Waltz with Bashir

2008 • 90 minutes

À propos de ce film

One night at a bar, an old friend tells director Ari about a recurring nightmare in which he is chased by 26 vicious dogs. Every night, the same number of beasts. The two men conclude that there's a connection to their Israeli Army mission in the first Lebanon War of the early eighties. Ari is surprised that he can't remember a thing any more about that period of his life. Intrigued by this riddle, he decides to meet and interview old friends and comrades around the world. He needs to discover the truth about that time and about himself. As Ari delves deeper and deeper into the mystery, his memory begins to creep up in surreal images. 2008 Bridgit Folman Film Gang, Les Films D'ici, Razor Film Produktion, Arte France and Noga Communications-Channel 8. All Rights Reserved.

Notes et avis

Waltz with Bashir is a movie-like documentary that follows Ari Folman through his journey to regain the memories from the 1982 Israel-Lebanon War. It is a captivating view from a soldier of the occupying country. After meeting with an old friend that tells Ari about his memories from the war he realizes he can't recall anything from his time there and sets out to interview fellow soldiers that were with him. When meeting with them we see his memory returning and with it the horrors of war.

I have not watched a movie like this for years. Emotionally, I was haunted for days after my first viewing. An incredible juxtaposition of the animated and real life footage brings the conclusion of the squarely to one's face, to the head of one's consciousness, and stays there. I cannot recommend this film enough.

Amazing story, a thought provoking autobiography placed with amazing animation and a strong emotional sequencing, Waltz with Bashir easily places among my favourite movies.