You might say that to really understand the three monotheist religions so strongly affecting the life in Europe, one should go to Jerusalem and see where the ideals and the myths were born... or created. In 'Jerusalem, min elskede', we see one man having done that. Having got to know the modern-day "prophets" of Islam, Judaism and Christianity, looking after the souls of Jerusalem, he should have something to say about the nature of these three religions so closely connected.
It is obvious that a documentary like this is a challenging task. In this case, the director chose to take a very strong personal touch. We get to see the "prophets" through the eyes of a man full of doubt, but a willing to do good. This is probably a good choice... if the director only had thought things over. In this case, the movie is nothing but a nice try. The direction is too much of a mess. Fortunately it leaves the main question, the one over the existence of God, unanswered, which of course suits me. Everyone can make their own interpretations.
On the other side, it gives us many glimpses on the religious men helping the poor and misfortunate, but fails to see the other side. We are given hints of violence and madness having connections to religion, but the director seems to consider them a minor detail, which is strange, because Jerusalem is not only the capital of religions, but also the capital of religious wars of today. Then again, the war of religious groups is what we always get to see from Jerusalem, so someone might forgive the attempt to fade the violent side. Not me, or at least not completely. What this movie really lacks is a portrait of an extreme right-wing Jude - an extreme islamist is shortly shown.
I did not get at all bored with this film, but it didn't give me much either. The main problem might be my own atheism, which makes me demand a more cultural-based perspective on religions. I hope more movies like this will be made, as I might find my own among them. But for those in doubt of their beliefs and ideals, this might be a good choice. It brings up many important questions of religion and tries to provide you something to answer them with.
It is obvious that a documentary like this is a challenging task. In this case, the director chose to take a very strong personal touch. We get to see the "prophets" through the eyes of a man full of doubt, but a willing to do good. This is probably a good choice... if the director only had thought things over. In this case, the movie is nothing but a nice try. The direction is too much of a mess. Fortunately it leaves the main question, the one over the existence of God, unanswered, which of course suits me. Everyone can make their own interpretations.
On the other side, it gives us many glimpses on the religious men helping the poor and misfortunate, but fails to see the other side. We are given hints of violence and madness having connections to religion, but the director seems to consider them a minor detail, which is strange, because Jerusalem is not only the capital of religions, but also the capital of religious wars of today. Then again, the war of religious groups is what we always get to see from Jerusalem, so someone might forgive the attempt to fade the violent side. Not me, or at least not completely. What this movie really lacks is a portrait of an extreme right-wing Jude - an extreme islamist is shortly shown.
I did not get at all bored with this film, but it didn't give me much either. The main problem might be my own atheism, which makes me demand a more cultural-based perspective on religions. I hope more movies like this will be made, as I might find my own among them. But for those in doubt of their beliefs and ideals, this might be a good choice. It brings up many important questions of religion and tries to provide you something to answer them with.