Advocate is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary film that tells the incredible story of Lea Tsemel, a renowned Israeli human rights lawyer who has spent her entire career defending Palestinians, from teenagers to terrorists, in Israeli courts. The film, directed by Rachel Leah Jones and Philippe Bellaiche, provides an intimate look at the life and work of the fearless Tsemel, who has been both hailed as a hero by some and criticized as a traitor by others. Tsemel, who was born in Haifa in 1945, has been practicing law since the 1970s and has represented some of the most high-profile Palestinian cases in Israeli courts, including that of the two Palestinian boys who were accused of stabbing two Israelis on a Jerusalem tram in 2015.
The film opens with Tsemel speaking about her legal philosophy, which is rooted in her belief that every person has the right to a fair trial regardless of the crime they are accused of committing. From there, the film delves into Tsemel's backstory, including her upbringing as a child of Holocaust survivors and her decision to become a lawyer after the Six-Day War in 1967.
Throughout the film, we see Tsemel in action as she takes on a series of high-stakes cases, each one more challenging than the last. We see her defend a young Palestinian boy who was accused of attempting to murder Israeli soldiers, and we witness the emotional toll that it takes on her as she fights tirelessly for his freedom. We also see her defend a Palestinian woman who was accused of planning a suicide bombing, and we witness the backlash that she receives from the Israeli media and public for taking on such a controversial case.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is the way in which it humanizes both Tsemel and her clients. We see not only the impact of the Israeli occupation on the Palestinians, but also the toll that it takes on Tsemel as she fights tirelessly to uphold the rights of people who are often demonized by Israeli society. We also see Tsemel's clients as human beings with families, hopes, and dreams, rather than simply as faceless terrorists.
Through interviews with Tsemel's clients, family members, and colleagues, the film provides a nuanced portrait of a woman who is uncompromising in her beliefs and dedicated to seeking justice for those who have been marginalized and oppressed. We see her humanity and vulnerability, as well as her courage and determination.
Overall, Advocate is a fascinating and moving documentary that sheds light on one of the most challenging and controversial aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is a testament to the power of one person to make a difference in a world that is often unjust and unequal. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in human rights and social justice, and it will leave audiences with a greater appreciation of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Advocate is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 77.
