God Went Surfing with the Devil

God Went Surfing with the Devil is a captivating documentary film that melds together seemingly disparate worlds: surfing, politics, violence, and heart-touching human stories. The filmmakers Alexander Klein, Matthew Olsen, and Tyler M. Reid masterfully use their lenses to present to an audience the unlikely fusion of these varied elements in the backdrop of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Prominent characters in the film include Israelis Arthur Rashkovan and Dorian Paskowitz, and Palestinians, including the charismatic Ibrahim N. Arafat, who collectively travel through a journey that is equally turbulent as the waves they love to surf.

The film opens the viewer's eye to the unlikely surf scene in Gaza, a place more commonly associated with violence and division than recreational sport. This surfing community academically represents an island of normalcy and peace amidst a sea of strife and conflict. While a decade old, the film continues to remain relevant due to the persistent issues that it tackles head-on.

Ibrahim N. Arafat, from Gaza, plays an admirable role with the right mix of strength, vulnerability, and charisma; he symbolizes the struggle for ordinary life amidst extraordinary circumstances. This normalcy expresses itself in as mundane a way as maintaining a surf hobby— a picture of resilience and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Israeli surfer and peace activist, Arthur Rashkovan, also plays a crucial role. He endeavors to bring 23 surfboards into Gaza, a mission that forms the critical narrative arc of the film. How this mission intertwines with the local politics, the prevalent red-tape, and the broader Israel-Palestine conflict forms the gripping core of the storyline. The journey of these surfboards becomes a metaphor for the bigger political situation, and the attempts to ease tensions through simple human gestures.

Matthew Olsen, another central character, adds another layer to the narrative structure. He is both in front and behind the camera, deeply embedded in the surf community's story. His passion for surfing turns into a profound human connection that transcends geographical and political boundaries.

There is an essential message of unity and shared human experience running through this film that truly sets it apart. The enthusiasm for surfing, a universal love for the sea, and the vicissitudes of the waves become potent metaphors for the conflict and the shared hopes for peace.

Moreover, God Went Surfing with the Devil records and visually captures the diverse range of emotions experienced by this tumultuous region's residents. There are anxious moments of trepidation, joyful episodes on sandy beaches, painful experiences from deep-rooted conflict, along with in-between moments of hope and fear. The intense emotional connectivity between characters and audience firmly positions this as a highly engaging, thought-provoking documentary.

Technically, the film also stands out. The cinematography is nothing short of brilliant, capturing the diverse landscapes from sandy beaches to rough sea waves, from congested cityscape to intimidating checkpoints. The film's visuals aim to transport the audience to the heart of the events.

The movie's soundtrack, infused with local music, supports the narrative and enhances the sense of place. The film's pace is skillfully managed, allowing the critical events and issues to breathe while not losing the audience's attention. The direction brilliantly balances the intimate human stories against the backdrop of a larger conflict making the film not just insightful but also deeply touching.

In conclusion, God Went Surfing with the Devil is a unique documentary that dares to explore a different facet of the Israel-Palestine conflict by focussing on humanity and shared passions instead of stark politics. The viewers do not just watch to observe; they embark on a journey that compels them to engage, introspect, and empathize. The essence of the film, sedimented in its title, beautifully exemplifies the spirit of unity and humanity, making this a documentary film worth watching.