Waltz with Bashir 2008
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
In 2006, filmmaker Ari Folman reconnects with his old friend Boaz, who shares a haunting experience of being plagued by a recurring nightmare. In this dream, 26 furious dogs race towards his home through the streets of Tel Aviv, leaving destruction in their wake. Boaz reveals that during the 1982 Lebanon War, he was assigned the grim task of killing these dogs to prevent them from alerting villagers while his unit infiltrated a location at night, and he can still vividly recall each of the 26 dogs he put down.
Ari, who also served as an infantry soldier during the same conflict, is disturbed to realize he has no memory of his own experiences during this period. That night, he undergoes a troubling vision that presents his younger self alongside two comrades, splashing in the Mediterranean waters near Beirut, illuminated by flares dropping from above the city. Ari instinctively understands this memory relates to the Sabra and Shatila massacre, yet he lacks the context needed to piece it all together.
The following morning, Ari seeks counsel from a childhood friend who works as a therapist. This friend encourages him to connect with fellow soldiers who were present in Beirut at the time of the massacre to unravel the mystery of his forgotten past. He warns Ari that memory can be quite unreliable, hinting that the disturbing visions might not represent an exact depiction of reality, yet they are undeniably tied to significant aspects of Ari’s internal struggles.
As Ari Folman interviews friends, fellow soldiers, and a psychologist specializing in PTSD, he also consults Israeli TV reporter Ron Ben-Yishai, who documented the war in Beirut. Gradually, fragmented recollections begin to surface. Ari realizes he was positioned “in the second or third ring” of soldiers, providing support to the Israeli-allied Lebanese Christian Phalange militia as they carried out the massacre in revenge for the assassination of Bachir Gemayel. Although he only learned of their actions post-event, he concludes that the gaps in his memory serve as a defense mechanism, stemming from his profound sense of responsibility for the atrocities, akin to those who participated directly. The film culminates with a poignant moment where the vibrant animations blur into actual news footage, capturing the tragic aftermath of the massacre.
Timeline
Reconnection with Boaz
In 2006, filmmaker Ari Folman reconnects with his old friend Boaz, who shares his haunting nightmares. Boaz is troubled by visions of 26 furious dogs racing through Tel Aviv, symbolizing deeper trauma from their past.
The 1982 Lebanon War
Boaz recounts his terrifying experience during the 1982 Lebanon War, where he was forced to kill dogs to prevent them from alerting villagers. This grim reality highlights the harrowing choices soldiers had to make during wartime.
Ari's Lost Memories
Ari, who also served in the Lebanon War, is disturbed to discover he has no recollection of his experiences from that time. This leads him to explore the possibility of hidden memories related to the war.
Troubling Visions
That night, Ari has a disturbing vision of himself and two comrades playing in the Mediterranean waters near Beirut. The vision is illuminated by flares, triggering a haunting but unclear memory connected to the Sabra and Shatila massacre.
Seeking Therapy
Ari visits a childhood friend who is now a therapist, seeking help to understand his troubling visions. The therapist advises Ari to connect with fellow soldiers who were present in Beirut, emphasizing the unreliable nature of memory.
Interviews with Veterans
Ari interviews friends and fellow soldiers to piece together his fragmented memories from the war. These conversations begin to reveal the larger narrative surrounding the events he witnessed during the conflict.
Consulting Ron Ben-Yishai
Ari also consults Israeli TV reporter Ron Ben-Yishai, who documented the war in Beirut. This adds another layer to Ari's understanding of the events, providing real-world accounts of the atrocities.
Realization of His Role
As Ari pieces together his past, he realizes he was positioned to support the Israeli-allied Lebanese Christian Phalange militia. He acknowledges their involvement in the massacre that he only learned about after the fact.
Confronting Responsibility
Ari grapples with his feelings of responsibility for the actions taken during the massacre, despite not being directly involved. This internal conflict highlights the psychological burden carried by veterans.
Ari's Defense Mechanism
Ari concludes that the gaps in his memory serve as a defense mechanism against the trauma of his past. This realization is bittersweet, as it underscores the complexity of memory and survival in war.
Culmination of Revelations
The film culminates in a poignant scene where animated sequences blend with actual news footage. This powerful combination captures the tragic aftermath of the Sabra and Shatila massacre, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
Understanding of Past Events
Through his journey, Ari begins to understand the broader context of the events that unfolded during the war. Each revelation layers his understanding of both personal and collective trauma experienced by soldiers.
The Burden of Memory
As the story draws to a close, Ari faces the burden of what he has unearthed. The act of recalling memories forces both him and others to confront the horrors of their past, no matter how painful.
Reflections on War's Impact
The film leaves viewers reflecting on the impact of war on individuals and society. By exploring personal stories, it highlights how collective trauma affects both soldiers and the communities involved.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Ari’s journey represents the struggle to reconcile past trauma with present reality. The narrative emphasizes that understanding one's history is essential for healing and moving forward.
Characters
Ari Folman
Ari is a filmmaker and former infantry soldier plagued by the memories of his experiences during the 1982 Lebanon War. He embarks on a journey to uncover the truth of what he witnessed, facing the painful realization of his complicity in the violence and his own psychological struggles.
Boaz
Boaz, Ari's old friend, is haunted by memories of killing dogs during the war to prevent them from alerting villagers. His recurring nightmares serve as a manifestation of the guilt and trauma he carries, reflecting the lasting impact of war on mental health.
Ron Ben-Yishai
Ron is an Israeli TV reporter who documented the war in Beirut. He provides crucial insights and context to Ari's investigation, representing the media's critical role in covering the moral complexities of conflict.
Setting
Time period
1982
The year 1982 marks a significant period during the Lebanon War, characterized by intense military conflict, political turmoil, and widespread violence. It is particularly known for the Sabra and Shatila massacre, where numerous atrocities were committed, reflecting the chaos and human suffering of the era.
Location
Tel Aviv, Beirut
Tel Aviv is a bustling metropolis known for its modernity and vibrant culture, situated along the Mediterranean coast. Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, has a rich history, having been a cultural crossroads for centuries, but also a city marked by conflict, particularly during the Lebanese Civil War.
Themes
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Memory
Memory plays a crucial role in the film, serving as both a means of understanding the past and a source of trauma. The protagonist's struggle to recall events from the Lebanon War highlights the selective nature of memory and its potential as a psychological defense against confronting painful realities.
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Trauma
The theme of trauma is palpably illustrated through the experiences of soldiers grappling with their memories of war. It examines the psychological scars left by conflict and the impact of these scars on relationships and personal identity.
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War
War serves as the backdrop for the film, exploring not only the physical violence but also the moral complexities faced by soldiers. It addresses the consequences of military actions, both seen and unseen, on individuals and societies.
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