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Defamation 2009

This incisive documentary explores the complexities of anti-Semitism and challenges conventional wisdom. Israeli director Yoav Shamir investigates whether the phenomenon has evolved or is being used as a smokescreen for political agendas. Through irreverent humor and unflinching honesty, the film probes the nuances of hate speech, identity politics, and the shifting landscape of intolerance in the modern world.

This incisive documentary explores the complexities of anti-Semitism and challenges conventional wisdom. Israeli director Yoav Shamir investigates whether the phenomenon has evolved or is being used as a smokescreen for political agendas. Through irreverent humor and unflinching honesty, the film probes the nuances of hate speech, identity politics, and the shifting landscape of intolerance in the modern world.

Does Defamation have end credit scenes?

No!

Defamation does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Defamation

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Ratings and Reviews for Defamation

See how Defamation is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Defamation stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

58

Metascore

tbd

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

81%

TOMATOMETER

review

76%

User Score

IMDb

7.4 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

70

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Defamation Movie Quiz

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Exploring Anti-Semitism in 'Defamation': Dive into the complexities of modern-day anti-Semitism as explored in Yoav Shamir's documentary 'Defamation'.

Who is the leader of the Anti-Defamation League featured in the film?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Defamation

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Yoav Shamir takes a clever and satirical route to tackle a profoundly serious subject—anti-Semitism in modern society. His documentary not only draws its title from his mission but also emphasizes the unprecedented access he received to Abe Foxman and the New York-based Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Through this lens, Shamir explores one of the ADL’s reported instances of escalating anti-Semitic sentiments, which leads him to Crown Heights in Brooklyn, where he engages with local black youth in a thought-provoking dialogue.

In a bid to broaden his understanding, he participates in a March of the Living trip to Poland alongside students. This journey affords him a unique perspective on the historical nuances surrounding anti-Semitism. Shamir’s quest continues as he joins Foxman on an ADL delegation to Europe, uncovering the compelling ties between the ADL and the Israeli government’s policies. Throughout his exploration, he interviews two prominent American scholars, Mearsheimer and Walt, who have critically examined the influence of the US-Israeli lobby. Their discussions lead Shamir to a stirring realization—that Israel’s historical actions may be hindering its future progress.

However, this concentrated focus on the US-Israeli relationship, while illuminating in its own right, somewhat overshadows more alarming facets of anti-Semitism, such as the rhetoric espoused by Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Through his film, Shamir ultimately provokes the audience to reflect on the complexities and intersections of anti-Semitism today, inviting deeper contemplation on the subject.

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DEFAMATION - Official Trailer

Movie Themes and Keywords

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directorjewisraelianti semitismauthorauschwitzone word titlepolitical extremismextremismnazi saluteisraeli historyjewish historystreet interviewdiscriminationpolish jewish discriminationmemorialgas chamberhigh school triphigh school studentlobbyingholocaust survivorjewish slurjewish motherjewish americanjewish cultureinternational politicsright wing politics2000sreligionpoliticspalestinianisraeldirector on cameracontroversybias

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