Waltz with Bashir [2008] Movie Reviews on CinemaClock

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Waltz with Bashir

39 user reviews

7.2/10

Average votes grouped by age and by sex:
Age:	1-12	13-17	18-25	26-35	36-49	50+	Total
Men: Votes:	- 0	- 0	8.4 7	6.5 11	5.7 3	7.3 6	7.1 27
Women: Votes:	- 0	- 0	9.5 2	7.5 2	10 3	- 0	9.1 7
Total: Votes:	- 0	- 0	8 11	6.3 15	7.8 6	7.3 6	7.2 39
Total includes also voters who didn't specify their sex.

Click here to write your review and to vote!

Showing all 39 reviews...

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
On one hand, the film presses the matters of trauma, memory, and the subconcious for soldiers in the Israeli army during a massacre of Plaestinian civillians in a refugee camp in Lebanon. It delved into the fact that Israelis had tucked the atrocities away in order to be able to continue with their lives. A very pertinent matter these days. On the other hand, by focusing on the responsibility of Lebanese Christians for the massacre, the film is a 90 minute deflection of Israeli responsibility for Palestinian suffering and deaths. The exception being a scene where it's made clear that Sharon was aware of what's happening and chose to let it occur anyhow.
6/10
3.3.2009 - anonymousdisquiet@ - age: 26-35

First review.

The power of animation leaves you speechless, especially at the end. Great imagination and story, I was very moved by it. It is one of the movies that you won't forget after seeing...

10/10
23.2.2009 - candygirlviki@ - age: 18-25

First review.

While interesting animation, it is similar to news media accounts in lacking the necessary context to understand what was really going on. It doesn't tell you how Arafat brought his terrorism to Lebanon after being brutally forced out of Jordan in Black September 1970 for trying to overthrow King Hussein. It doesn't tell you how Arafat's terrorism proceeded to destabilize the delicate balance in Lebanon between Muslims, Christians and Druze, by setting off the Lebanese Civil War and terrorizing the Christians. It doesn't tell you that Sabra and Shatilla was revenge by the Christians against Arafat and his Palestinian thugs which yes, was facilitated by their Israeli allies, but who had no way to know how savagely the Arabs would treat each other and certainly would have taken action to prevent such carnage if they did know. In short, it was Arabs settling scores with Arabs. They didn't tell you that the Israeli invasion of Lebanon was to rid the country and the world of Arafat's terrorism, which would have been the best blessing the Palestinian people could have received and would have given peace a chance. It was the US who let Arafat escape to Tunisia and continue his terrorism under the Trojan Horse of Oslo and the terror war mislabeled intifada II. Without context, art becomes propaganda, whether by fascist Germans or Arabs or by self hating Jews.

3/10
20.2.2009 - plmpeterson@ - age: 26-35

First review.

3 replies - click to view

Not a light movie. Artistics: Animation has really enhanced this documentary where it mattered - opening scene is great. Not overdone. Story line: Well told; narative documentary that makes a point. Message: Tough, but point well made. One day a victim, the next day a perpetrator... there are no rights in that mess, only wrongs...

8/10
15.2.2009 - maxkmailbox-1@ - age: 26-35

2 reviews - click to view

Excellent animation depicting a war-documentary. Why is "Waltz with Bashir" an animation? Because, I presume it would be difficult to vividly show the disturbing images of atrocities around the "sabia and Shatila' massacre... It seems to be a never-ending war. No one wants to give way. No one will admit to be the first to provoke it, like two boys who are fighting, one says: "he provoked me", and the other says the same thing: "C'est pas moi, c'est lui". Instead of building their countries for a better life, they prefer continue fighting stupidly and causing death of innocent people. It is a movie for broad-minded adults (definitely not for teens) It is a must see but, frankly, I personally did not like the brief (animated) scene of graphic sexual content which is quite superfluous...

