One Bullet delves into a unique and intimate female friendship forged amidst the backdrop of America's longest war. Filmmaker Carol Dysinger, with fifteen years of experience in Afghanistan, weaves a tale that transcends the battlefield, unfolding within the confines of an Afghan home. Bibi Hajji, reeling from the loss of her youngest child and the trauma of her brother's death impacting her remaining sons, becomes the film’s focal point.
Dysinger's exploration is sparked by a boy wounded during an apparent firefight. This prompts a quest for answers by both locals and the US military: What transpired? Who fired the shot? The documentary evolves from a procedural investigation into a poignant excavation of the human experience, delving into themes of loss and redemption. As the narrative unfolds, One Bullet poignantly raises questions about peace across vast social, cultural, and religious divides. Through the lens of Bibi Hajji's story, the film advocates for understanding and reconciliation, emphasizing the transformative power of connection, one cup of tea at a time.
Beginning with a slow and somber introduction, One Bullet doesn’t gain much speed as the film continues. It plods along at a conversational pace which some will find compelling but others may find boring. Likewise, there is a general lack of aim beyond simple documentation. Many serious documentary fans will love this, but those looking for information on the US War in Afghanistan may find it unhelpful.
As a piece of anthropology, One Bullet is stunning, utilizing Bibi Hajji’s family as a case study into the lingering effects of America’s longest war on the people living in Afghanistan. While much of her family displays varying levels of forgiveness, one of her sons shows us how easily youthful anger at injustice can be twisted into extremism, doing so in a way that neither condemns Bibi’s family nor Islam as a whole. For this reason in particular, One Bullet would be an excellent addition to Middle East documentary shelves. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public and academic library shelves?
One Bullet belongs on public and academic library shelves dedicated to film series that focus on the War in Afghanistan, the War on Terror, Women, Family, or Islam. This documentary provides a deeply personal and anthropological perspective on the effects of America's longest war, offering valuable insights into the socio-cultural and religious complexities of Afghan life. Its nuanced exploration of themes such as loss, redemption, and the transformative power of human connection makes it a significant resource for collections that aim to delve into these interconnected subjects.