trials of Norman Finkelstein" and I'd have to say that this is such a poignant documentary that was put together remarkably well. It maintained an impartial and balanced objective as it managed to allot equal air time to both those who are on Finkelsteins side and those who believe that he is completely wrong.
How rare is that in documentaries?

Its very brave to be so bold and stand up for what you believe in, even when it costs you dearly...
That is completely respectable in my book, definitely turned me into a fan of this man.

Having listened to Norman Finkelstein speak at King's College last year, I was very much looking forward to seeing this film, and I was not disappointed. Leaving aside the politics, this film takes a deeply personal look at Finkelstein's life and analyses the roots of his beliefs regarding the Israel-Palestine question, exploring his mother's influence, her experiences in Auschwitz, and consequently, her inherent, all-pervading sense of justice.

Essential viewing for an objective view of the conflict, and it sends a strong, inspiring message for anyone wishing to uncover the truth. It certainly doesn't shy away from controversy, but the subject matter is handled with respect, as it includes commentary from both Finkelstein's advocates and opponents, including Alan Dershowitz (author of The Case for Israel). Simply a must for anyone who's ever needed inspiration to stand up for what they believe in.

I really liked it. The current state of the media got to a point where the claim of "fair and balanced" can not be true. The bias in the mainstream media gets to its worse degree when it comes to the Israel-Palestine issue. This documentary might be considered biased in its own way, however, it's far more balanced than your typical "mainstream" media. The dedication Dr.Nnorman Finkelstein shows in this documentary is a good lesson to whoever wants to work in this field (raising awareness among Americans).

This documentary excellently covers Finkelstein's life, private & public persona and the controversy surrounding his intellectual work. In it you'll find some of his finest achievement and public moments, along with a portrayal of what makes him up psychologically and (somewhat regrettably) the views of his detractors like Alan Dershowitz (shudder). This doc is a must-see for the Finkelstein fan and opponent alike.

American Radical: Trials of Norman Finkelstein beautifully illustrates the conviction that Dr. Norman Finkelstein has for his beliefs and the great hardships, emotionally as well as environmental, he has faced to be honest to himself and speak the truth as he sees it. As a son of Holocaust survivors, Dr. Finkelstein has especially come under harsh criticism by many in the Jewish community. Not ashamed of his Jewish background, tough vocal critics try to assign the title of self-hating to Dr. Finkelstein, his career is a testiment to doing the right thing in the face of hypocrisy. An activist against violent agression, Dr. Finkelstein is not only inspiring for academics, but can be understood by the novice learning about differing opinions. This movie does an excellent job of balancing the private, public, academic and a bit tortured aspects of Dr. Finkelsteins live without compromising in a way that leaves Dr. Finkelstein appearing infalliable.

A riveting and engaging film portraying a tireless and amazing man fighting for freedom of speech and a just peace in Palestine/ Israel. Mr. Finkelstein's scholarship, passion, humility and humanity are unmatched and they come through so clearly in this film. He's an unsung hero of this country and I thank the filmmakers for bringing attention to him. Although the film does not go in depth into his scholarship and the issues for which the Zionist lobby, organized or individuals, have gone after him for, I still think the film succeeds in bringing to the surface the problems with academic censorship and Zionist control over the discourse in this country.

This film while maybe not dwelling enough for some into the history of the IP conflict is a great introduction to the world of this much debated scholar. There are gripping scenes shot in refugee camps in Lebanon as well as excellent parts in Israel including one with one of Finkelstein's main critics, the well spoken David Olesker who turns out to be quite sympathetic. The directors approached their subject with respect and subtlety and did not shy away from challenging him on every important aspects of his work and personality. Overall this is probably the best political docs I have seen in a long time. Given the tone of un­compromising adulation that can describe most bio pics like this one, viewers will be surprised at how honnest this film is.

