Movies About Israel

From Ari Folman, starring Ari Folman, Ron Ben-Yishai, Ronny Dayag, Ori Sivan
Rated R

Waltz with Bashir is an Israeli animated documentary film that follows director Ari Folman as he attempts to uncover his repressed memories of his involvement in the 1982 Lebanon War. Through a series of interviews with former comrades and archival footage, Folman slowly pieces together his memories of his time as a young soldier in the Israeli Defense Force, and the events that followed. Despite its animated form, the film does not shy away from the harsh realities of war, and deals with issues of morality, PTSD, and guilt. In the end, Folman comes to terms with the truth of his own actions during the war and is able to begin to heal from his experiences.

From Directors: Ronit Elkabetz, Shlomi Elkabetz, starring Ronit Elkabetz, Simon Abkarian, Gabi Amrani, Dalia Beger
Rated Not Rated

"Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem" is an Israeli-French drama film written and directed by Ronit Elkabetz and Shlomi Elkabetz. The story follows Viviane Amsalem (Ronit Elkabetz), a woman in an unhappy marriage who desperately wants to obtain a divorce from her husband Elisha (Simon Abkarian). As Viviane journeys through the Israeli court system, she faces countless obstacles, regulations, and abuse from both Elisha and the court. Through her journey, Viviane comes to understand both the importance of her own autonomy and the power of the legal system. Ultimately, she must fight not just for her divorce, but for her own freedom.

From Eran Kolirin, starring Sasson Gabay, Ronit Elkabetz, Saleh Bakri, Khalifa Natour
Rated PG-13

The Band's Visit is a 2007 Israeli comedy-drama film directed by Eran Kolirin. The film follows Tawfiq, a police band leader, as he and his band of seven musicians travel to Israel from Egypt on a concert tour. Upon arriving at the wrong destination, they find themselves stranded in a remote, desolate village. Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, the locals warmly welcome the band members into their homes. Over the course of their visit, the band forms bonds with the villagers and comes to understand more about the people and their struggles. Ultimately, the band's visit brings music and joy to the small community, leaving the members with a newfound appreciation for the value of human connection.

From Shemi Zarhin, starring Oshri Cohen, Arieh Elias, Esti Zakheim, Aya Steinovitz
Rated Not Rated

Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi is a 2003 Israeli comedy-drama directed by Shemi Zarhin. The story follows 16-year-old Shlomi, an awkward and introverted boy who lives with his overbearing grandmother in a rural village in northern Israel. Shlomi dreams of becoming a professional chef, and his grandmother uses her connections to get him a summer job as a cook for a wealthy family in a nearby town. The summer is filled with surprises for Shlomi as he navigates his new surroundings and begins to find himself. He discovers a new confidence and freedom as he is exposed to a wider world and discovers a talent for cooking. Along the way, he forms a special bond with the family’s youngest daughter, who encourages him to pursue his dream. He also begins to fight back against his grandmother’s overbearing nature, standing up to her and asserting his own independence. In the end, Shlomi finds the courage to pursue his passion, setting him up for a new future and a newfound sense of self-confidence.

From Michael Mayer, starring Nicholas Jacob, Michael Aloni, Jameel Khoury, Alon Pdut
Rated Not Rated

Out in the Dark is a romantic drama set in the Middle East about two men, Nimr and Roy, who fall in love despite the political and social tensions that surround them. Nimr is a Palestinian student who lives in the West Bank, while Roy is an Israeli lawyer from Tel Aviv. Despite their differences and the obstacles their relationship faces, the two men find a deep connection that gradually blossoms into a forbidden romance. As their love grows, they must also confront their own personal demons and the dangers they face from their families and society. As Nimr and Roy continue to fight for their relationship, they must also fight for their right to love.

From Nir Bergman, starring Orly Silbersatz, Maya Maron, Nitai Gvirtz, Daniel Magon
Rated R

From Ra'anan Alexandrowicz, starring Siyabonga Melongisi Shibe, Salim Daw, Arieh Elias, Sandra Schonwald
Rated Unrated

From Directors: Scandar Copti, Yaron Shani, starring Fouad Habash, Nisrin Siksik, Elias Saba, Youssef Sahwani
Rated Not Rated

From Haim Tabakman, starring Zohar Strauss, Ran Danker, Tinkerbell, Tzahi Grad
Rated Not Rated

From Eytan Fox, starring Lior Ashkenazi, Knut Berger, Caroline Peters, Gideon Shemer
Rated R

From Ofir Raul Graizer, starring Tim Kalkhof, Sarah Adler, Roy Miller, Zohar Strauss
Rated Not Rated

From Talya Lavie, starring Dana Ivgy, Nelly Tagar, Shani Klein, Heli Twito
Rated Unrated

From Samuel Maoz, starring Lior Ashkenazi, Sarah Adler, Yonaton Shiray, Itay Exlroad
Rated R

From Maysaloun Hamoud, starring Mouna Hawa, Sana Jammelieh, Shaden Kanboura, Mahmud Shalaby
Rated R

From Eran Riklis, starring Tawfeek Barhom, Razi Gabareen, Yaël Abecassis, Michael Moshonov
Rated Not Rated

From Joseph Cedar, starring Shlomo Bar-Aba, Lior Ashkenazi, Aliza Rosen, Alma Zack
Rated PG

From Eytan Fox, starring Ohad Knoller, Yehuda Levi, Assi Cohen, Aya Steinovitz
Rated R

From Dover Koshashvili, starring Lior Ashkenazi, Ronit Elkabetz, Moni Moshonov, Lili Koshashvili
Rated Unrated

From Directors: Shira Geffen, Etgar Keret, starring Sarah Adler, Nikol Leidman, Gera Sandler, Noa Raban
Rated Unrated

From Directors: Tal Granit, Sharon Maymon, starring Ze'ev Revach, Levana Finkelstein, Aliza Rosen, Ilan Dar
Rated Unrated

From Eytan Fox, starring Ohad Knoller, Shlomo Sadan, Oz Zehavi, Lior Ashkenazi
Rated Not Rated

From Keren Yedaya, starring Dana Ivgy, Ronit Elkabetz, Meshar Cohen, Katia Zinbris
Rated Unrated

From Samuel Maoz, starring Yoav Donat, Itay Tiran, Oshri Cohen, Michael Moshonov
Rated R

From Directors: Aharon Keshales, Navot Papushado, starring Lior Ashkenazi, Rotem Keinan, Tzahi Grad, Doval'e Glickman
Rated Not Rated

From Nadav Lapid, starring Sarit Larry, Avi Shnaidman, Lior Raz, Hamuchtar
Rated Not Rated