Independence Day Film Praised as Major Achievement for Israeli Cinema

The new Israeli film "Independence Day" (Azmaut), released in theaters on Thursday, is garnering significant attention with 16 Ophir Award nominations and potential representation for Israel at the Oscars. Directed by Moshe Rosenthal, the film marks the return of actor Assi Cohen to the screen after a long absence and follows his previous successful movie, "Karaoke." The film is visually striking, with director Rosenthal and cinematographer Ziv Berkovich meticulously recreating the late 1980s setting, from homes and clothing to street scenes and music, creating a vibrant backdrop that contrasts with the family's internal struggles.

The narrative centers on Meir Sabag (Assi Cohen), a taxi driver married to Bella (Keren Tzur), a cosmetologist and mother of three. Their 12-year-old son, Boaz, on the cusp of his bar mitzvah, uncovers a secret about his father, leading to a decision that profoundly impacts the entire family. A decade later, Boaz, now played by Idan Tako, confronts the past and his role in it. "Independence Day" delves into the shame, guilt, concealment, repression, and anger stemming from the secret, exploring how each character grapples with these emotions differently and affects others. The film avoids a simple victim-perpetrator dynamic, portraying all characters as victims to some extent, even those who inflict harm.

The movie also examines toxic masculinity, focusing on the shame, secrecy, and fear of deviating from societal expectations that prevent open communication. While these themes resonate with the LGBTQ+ experience of guilt and repression, the film presents them as universal human emotions. Assi Cohen delivers a powerful and moving performance as Meir, a complex character who elicits a range of emotions from the audience. Keren Tzur is also praised for her portrayal of Bella, a wife and mother navigating a tumultuous family reality. Young actor Yair Mazor, as the younger Boaz, is highlighted as a major surprise and delivers a remarkable, natural performance, particularly in silent moments. Idan Tako excels as the adult Boaz, maintaining the presence of his younger self.

Beyond the acting, Ziv Berkovich's cinematography is lauded for its accurate period detail and seamless integration of 1980s music and pop culture. While the film is highly stylized, the aesthetic generally serves the story. Comparisons have been drawn to Spielberg's "The Fabelmans" and Reshef Levy's "Lost Islands" for their depiction of a fractured family through a child's discoveries and subsequent understanding. However, Rosenthal maintains a distinct directorial voice. "Independence Day" is not primarily about sexual identity, though it is a component; rather, it focuses on parent-child relationships, masculinity, shame, guilt, and the unspoken truths within families, where everyone carries burdens and pays a price.