Customer Reviews

Jimmy Carter Man From Plains

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Anyone who had access to television news in 2006 will remember the storm of controversy following the publication of former President Jimmy Carter's book, "Palestine: Peace, Not Apartheid." This film recalls those days in great detail and reminds us that many of the book's critics had not even bothered to read it before denouncing it.

I predict that many of the same critics of that book and Carter's even-handed position on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict will return to denounce Jonathan Demme's film without ever bothering to see it. They will continue to assert that Israel is completely innocent of creating anything that could be considered an apartheid situation. Their hope is that people will ignore Carter's simple request that everyone take the time to look at the facts on the ground before automatically taking the Israeli side in this long-standing dispute. Anyone who does so can at least then agree that the walls constructed by Israel encroach in many places onto long-held Palestinian lands.

Carter points out in several instances in the film that Israel certainly has the right to defend itself and its borders against terrorist attacks; his objection is to the locations where the walls have been built and the manner in which they have been used to house the Palestinians as virtual prisoners. It is much easier for the critics to simply assume that Carter is anti-Israeli. I submit that any honest viewer of the film cannot maintain such an opinion of him.

Even those who might disagree with Carter's positions would have to be amazed at the sheer level of energy shown in the film on the part of this eighty-three year old man who seems willing to speak anytime, anywhere in defense of his views. In viewing the film, I was encouraged to see the respectful response that he received when speaking before what might have been expected to be a hostile audience at Brandeis. On the other hand, my hopes were tempered by the young street protestor in the film who took great delight in shouting to Palestinians and their supporters that, "Nobody cares about you."

Having read a lot on Jimmy Carter, including books by people who helped create Delta Force and their interactions with President Carter and why they have always voted republican their entire life except for Jimmy Carter due to his selfless action of taking 100% credit for the failed Iranian mission. A time when everyone in the operation was ashamed and saddened for having let Carter down when he gave them full operational and strategic control. Carter refused to let any of his generals or special ops take the fall and insisted on 100% blame and was a major factor that cost him his presidency.

He was and still is a great man, following him through his tour of the US was interesting, I am still amazed that such a great and moral person who actually cares for people and isn't blinded by race or religion ever got elected.

I actually felt a bit saddened watching a man freak out on Carter, love him or hate him you can't help but respect him and all that he has accomplished, and for the record, I have been a life long republican myself, minus my first vote for Mr. Carter when he was defeated by Regan.

This is a great film and like the book that ignited the debate, almost all of the people on here condemning it have clearly not seen it. Jimmy Carter is the only president who has made real preogress in bringing peace to Israel and Palestine and yet all of a sudden he is labeled as this racist because he dares to call a spade a spade. If you read the book you will quickly see that although not a Zionist, Carter is FAR from being anti-semetic. There isn't a US leader out there with more friends in Israel or who has spent as much time and energy there. And it is truly horrific to see these insults being unfairly hurled at such a man of peace.

It is fascinating to watch the events unfold throughout his tour to promote his book- Palestine, Peace Not Apartheid. Let's face it- if he hadn't dared to use that word in the title noone would have read it. To say that there are no commonalities between Israeli policy toward the Palestinians and Apartheid in South Africa is ridiculous.

Jimmy Carter is an impressive man. He has set the standard for a productive post-presidency, and the time is ripe for a reassessment of the difficult but often wise decisions he made in office.

Unfortunately, this Jonathan Demme film focuses almost entirely on Carter's 2006 tour promoting his book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" and the uproar it spurred. Carter comes across as courageous, principled and (usually) very patient in the face of the same questions asked over and over again by modestly informed interviewers. The controversy offers plenty of insight into Carter's character and beliefs, but it's only one aspect of his career.

Demme fills a lot of space with scenes of Carter getting on and off planes, riding in cars, carrying his suitcase, getting makeup applied for interviews, etc. Comparatively little use is made of archival footage, except for a brief but engaging segment on the Camp David negotiations. I would have liked less of the former and more of the latter. As much as I thought I would enjoy this film, I found myself getting bored after the first hour as it kept going over the same ground, instead of giving us a full portrait of the "Man From Plains".

Although this is by no means the best documentary I've ever seen it is nonetheless a very satisfying viewing experience. I am a great fan of Jimmy Carter, one of the two greatest living men on earth (the other being Nelson Mandela). This film basically follows him throughout the country on a book tour of his controversial tome on the policies of Israel toward Palestineans. What I like about this work is its intimate portrait of a man who inspires great respect in some and rabid hatred in others. That fact is dramatically driven home when Carter is confronted by a very hostile man who obviously has much disdain for the him. But there are also many people who show great reverence for the former President as he candidly discusses politically explosive matters related to the Middle East. I strongly recommend this film to anyone wanting to know more about Jimmy Carter, a complex and profoundly humane man.

I have Netflix and was able to watch this.

It is an excellent documentary and shows the man behind the scenes as he promotes his book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.

I challenge anyone to find any recent politician with half the respect, courtesy, humanity and intelligence that Carter has.

I know Carter is going around helping communities and small countries and the Bush's are pretending to be common ranch owners as they pick their toes, reaping in more money from the Saudi's still and giving almost nothing back.

One of the best political videos in years. Opens your eyes to many facts suppressed by the US media. A MUST SEE!!!

This movie is wonderful, and provides a balanced and objective view of the current situation in the middle east as well as a moving portrait of the president himself.

The movie shows how Carter condemns both the Palestinians for their acts of terrorism against the Israelis, as well as the Israelis for their building of a 40 foot wall enclosing the Palestinians in the West Bank.

Overall, a great movie and a must see.

well edited, time flies watching this great portrail of n honest dedicated humble and great man.

This is one of the better balanced documentaries I've seen in a very long time. And it is way more interesting than you could possibly imagine. This almost 2 hour film, I refused to pause, fast forward or get up after starting the movie - it's just that good. My 17 year old son stayed all the way through along with me.

Whichever side of the debate you are on, hate Carter, love Carter, think his book was horrible, love his book - this movie is worth watching. Just like when he was President, you have to pay attention and listen to what is going on. Not just expect that somebody will feed you a perfect simple sound bite. Exactly like he did during this book tour, you have to listen to the whole story.

The title of the film is not exactly accurate. The film is about his book tour in 2006. The graphic is also particularly boring or off putting. It's boring, makes you think it's some history class on Jimmy Carter. But, no this is much more interesting, much more exciting than some boring history class.

Obviously I enjoyed this film. Given the recent election results, and maybe some new hope that we could do some good in the world, this film is timely.

There is one incredible thing in this film - the titles. Somebody did an amazing job integrating the titles for each town or date into the scenery. It's the best looking and appropriate titles I have seen in any film. (Not the reason for the 5 stars).

Watch this film, it is remarkable.