Lebanon
Lebanon

Movie spotlight

Lebanon

2009
Movie
93 min
Hebrew

During the First Lebanon War in 1982, a lone tank and a paratroopers platoon are dispatched to search a hostile town.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes82%
Metacritic77
Google Users81%
Director: Samuel MaozGenres: War, Drama

Plot Summary

Set entirely within the confines of a single Israeli tank during the 1982 Lebanon War, 'Lebanon' thrusts the audience into the chaotic and terrifying experience of young soldiers on a dangerous mission. As the tank navigates treacherous terrain and faces intense combat, the psychological toll on the crew becomes increasingly evident. The film blurs the lines between reality and the claustrophobic inner world of the protagonists, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of war.

Critical Reception

Samuel Maoz's directorial debut, 'Lebanon,' was met with widespread critical acclaim for its visceral intensity and unique perspective. Critics lauded its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war from a confined, claustrophobic viewpoint, praising its technical execution and powerful performances. While some found the relentless tension overwhelming, the film was largely celebrated as a significant and impactful contribution to the war film genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Intense and claustrophobic depiction of war from inside a tank.

  • Praised for its technical prowess and unflinching portrayal of combat's psychological toll.

  • A powerful and disturbing anti-war statement.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally commend the film's raw intensity and unique perspective, finding it to be a powerful and thought-provoking experience. Many viewers appreciated the immersive quality of the film, which effectively conveyed the claustrophobia and terror of being inside a tank during combat. Some noted that the film's relentless tension could be challenging to watch, but overall, it was regarded as a significant and impactful war drama.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Golden Lion at the 66th Venice International Film Festival and the FIPRESCI Prize. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards.

Fun Fact

Director Samuel Maoz served as a tank operator in the Israeli armored corps during the 1982 Lebanon War, and much of the film is drawn from his personal experiences.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review