Lebanon

Lebanon (2009), an Israeli film that won a number of international prizes a few years ago, is a harrowing look inside a tank in the early days of Israel's invasion into Lebanon in June 1982. In fact, the point of view never leaves the tank until the very end as we are trapped inside the vehicle with our only view of the outside world through the tank's gunsights as it pans around the shattered cities it rumbles through. The experience gives us a glimpse into the lives of these crew members as they try to carry out their duties under incredibly trying circumstances.

The film is based on the experiences that its director, Samuel Maoz, had during that controversial invasion of Lebanon. He doesn't focus on the politics of the invasion, which was almost universally condemned around the world (except, of course, by the American government) and, instead, tells the story of four young men simply trying to survive. At one point, for example, they get lost behind enemy lines and have to trust two Lebanese militiamen who may or may not be leading them into a trap. At different times, a dead Israeli soldier and a live Syrian prisoner are stored in the tank, which increases the crew's anxiety and causes one of them nearly to break down.

Lebanon, with its shockingly gruesome images and intense emotional scenes, isn't for everyone. I certainly found it to be a compelling story, with a profound anti-war message, but I can imagine that some viewers won't be able to stomach its 90 minutes.