Review of Waltz with Bashir (2008) by Kevin R — 05 Aug 2009

Death would be my revenge.

An Israeli film director is struggling to remember his full involvement in previous wars including a dramatic firestorm that took place in Beirut. When one of his close friends tells him about one of his nightmares from his soldier days, the director?s memories slowly start returning. The director begins an adventure of finding former comrades in arms to uncover the truth of his actions as a soldier.

?The horror consumed him and he freaked out.?

Ari Folman, who directed Saint Clara and Made in Israel, wrote, starred and directed this picture. The storyline for this picture is compelling and sheds light on the trials and tribulations of the lives of those involved in the Middle East. The artwork is stunning. The artist, David Polonsky, is right handed and reportedly created the art for this picture with his left hand because the artwork he created with his right hand was too pretty (imdb). The acting and voiceovers were well selected.

?Go ahead and shoot the dogs.?

The Waltz with Bashir was the first animated picture ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. When I initially saw the previews for this film I knew I had to see this picture. Nevertheless, this was not as good as I had hoped. While the plot and storyline was amazingly compelling, the film did not have enough direction for me. There was plenty of depth, specifically around memories, scattered throughout the picture, but the ultimate resolve could have been better. I recommend seeing this picture once.

?Shoot and pray.?

Grade: C+.