Customer Reviews

PeaceJam

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first saw the PEACEJAM documentary at the Taos Talking Pictures Festival last April. I was amazed at all the five teenage subjects went through - I started high school in 1971, and PeaceJam clearly lets us know that times have indeed changed - for the worse. Three of five in PEACEJAM were at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, and their memories of that horrible day weren't adequately covered in Michael Moore's "Bowling for Columbine," as good as that film was. PEACEJAM digs deeper into the psyches of Richard, Shannon and Shelby, and it was alomost surreal watching the footage of Richard Castaldo meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the very first time.

I had no idea that a youth education program like PeaceJam not only exists, but is in its 8th year. Apparently the program deals with conflict resolution, religious tolerance, sexual identity issues, ethnicity, racism, anti-nuclear proliferation, gang-related violence, feminist issues, democracy building, indigenous issues, drug abuse, sectarian violence, alcohol abuse, violence in the home, and service learning. That the inventors of PeaceJam have managed to round up 12 Nobel Peace Prize winners like Rigoberta Menchu, Jody Williams and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Jose Ramos-Horta, Sir Joseph Rotblat, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Aung San Suu Kyi, Adolfo Perez Esquivel, Dr. Oscar Arias, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu for youth to study speaks loudly and clearly for the objectives of PeaceJam and its documentary and companion book.

PEACEJAM clearly illustrates the need for compassion in world desecrated by violence toward gay and transgender folks, violence against indigenous peoples, violence toward women, and... so much more. I recommend PEACEJAM to every school teacher, youth counselor, teenager, parent and government official alike. I see that Michael Moore said, "This film should be seen by every American citizen." I couldn't agree more!

An inspiring, moving, eye opening look into what 2 people can do when their minds are set and determined to create an organization that could change the world. PeaceJam is so obviously a life altering experience for everyone involved. An honest, raw glimpse into various youths lives, you will at once see the positive impact this brilliant organization has. Your hearts will break then soar watching the progress that these kids make through the discovery of PeaceJam and what had led them there in their very rough life journey. Such a rare opportunity for youth to interact with various Nobel Peace Laureates and the effect it has on them is just amazing. I highly recommend sharing this film with people of all ages. The simple way the film was documented only adds to the reality of the stories these kids have to tell. The thought running through my head most as viewing this film was, imagine if all youth around the world were able to have the PeaceJam experience and have people tell them they can do "it" how different our society would be today. A must view film!!!

I was reluctant to see the screening of Peacejam thinking it would probably be a sappy propaganda piece. Nobel peacemakers aren't why I go to a filmfest- so I was expecting a 90 minute ass-squirm. I was wrong, Jack. Peacejam was riveting- and without giving away any surprises, it was downright compelling during the Colombine stories. If you watch the Sunday Night doc shows on PBS, then you'll like it. It ranks right up there with the very best of them. It gets into the minds of the subjects, and these kids seem to transform before your eyes, which is the reason I thought Peacejam was one of the best documentarys, and one of the least seen films of our time.

This has everything stated above and more! If you're looking for information on conflict resolution, anger management, gender identity issues, gang-related violence, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, or just the hardships of being a teenager in this new millenium, then this is for you. These kids have had unbelievable experiences ranging from horrific to enlightening, like meeting the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Like Michael Moore's Bowling For Columbine, this includes the shooting survivor Richard Castaldo, who shares even more of his story through PeaceJam.
I hope you too can purchase this and really enjoy the effect that it has on your life.

I'd heard about this organization and assumed the DVD would be like watching a big lecture. Not so. Watching it with my two daughters we were all amazed how moving and entertaining it was. Hardly a hard sell it really gets to you when you hear the kids tell their stories. And just when you get nice and relaxed they spring Columbine on you in an up close and personal way like I've never seen before. My kids and I were wiped out and inspired by film's end. SEE THIS NOW.

I loved this film. It was very refreshing to see something so real, honest, and inspirational. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who has ever fealt (or is currently feeling) that there is no hope in this world. You will change your mind by the end of this documentary!

I watched the PeaceJam DVD with my two teenagers -- wow was I suprised by their reactions. They really connected with Jes, Richard, Shannon, Shelby, and Rudy. The next morning they called the PeaceJam Foundation to see how they could start a PeaceJam Club at their school.

PeaceJam, the DVD, portrays the vivid words and insights of Nobel Laureates as seen through the eyes of five youth. I recommend incorporating the PeaceJam book and DVD into high school and college curricula and extracurricular programs as a means of embedding academics in the real world, engaging students in service, and creating a generation of young people who have the skills to realize world peace on a global and local level. The DVD has scenes not available on the VHS version.
~ Kate Cumbo, Ph.D., Director of Service-Learning, Colorado Department of Education

I found this movie deeply moving and inspiring. I had that "head of the sand" experience. Our youth are struggling and what a brilliant idea to connect them with the worlds' greatest role models -- Nobel Peace Laureates. The five youth in this movie are worth getting to know.

PeaceJam follows the lives of five teenagers growing up in growing up in Colorado and how violence and discrimination effected their lives. The amazing stories that are shared provide an intimate look at the youth of America.