Dated by the criterion of certain cinephiles (it premiered at the 2011 Toronto Film Festival) but still dispiritingly relevant, director Vibeke Løkkeberg’s Tears of Gaza, a visceral documentary look at the 2008-09 Israeli bombardment of Gaza launched in retaliation for Hamas bombings of southern Israeli cities, is a shattering anti-war movie that pierces one’s heart. A tough watch even for those who believe they’ve seen it all, this subjective offering is a grim portrait of human atrocity and a cinematic evocation of the old protest song query: “War, what is it good for?”

Tears of Gaza is exceedingly effective in the gall and sadness it provokes. But amidst all the graphic horrors it chronicles, there may not be a shot more heartrending than a toddler uncomprehendingly clutching and kissing the framed photograph of a father he won’t remember. Løkkeberg’s film confronts complacency by forcing its audience to watch these and other moments that showcase not only wanton destruction, but the too-soon death of innocence. For the full, original review, from ShockYa, click here. (Nero Media, unrated, 84 minutes)