The Vanishing Soldier is a 2023 Israeli war drama thriller directed by Dani Rosenberg, co-written with Amir Kliger. The film stars Ido Tako as Shlomi, an 18-year-old Israeli soldier who deserts his post during a battle in Gaza to reunite with his girlfriend, Shiri, in Tel Aviv. Unbeknownst to him, the military believes he has been kidnapped, leading to a nationwide search and unintended consequences.
Short Summary:
The Vanishing Soldier follows Shlomi, an 18-year-old Israeli soldier who deserts his post to reunite with his girlfriend in Tel Aviv. His disappearance is mistaken for a kidnapping, leading to unintended national repercussions and forcing Shlomi to confront the consequences of his actions.
Plot Summary:
Set in a near-future Israel at war, Shlomi abandons his military duties to find Shiri, aiming to convince her to stay in Israel rather than emigrate to Canada. His unauthorized absence is misinterpreted as a kidnapping, triggering a media frenzy and military operations to secure his "release." As Shlomi grapples with his personal desires and the escalating national crisis he inadvertently caused, he must decide between surrendering to authorities or pursuing his quest for love, all while confronting the ramifications of his actions.
Wikipedia
Themes:
Individual vs. State: Explores the tension between personal choices and national responsibilities.
Media Influence: Highlights how media narratives can distort reality and impact public perception.
Identity and Responsibility: Examines the struggle of a young individual in defining personal identity amidst societal expectations.
Key Success Factors:
Engaging Narrative: The film presents a compelling story that intertwines personal drama with broader socio-political commentary.
Strong Performances: Ido Tako delivers a nuanced portrayal of Shlomi, capturing the character's internal conflicts and growth.
Critical Acclaim: The film's selection for prestigious festivals and multiple award nominations underscore its artistic merit.
Awards, and Nominations: 3 wins & 15 nominations
Locarno Film Festival 2023: Nominated for the Golden Leopard.
Ophir Awards 2023: Received 11 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor; won Best Cinematography.
Critical Reception:
Screen Daily: Describes the film as "accomplished," noting its exploration of a soldier's desertion and the ensuing consequences.
DMovies: Highlights the film's subtle anti-war statement, achieved without didacticism, using the protagonist's personal journey as a reflection of national issues.
Production Details:
Production Companies: Israel Film Fund, United Channel Movies
Distribution:
Israel: Distributed by United King Films.
France: Distributed by Sophie Dulac Distribution.
Sales:
International Sales: Handled by Intramovies.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27817584/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/the-vanishing-soldier (France), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/the-vanishing-soldier (Germany),
Recommendation:
Thought-Provoking Themes: The film delves into the complexities of personal choice versus societal duty, offering viewers a narrative that encourages reflection on individual agency within a militarized society.
Compelling Performances: Ido Tako's portrayal of Shlomi brings depth and authenticity to the character, making his journey both relatable and engaging.
Cinematic Recognition: With nominations at esteemed festivals and award ceremonies, the film's quality and impact are well-recognized within the cinematic community.
The Vanishing Soldier is a poignant exploration of youthful defiance and its far-reaching consequences, set against the backdrop of a society in perpetual conflict.
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