Norman Finkelstein is an outstanding scholar. His failure to obtain tenure indicates that something is gravely wrong with American academia.
The documentary itself is fascinating and informative. My only complaint is that the DVD does not include an audio commentary.

This documentary on Norman Finkelstein only reinforces my impression of his being a man with unqualified humanity who simply cannot tolerate social injustice. The cameras follow him around the world as he gives speeches/participates in debates on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, mostly on college campuses, and it interviews his supporters as well as his detractors--those propagandists and apologists for Israeli occupation whose presence and voices in the mainstream media are pervasive. They have called him a self-hating Jew, Holocaust denier and anti-Semite, slandering him all over the Internet, etc. (just as they've done to Noam Chomsky, Justice Richard Goldstone, and any other bearer of the news that Israel has committed war crimes in its 43-year occupation and in its asasult on Gaza). And this despite the fact that he has NEVER denied the Holcaust and this despite both his parents being survivors of it--which obviously affected him acutely. It is not "self-hating" or "self-loathing" to call out one's own ethno-religious group (although Finkelstein is secular) on their continued and longstanding denial of another people's human rights. It is not "progressive" to try to prevent a man whose political opinions differ from your own to lose his tenure bid at the university at which he teaches. It is not "progressive" to institute a massive letter-writing campaign demanding that a book, the findings of which you do not agree with and do not like, not be allowed publication (Finkelstein's "Beyond Chutzpah") because it exposes your own book (Dershowitz's "The Case for Israel") for the pseudo-scholarship that it is. So much for Dershowitz's defense of the civil liberties of Americans. I recommend this documentary to anyone who truly cares about justice in Palestine/Israel and who wants to hear the voice of a man who has been advocating for that his entire career, despite much personal cost. Finkelstein is incredibly passionate, brilliant, a meticulous scholar, witty, quirky/eccentric, and a true progressive, unlike so many liberals who call themselves progressive but practice a selective humanity when it comes to the Palestinians. I think two of the scenes that struck me the most were when his long-time Palestinian friend in the West Bank whom he was staying with expressed surprise (and perhaps slight embarrassment) to see Finkelstein cry after the Israeli army killed a Palestinian boy; and then in another scene, when talking about his parents being in extermination camps, he looked like he was about to cry, or wanted to cry, but didn't. This is the portrait of a good man who, despite all the self-serving lies told about him by those who would like to shut him up and prevent his speaking the facts about this conflict, won't be quiet about an injustice that he obviously takes very personally.

The film American Radical is one which displays a man who has worked tirelessly on the issue of human rights in the middle east and has been demonized by the american government, the israeli government and the media. This film shows the difficulties faced by those wishing to tell the truth even when that truth is inconvenient or does not fit with what others have been taught to believe. Upon watching the film it will leave you feeling inspired by the strength and courage of norman finkelstein and his sheer humanity. His strength and resolve is shown throughout the film given he deals with many topics which are not only very sensitive to others especially the Jewish people but also to himself as the son of Holocaust survivors, the way in which he deals with such topics is in a manner i would describe as brilliant and commendable considering the huge personal difficulties Norman must face comming from the background he does and the responsibilities he has taken on himself to stand up for what is rightand just. Nobody could care more about the suffering of their own people than Norman and yet his ability to take such history and past and walk along the road of deeper compassion kindness and forgivness is amazing truly it brings tears the the eye.

The entire film is a true depiction of just how difficult the world of politics can be when dealing with topics people would rather ignore or hide away from it also displays the power of a select few political elite in american politics. I would recomend this film to any who is interested in the issues surrounding Israel and the wider middle east. The personal stories revealed in this film show the harsh reality of the political entity which is the israeli state it reveals that there are those who abuse the Jewish suffering in the world to hide the suffering which is being inflicted on others under the pretext of "self defense".

There is nothing else i can really say on this film except that it is simply an emotional rollercoaster which sheds light on those with the strength to continue even after such history. The way it is put together, directed and displayed is fair and invigorating.

A must watch