Official promotional poster. Rights belong to the respective rights holders.
Read the film reference Availability and pricing vary by region.Waltz with BashirA movie brief.
2008 / adult animated war documentary / Directed by Ari Folman
Recalling the past through animated eyes.
What is Waltz with Bashir about?
Ari Folman searches for lost memories of his experience as a soldier during the 1982 Lebanon War. He interviews friends and other soldiers who fought in the war to gain a better understanding of what happened.
Five things to know.
Background
The film depicts Folman's search for lost memories of his experience as a soldier during the 1982 Lebanon War and the Sabra and Shatila massacre.
World
The film combines classical music, 1980s music, realistic graphics, and surrealistic scenes together with illustrations similar to comics.
Pressure
Ari Folman was troubled by his lack of memories of his deployment and felt responsible for the massacre.
Craft
The animation uses a unique style invented by Yoni Goodman at the Bridgit Folman Film Gang studio in Israel.
Viewing Note
The film received wide acclaim from critics and audiences alike, with particular praise given to its use of visualized animation blended with archival footage.
A thought to take with you.
A groundbreaking animated documentary that explores the psychological and physical damage of war through personal reflection.
Is it your kind of movie?
Viewers interested in animated documentaries and historical dramas may enjoy this film. The film provides a unique perspective on the 1982 Lebanon War and the Sabra and Shatila massacre.
Sources & scope
This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.
Source details checked October 3, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach