The Insult

Undoubtedly, "The Insult" is a story of conflict in a very particular setting, Lebanon, between Lebanese Christians and Palestinian refugees.  Watching it, though, it's hard not to think of the angst and anger dividing so many other societies in 2018--including our own, here in the United States.  Is it possible to speak aloud of our distrust?  Is it possible to create space for grievance and reconciliation?  Is it possible, most importantly, to find some measure of compassion--even for the one whose meanness seems unimaginable and unjustified?  "The Insult" explores--with some depth, I think, and even sophistication--the roots of our hostilities and the stories and hurt we so often suppress.  We're asked to pay attention: to our own wounds, and to the strange and complex wounds of others.

This film speaks to what's happening in Lebanon, to be sure, but also to what's happening in Jerusalem, in Guatemala, and maybe even in Indiana and Texas and Kansas.  No easy answers here, but instead a path into a different future.  A better one.