9/10
14.2.2009 - serge_nina@ - age: 50+

176 reviews - click to view

I'm (pleasantly) surprised this one comes from Israel; it will definitely stir up controversy over there…and elsewhere. Shocking movie on, unfortunately, the reality of 'modern' warfare. Be forewarned, DEFINITELY NOT FOR KIDS, and bring tissue... shocking ending.

8/10
12.2.2009 - black,jack@ - age: 50+

513 reviews - click to view

The animation is incredible, and though the story is extremely depressing, it is a must for anyone interested in world issues or the middle east. It felt like a masculine Persepolis.

9/10
10.2.2009 - nikkiallison@ - age: 18-25

First review.

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
I think the animation is amazing. Very close to reality. But the movie misses an important fact which is that the massacre was planned and initiated by israelis not only observed by them.'Ariel Sharon and Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan met with the Lebanese Phalangist militia units, inviting them to enter the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps to clean out terrorist nests. Under the Israeli plan, Israeli soldiers would control the perimeters of the refugee camps and provide logistical support while the Phalangists would enter the camps, find the PLO fighters and hand them over to Israeli forces'. It was evident that 2 days after Bachir's assassination, allowing phalangist into the PLO refugee camps was going to lead to a massacre... I loved the poetry of the scene when dancing the 'waltz with Bachir'..
6/10
5.2.2009 - lhajj333@ - age: 26-35

First review.

The only point that's good about this film is that it showed how a soldier became affected by war. The war caused psychological problems, and he tried to regain his memory. When it comes to the history, it was very shallow. A lot of factual information is missing. The film showed that Israel was like a victim, defending itself. Their attack on Lebanon was planned up. Israel killed 20,000 civilians. It didn't mention any information about Syria, PLO, and the other Lebanese groups. The music was horrible. There were disgusting scenes of nudity and sexuality.

3/10
2.2.2009 - ramramsey@ - age: 26-35

14 reviews - click to view

4 replies - click to view

I love the form and content. I did not find that there was a lot of bias. However, I did not appreciate the "we were only following orders art." Sabra and Shatila cannot be justified. I wish they had translated the words of the wailing women. They were saying something like "you've ruined our homes, come here, film this, film this, you've killed my son, what do I do, come here, film this, where are the Arabs? " more wailing. Very little has changed.

7/10
30.1.2009 - cynthia,issi@ - age: 18-25

First review.

I believe this is one of the best movies this year. Having the story done with animation contributes well to the context of the need to realize the reality out of vague memories. It is the best movie ever been done on Sabra & Shatila massacre. To be done by Israelis, it is even an added value. A right step towards peace is to confess!!

10/10
27.1.2009 - mkassab@ - age: 26-35

First review.

A welcoming change to conventional films with realistic animation. This is surely the first of many of this type... Can be compared to Persepolis in it's almost documentary style of narration. Describes the Lebanese war from the Israeli soldier perspective. A definite must see!!

9/10
26.1.2009 - jackandrewb@ - age: 26-35

2 reviews - click to view

Compelling but lacking the human presence unfortunately. Initially enjoyed the second -life style animation but... it certainly breaks new ground in telling of some history I didn't know about... and the trauma or war and the psychological fallout of its aftermath...

7/10
26.1.2009 - relluff@

5 reviews - click to view

Easily one of the greatest films ive ever seen I went back to see it a second time.

10/10
26.1.2009 - claudio_delisi@ - age: 18-25

15 reviews - click to view

Propaganda. I thought these kinds of films were out of style after the second world war.

1/10
25.1.2009 - bradfordd@ - age: 36-49

14 reviews - click to view

A must see technically for the great animation. The story shows the psychology of war, the surreal aspect of war and the dehumanization of "the others". It provides a good insight on the situation in the ME but not the full picture...

9/10
24.1.2009 - galeena1@ - age: 26-35

3 reviews - click to view

This movie is great - very powerful and thought provoking. I can't help notice that all the negative reviews on this site are about the politics, and not the movie. Grow up, people. If you don't agree with the story, that's fine. Of course it's one perspective. But it's still a great movie.

