Nadav Lapid’s latest film, Yes, bursts onto the screen as a sharp, almost violent satire targeting the upper echelons of Israeli society in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks. It opens with a wild, drug-fueled party filled with affluent guests, exploding in excess and decadence amid pulsing techno beats.
Set primarily in Tel Aviv, Yes paints a vivid picture of a societal stratum seemingly detached from the brewing conflict, indulging obliviously while chaos looms nearby.
The film’s references to historical criticism of nationalism, such as George Grosz’s 1926 painting The Pillars of Society, frame this hedonism as a modern parallel to the Weimar Republic’s descent into fascism, but with a uniquely Israeli inflection.
Lapid’s protagonist, Y (played by Ariel Bronz), is a musician caught in this whirlwind of excess and political turmoil. Y’s reluctant journey toward composing a nationalist anthem funded by a wealthy oligarch highlights the tensions between artistic integrity and nationalist conformity.
Throughout, Lapid exposes the performative nationalism and underlying complicity of privileged classes, forcing viewers to confront how everyday Israeli life is intertwined with violence and state propaganda.
These elements are endlessly reinforced visually, such as the omnipresent Israeli flags staged in nearly every scene, signaling the inescapable political climate surrounding the characters.
Ethical Crisis: Neutrality Is No Longer an Option
The narrative deepens in its exploration of the moral battles faced by individuals living in a country embroiled in conflict. The film’s second act portrays Y stepping away from the party scene into the desert’s harsh reality, nearing the Palestinian border marked by war’s grim shadows.
Yes (Credit: Les Films du Losange)
Here, Y’s interactions include heated exchanges with his wife, Yasmine, and reflections on his deceased mother’s voice, symbolizing the internal and external pressures pulling him in conflicting directions.
Lapid’s “yes” conveys a clear message: neutrality amidst such a conflict is neither ethical nor possible. The film boldly acknowledges the horrors wrought on Gaza and implies that silence or refusal to take a stand only abets ongoing destruction.
This urgency is heightened by moments where actual propaganda lyrics from anti-Palestinian groups are astonishingly sung by digitally altered children, a chilling reminder of the war of narratives shaping hearts and minds.
Lapid refuses subtlety here, exposing the “Israeli disease” of nationalism and denial that, according to him, festers beneath the surface of otherwise normal urban life.
A Controversial Reception Amid Political Backlash
Yes, it has ignited fierce debate both within and beyond Israel. Its highly political content, combined with Lapid’s in-your-face artistic style, has led to notable government backlash.
The film was criticized by figures in the Netanyahu administration, and it faced calls for exclusion from major Israeli film festivals. Despite this, it garnered multiple nominations at the Ophir Awards, Israel’s version of the Oscars, underlining its significance within the country’s cultural conversation.
The lead actor, Ariel Bronz, also became embroiled in controversy when he was detained over a politically charged poem he posted online, raising concerns about artistic freedom and censorship in today’s Israel.
Lapid himself, who lives in France by choice but returned to Israel for the film, describes Yes as a work about resisting submission to authority and challenging the boundaries of what can be spoken or depicted.
The film’s acquisition for North American release by Kino Lorber signals its growing international profile and the global interest in Israel’s internal divisions as seen through this provocative lens.
Nadav Lapid’s Yes demands engagement; it is a blistering indictment of nationalism’s excesses and a painful reminder of the costs of silence in the face of violence. Its style and content make it daunting for some, but its fierce honesty cannot be ignored.
The film stands as a contentious, complex piece of cinema, both a call to conscience and a document of an unsettled moment in Israeli history.
Demon Slayer fans across Latin America are expressing outrage after Netflix censored Nezuko’s transformation scene, a pivotal moment in the series. The censorship sparked a heated debate online, with fans questioning why a scene that had already aired uncut in theaters and on TV was suddenly edited for streaming.
