Reviews
Waltz With Bashir
By David Kempler
2008-12-22 09:45:53

For three days in the middle of September in 1982, Lebanese Christian Phalangist militiamen entered two Palestinian refugee camps and slaughtered the refugees. Israeli Defense Forces either knew what was going on and did nothing to stop it or were unaware of the butchering.

"Waltz With Bashir" is a documentary that attempts to answer what went on in these camps. A few factors make this an extraordinary event. For one, it is animated. Secondly it is told by its central character, Ari Folman, an Israeli soldier who was there when he was a 19 year old infantry man. Most importantly, it is presented in a manner that makes it nearly impossible to look away from the screen.

In 2006, Folman is chatting with his friend who also was in Lebanon at that time. During their conversation, Folman realizes his mind is almost blank as to what he endured during the war. He sets out on a quest to recreate it in his mind, propelled primarily by the memories of his friends. Piece by piece it falls into place. As his memories flood back we sit and experience it along with him. Watching it unfold is at times harrowing for him, at other times surreal. It is no different for the viewer. The picture it paints of Israeli leadership of the time, in particular, Ariel Sharon, is not complimentary, to say the least. It will be interesting to see if there is any backlash to this point of view.

The animation is shot in muted colors and grays, with some scenes being lit in a pale yellow that can only be described as haunting. Throughout the horrors is a thin strand of the sense of humor needed to survive war. It is dark and brooding, yet at times it is merely silly. It is the brain releasing pressure like a pipe about to burst.

I have seen many films this year. None was more powerful or more rewarding than "Waltz With Bashir". Expect to see it on many 10 best lists. It will be very near the top of mine. A must-see for any fan of filmmaking.