10/10
18.1.2009 - dijustme8@ - age: 18-25

First review.

Very well done, reflecting a truth many decided to deny... amazing how it brings back the slightest detail.

10/10
17.1.2009 - el_c_h_e@ - age: 26-35

First review.

Since I speak Hebrew I noticed that I was laughing in some parts when everyone else was silent. I defiantly learned a lot from this film. As someone who lived through the intifada - I can tell you that war impacts the mind in ways you can't imagine. You might understand this point through this film.

10/10
14.1.2009 - nahar34@ - age: 36-49

35 reviews - click to view

A highly personal and poetic film, Waltz With Bashir's dream imagery, coupled with its astounding visual style, make for a profoundly beautiful exploration of memory and the effects of war and violence on the individual rather than engaging in political discourse.

9/10
14.1.2009 - liberzero@ - age: 18-25

3 reviews - click to view

This movie only shows one side of the war, the israeli point of view. A propaganda movie. 2 for the animation effort...

2/10
13.1.2009 - kostoglotov@ - age: 26-35

First review.

« Waltzing with Bashir » is an exceptional and a magnificent film in more than one level. First as a film. One might ask himself, why this docu-drama has been produced in 2D animation. The continuous incursions into the poetic and the reflective aspect might be one answer but, the incomparable ending that leaves the audience in total shock is the most formidable answer. “Bashir” is a amazing incursion into a revolutionary new concept in film eloquence. Second, “Bashir” corroborate the long line of exceptional and righteous Israelis who denounce the disturbing reality of their country, not only through writers like Amos Oz, David Grossman or Avraham Yehoshua, journalists like Edith Zertal, Akiva Eldar or Uri Avnery, but also through great film makers. Among the most remarkable film one must name: “Or” by Keren Yedaya, “Walking on Water” by Eytal Fox, “The Lemon Tree” by Eran Riklis, films that denounce the social fabric of the state, the Mossad or the terrible injustice inflicted on Palestinians. All those films (including ‘Bashir’) have been financed by the Israeli Film Fund, a government organization. A stimulating thought.

10/10
10.1.2009 - fgo@ - age: 50+

First review.

Very boring and annoying movie, would not even recommend renting it on dvd...

1/10
5.1.2009 - ron_ari@ - age: 26-35

First review.

A deeply moving film that speaks to the fragile nature of humanity and the inhumanity of War. Its screening at this time could not be more timely and relevant. It would be hard to imagine a film this honest and painful to come out of Hollywood. Interesting meditation on the nature of memory. Cool use of music and animation. Much more watchable than Waking Life. Images from the film are still vivid in my mind.

10/10
3.1.2009 - joe,silvaggio@ - age: 36-49

First review.

One sided, No mention of PLO... no mention of Lebanese civil war, nor about alliances and disputes... cool animation, although it was paced so slow, I died and lived 10 times before it ended. Could have been much better... portraying much more... with real facts and information!! It's opinionated in the sense that it lacked the proper introduction and summary of the history... it was like watching daft punk video clip at a point... weird boring documentary... and Disturbing for wrong reasons.

3/10
2.1.2009 - ja6oni@ - age: 18-25

First review.

I recommend anyone to go and see this powerful movie, it literally leaves you stunned at the end...

10/10
2.1.2009 - mazen316@ - age: 18-25

3 reviews - click to view

It is truely a masterpeice. Although animated, you get into the movie and feel the characters. Based on true events, atleast from an Isreali soldier point of view of what happened in the massacre. Highly recommended.

10/10
2.1.2009 - arzukari@ - age: 18-25

2 reviews - click to view

This film is disturbing, but not in the ways intended by its creators. This film is filled with one silly apology for Israili actions after another: we didn't have enough infomation, it wasn't really us, we were following orders, we didn't know what we were getting into, the Others are a bunch of irrational terrorists... Hardly counts as a documentary, more as propaganda.

