Feb 20 β€’ 07:00 UTC πŸ‡§πŸ‡· Brazil Folha (PT)

With 'Yes', a chaotic film, filmmaker Nadav Lapid attacks Israel's 'yes' to war

Nadav Lapid's new film "Yes" critiques the complicity of individuals in the face of war by exploring the moral dilemmas of a struggling jazz musician in Israel.

Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid's latest film, "Yes," serves as a satirical commentary on the horrors of war, reflecting the chaotic realities of contemporary life. The narrative centers around Y., a fading jazz musician whose life, along with his dancer wife Jasmine, spirals into a series of morally precarious decisions as they navigate the artistic and economic pressures of their environment. The couple's willingness to embrace a life dictated by the 'yes' β€” embodying compliance and opportunity β€” is sharply contrasted against the backdrop of war that engulfs Israel, raising profound questions about dignity, identity, and the cost of survival in an unstable world.

Lapid, known for his critical stance against the Israeli government, uses the film to explore personal and collective ethics within a wartime context. At a recent screening at the Festival do Rio, he expressed that the film draws heavily from his experiences both as an artist and as a human being, challenging audiences to confront their own complicity in systemic violence. Through the character of Y., viewers witness the moral quandaries faced when the pursuit of success and recognition comes at the potential cost of one's values, highlighting the intimate struggles that are often overshadowed by larger political conflicts.

As "Yes" gains attention, it stands as a mirror reflecting essential questions of artistic integrity in the face of socio-political chaos. It addresses not only the war's impact on individual lives but also the broader implications for culture and creativity under duress, inviting discussions on whether artists can afford to remain neutral or if they must engage with the societal issues confronting them. Lapid's work not only entertains but also provokes critical thought about the roles and responsibilities of artists in times of conflict.

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