In Ari Folman's feature-length, animated documentary, the filmmaker and one-time soldier sets out to reconstruct his repressed memories of the First Lebanon War.

The film idea was born out of a recurring nightmare that one of Ari's friends suffered. They realised that the dreams were evoking memories of the Israeli Army's missions in the first Lebanon War in the early 80's and from there Folman decided to revisit those events but to do so in a unique way. He decided to interview old mates around the world that were also involved and gradually piece together what happened. Folman does this in part because he can't actually remember certain things that occurred, but others' recollections will gradually help Folman to remember.

Folman then decided to create an animated documentary basically because it would be a much more interesting presentation of those memories. So he brought in many of Europe's finest illustrators to help him.

The film wowed audiences at this year's Cannes festival and it should find a good number of discerning audiences here willing to give it a try.

Waltz With Bashir is a very powerful piece of animation, very cleverly done and held my attention throughout. It was interesting to fathom out why it was so effective, and I think it was the anti-war message of the film linked to the fine visuals, and also the well chosen music which gives it added resonance.

There are also some heart-in-the mouth scenes at the end when finally Folman is prepared to move into real-life scenes and he leaves you with the images of carnage inflicted on innocent refugees.

Thought-provoking, disturbing, entertaining and in those final scenes, shocking and heartbreaking as well. It deserves to be seen.