Thursday 28 May 2009

Waltz with Bashir

Waltz with Bashir is an animated feature film written and directed by Ari Folman.

While in his late teens and doing his army service, Ari remembers that he took part in the Israeli operations in Lebanon during the '80s; But that is about all that his hazy memory can conjure up.

The film traces his journey as he seeks out old friends and acquaintances that took part in the war while he attempts to reconstruct his fragmented memories. The story is told in patches.

It's opening sequence involving 26 rabid dogs is a fitting preamble to the nightmares that follow.
Scenes, often surreal but always poignant maintain a safe distance from sentimentalism. The animation is impressive and the movement of the characters is very life-like.

All things considered, this is a very well done, powerful anti-war movie; but not for the faint hearted.



8/10

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