Lebanon
Director: Samuel Maoz
Actors: Yoav Donat, Itay Tiran, Oshri Cohen
PlotA group of young Israeli soldiers is deployed in the early days of the 1982 Lebanon War. They are tasked with mission support in a solitary tank. Isolated, claustrophobic, and engulfed by the wartime chaos surrounding them, the soldiers communicate with the outside world solely through their periscope and radios. The ever-present feeling of confinement within the tank heightens their anxiety and deepens their existential dread. Their initial mission, seemingly straightforward reconnaissance, quickly grows harrowing as they confront the violent realities of war and their own inner fears.
As tensions rise, the crew's mental and physical endurance is put to the test with each encounter with enemy forces, civilians, and allied troops alike. Personal conflicts and commanding decisions inside the tank reflect the broader ambiguity and moral complexity of the conflict outside. The soldiers navigate their limited visibility and fractured communication lines while grappling with the ethical implications of their actions and orders. This balance of survival, duty, and humanity underscores their struggle against the war's brutal impact and their own psychological unraveling, edging them ever closer to a breaking point.
Writers: Samuel Maoz
Release Date: 15 Oct 2009
Runtime: 93 min
Rating: R
Country: Israel, France, Germany, United Kingdom
Language: Hebrew, Arabic, French, English
Home Video Reviews
Lebanon's superb A/V presentation, psychological depth, and immersive tension make it a highly recommended Blu-ray release, despite minimal extras.
Read our review of Lebanon Blu-ray to find out more