5/10
31.12.2008 - buchignani@ - age: 50+

4 reviews - click to view

2 replies - click to view

Beautiful and disturbing, a war movie told honestly with no pretense of moral certitude. Be prepared for an ending that shocks.

9/10
31.12.2008 - goldstank@ - age: 18-25

First review.

It pathetically portrays the Christians as manslaughters! Worst ever movie!!

1/10
31.12.2008 - rdagh068@ - age: 18-25

First review.

2 replies - click to view

Too heavy. Boring. If it wasn't in cartoon, we would have enjoyed the scenery , if it wasn't in cartoon. Trying to transmit a message that is not really true.

2/10
30.12.2008 - safokar@ - age: 50+

First review.

Dragged out and fails at maintaining a captive audience. The lyrics from the war songs made light of the horrendous slaughter of the lebanese- likened to shooting cans on a wall. This apathy is characteristic of the de-humanising nature of war. Interesting how the sign from the 'Christofle' (fine silverware) store in Lebanon is featured 3 times during the film- showing signs of the former splendor that graced a pre-war Lebanon. Closing images had significant impact in illustrating the senseless loss of innocent lives- a heavy ending to a film that may challenge your patience.

5/10
30.12.2008 - oscart@ - age: 26-35

12 reviews - click to view

Interesting on many levels. As a narrative on individual responsibility, as an account of historical events that have remained unspoken, as a commentary on what it means to be human during times of great inhumanity. It is a deeply personal film, and the choice to present it as animation is brilliant, given the subject matter. Just dazzling.

10/10
29.12.2008 - devito@ - age: 36-49

First review.

A documentary style animation that I've never seen anything like it before!

10/10
29.12.2008 - klital@ - age: 26-35

First review.

A documentary style animation that I've never seen anything like it before.

10/10
29.12.2008 - lital@ - age: 26-35

First review.

Overall, very boring, dull dull dull, avoid at all cost...

2/10
28.12.2008 - donnycharlie@ - age: 26-35

20 reviews - click to view

One reply - click to view

This isn't Hotel Rwanda, or Shake Hands With the Devil, excellent films that deal with similar civilian atrocities. Memory loss as a phenomenon is interesting but I am not sure it is the best means to tie a story together especially when the character of the news reporter saw and remembered everything in such detail that the rest of the film ultimately feels like a long and very slow progress toward hearing his account of the Shatila and Sabra massacre. Unless you consider the trite Freudian dream analysis offered by the doctor as fresh and fascinating. I very clearly remember the events from the international outcry in the news of the day, so I don't quite buy memory loss except as a perhaps truthful account which has the unfortunate effect of being soft on Israel by claiming memory loss for its Israeli main character. It would have been more bold and more interesting to suggest that the main character just didn't give a damn at the time as seems to have been the case with Ariel Sharon. I do not equate the filmmaker with the main character but it is his creation of himself as a character. And saying "it's documentary" wouldn't prevent the filmmaker from making that choice: elsewhere in the film he notes that memory is a creation that bears some but not all resemblance to actual events and experience. I wanted to be blown away by the animation but thought is was pedestrian, certainly not inventive or new in any significant way. I wanted to be moved - as I am moved by my own memories of Shatila and Sabra - but I was not, so can't recommend this as essential viewing. It gets bumped up a point to 6 because it may be viewed by people who will be curious to learn about what happened.

6/10
27.12.2008 - dgfcuk@ - age: 36-49

61 reviews - click to view

2 replies - click to view

An amazing well done animated movie, the music is excellent and a very good documentary.

10/10
26.12.2008 - lawi@ - age: 50+

First review.

One of the best ever done movies in Israel in particular and elsewhere in general! Documentary animated film and extremely creative!

10/10
26.11.2008 - goldmd@ - age: 36-49

First review.

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