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| Movie Review: Waltz with Bashir Alternate Title: Persistence of Memory
Story: Director and writer Ari
Folman may have invented a new form of filmmaking. His compelling
animated movie is actually a documentary about the Sabra and Shatila
massacre in September of 1982. The Lebanese Christian Phalangist militiamen
entered two Palestinian refugee camps with the permission of the Israeli
Defense Forces. The militiamen then massacred the civilians inside.
It was argued that the Israelis should have known that a massacre could
occur, considering the assassination of Phalangist leader and prospective
president Bashir Gemayel two days before, and given
the long history of bad blood between the Palestinians and the Phalangists. Director Folman cannot remember what happened
in 1982 while he served at these battles and his dreams are haunting
him. The film recreates vividly the nightmares, the actual battles and
interviews some of the men he fought with 25 years ago. This anti-war
film covers serious questions about guilt, misery, poverty, violence
and responsibility. This memory piece will stir you and leave you
exhausted. The ending is stunning. Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKC5q4dxXQ8 Here's Ari Folman
discuss his film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU7Q3_n-UWM Trivia: Waltz With Bashir, was accomplished
by just eight animators and four illustrators, with David Polonsky
doing 80% of the designs. Since its enthusiastic reception at the Cannes
Film Festival in May, Waltz With Bashir has landed on many
top 10 lists and won several accolades, including six awards from the
Israeli Film Academy, one being best picture; foreign-language film
at the British Independent Film Awards and animated film from the Los
Angeles Film Critics' Assn. It's also nominated for a Golden Globe for
foreign-language film.
Predilection: None
Critters: There are 26 very angry frightening dogs
that repeatedly appear in someone's nightmares. For those that like
to knowing advance, one of these dogs is shot. There is also a horrifying
scene with dying Arabian horses. Keep in mind, this is all animated,
but very real.
Sex Spectrum: No sex, but there is animated frontal
nudity.
Soundtrack: An amazing eclectic mix.
Opening Titles: The abovementioned 26 dogs appear
to be chasing us. Very scary.
Visual Art: Beautiful animation.
Theater Audience: Five other people
Squirm Scale: War is very squirmy.
Drift Factor: I did not drift at all.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Perhaps.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen
Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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