Hopefully Not Too Late

I hope I am not too late to join that group of raving individuals over Ari Folman's Waltz avec Bashir. It's not so often that an animated feature that I'd call a cinematic achievement. While Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli has wonderfully merged I could strike a comparison with Anders Morgenthaler's Princess in using animation to explore new possibilities. I think the reason why animated features are beginning to appeal to me is because of their inclusion of adult themes. At one hand, the degree of expressionism is also very exciting as with animated features. It seems easier to exploit feelings and the essence of things through colour or imagined scenarios which would be more challenging if done in the traditional aspect of a feature film or if not a bit limiting. The thing is I was greatly impressed about Waltz avec Bashir from start to end. Well, the opening scene was certainly intense and so was the part wherein the soldiers were invading Beirut. It's part bitter, nostalgic, expressionist, haunting and contemplative all at once. I know a lot have said this already but I will say it again. It was an unforgettable piece of cinema. And if in case you haven't witnessed it, I really highly recommend it and I think I just want to see more of Ari Folman. I wonder if he will still use animation for his next cinematic endeavours. That thought puzzles me, really.