Lebanon (2009)

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

Director:

Samuel Maoz

Writer:

Samuel Maoz

Stars:

Yoav Donat, Itay Tiran, Oshri Cohen

14 wins & 14 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Yoav Donat	...	Shmulik
Itay Tiran	...	Assi
Oshri Cohen	...	Hertzel
Michael Moshonov	...	Yigal
Zohar Shtrauss	...	Gamil (as Zohar Strauss)
Dudu Tassa	...	Syrian Captive
Ashraf Barhom	...	1st Phalangist (as Ashraf Barhum)
Fares Hananya	...	2nd Phalangist
Reymond Amsalem	...	Lebanese Mother (as Reymonde Amsellem)
Bian Antir	...	Lebanese Father
Aisha	...	Lebanese child
Fatima	...	Lebanese child (as Fatma)
Khaled Salam	...	Lebanese Boy (as Khaled Salama)
Iad Abu Nama	...	BMW Driver
Hussein Mahagna	...	Truck Driver

Storyline

June, 1982 - The First Lebanon War. A lone tank and a paratroopers platoon are dispatched to search a hostile town - a simple mission that turns into a nightmare. The four members of a tank crew find themselves in a violent situation that they cannot contain. Motivated by fear and the basic instinct of survival, they desperately try not to lose themselves in the chaos of war.

---

Plot Keywords:

tank | tank crew | lebanon | lebanon war | female frontal nudity | 

---

Genres:

Drama | War

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for disturbing bloody war violence, language including sexual references, and some nudity

Details

Official Sites:

CTV International [fr] Official site

Country:

Israel France Germany

Language:

Hebrew Arabic French English

Release Date:

15 October 2009 (Israel)

Also Known As:

Líbano

Filming Locations:

Israel

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$17,145 (USA) (6 August 2010)

Gross:

$367,798 (USA) (17 December 2010)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ariel Films, Arsam International, Arte France

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

One of the most jarring sound effects in the film - the banging on the outside of the tank - was achieved by Samuel Maoz banging on the side of the tank with an big iron bar.

---

Goofs

During the first part of film the tank zooms in on shelf with a bunch of 7 Up cans. The cans all have the current 7 Up graphics despite the films' 1982 setting.

---

Connections

Featured in Breakfast: Episode dated 28 April 2010 (2010)

User Reviews

Very well done

Yes, it's true, I will not call this film a masterpiece but it most definitely does catch the emotions and fears of a young soldier. It must be remembered that unlike most countries, Israelis must serve in the army after high school/when they turn 18. This means that not every soldier is prepared emotionally for what is about to come especially at a time of war. Finally there is a movie that portrays the soldiers as what they really are - human beings. I believe the comment left by the person who was disappointed by the movie comes from a very naive place. It is very easy to think that all soldiers are robotic with one aim - to shoot the enemy but to understand the complexity and the mixed emotions a 19 year old boy, who just finished high school and was thrown into this situation with no warning, feels as he begins the first day of a war is virtually impossible unless you see it through the eyes of someone who has actually witnessed the horrors of war in this situation. The acting was very good and gave a real feeling of Israeli persona and brotherhood. It is realistic and unbiased - shows both left and right wing behaviors. It is not an easy movie and it really captures the feelings of the characters in a way you can not escape.