The controversy began when fans noticed differences in the version of the Entertainment District Arc uploaded to Netflix. In the original, Nezuko’s transformation during her fight against Daki was one of the most dramatic scenes in the entire series.
The sequence showed Nezuko losing control of her demon instincts, growing more powerful but also more feral, with her physical appearance changing drastically. It symbolized the tension between her humanity and demonic nature, a moment that defined her strength, rage, and vulnerability.
However, in Netflix’s Latin American release, the scene appeared noticeably altered. Key shots were cropped, blurred, or darkened. The most obvious edits involved Nezuko’s exposed skin, which was either covered or removed from certain frames.
The lighting was softened, and camera angles were shifted to hide parts of her transformation. These changes immediately caught the attention of viewers who had already seen the unedited version through other platforms or during the original broadcast.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Koyoharu Gotouge)
Demon Slayer Fans Outraged as Netflix Censors Nezuko’s Transformation Scene in Latin America
On social media, hashtags like “#NoToCensuraDemonSlayer” and “#NezukoCensored” began trending. Fans shared comparisons of the two versions, showing how Netflix’s edits reduced the emotional impact and intensity of the scene. One viewer commented, “Why censor something we’ve already seen? It’s insulting to the audience.”
Others accused Netflix of overreacting to content that was never meant to be sexualized, noting that the original scene had been praised for its animation quality and emotional depth, not controversy.
The backlash grew as fans pointed out that this was not the first time Netflix had censored anime content for certain regions. Similar edits had been reported in shows like One Piece, Naruto, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, usually due to local broadcasting standards or rating policies.
However, many argued that the Demon Slayer edit went too far, especially since the original version was already rated appropriately for older teens and adults. For them, altering the animation for cultural or moral reasons felt unnecessary and disrespectful to both the creators and the fans.
In response, some defended the streaming platform, suggesting that Netflix was following regional guidelines to avoid potential backlash from parents or regulatory agencies. Latin America, like many regions, has varying standards regarding violence, nudity, and implied sexuality in media. However, even those who understood the reasoning felt that the decision showed a lack of faith in the maturity of the anime’s audience.
Demon Slayer, known in Japan as Kimetsu no Yaiba, has always pushed visual and emotional boundaries. Produced by Ufotable, the series became famous for its stunning animation, dramatic storytelling, and heartfelt themes of family and survival.
Nezuko’s transformation scene in particular was one of its most talked-about moments, blending horror and beauty in a way that symbolized her internal struggle. Many fans felt the censorship diminished that emotional weight by softening the scene’s intensity and altering the original artistic vision.
“Why Censor What We’ve Already Seen?” Netflix Faces Backlash Over Nezuko Edits
Latin American anime communities, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, have been vocal about the issue. Memes, reaction videos, and petitions calling for Netflix to restore the original version have spread rapidly. Some even tagged Ufotable and Aniplex, urging them to intervene or clarify whether the changes were made by Netflix or approved by the production committee.
Despite the outrage, Netflix has yet to issue an official statement. Without confirmation, speculation continues about whether the edits were made for compliance, regional marketing, or simply a mistake during the upload process. Meanwhile, fans have resorted to finding other sources to rewatch the uncensored version, with some stating they would rather buy Blu-ray copies than rely on censored streams.
The situation has reignited a broader discussion about censorship in anime distribution. Many argue that streaming platforms should respect the creator’s original work and include clear content warnings instead of altering the material. Others call for more transparency if edits must be made; fans want to be told why and how those decisions are made.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Koyoharu Gotouge)
For now, the controversy remains a sore point among Latin American fans, many of whom grew up watching anime in its original form on television and now feel disappointed that streaming services are taking a more restrictive approach. The debate has also drawn attention from international audiences, as clips of the censored scene circulate online, sparking confusion and disbelief.
As the discussion continues, fans hope that Netflix or Ufotable will respond and restore the full version of Nezuko’s transformation. To them, the issue is not just about one scene but about respecting anime as an art form. Demon Slayer’s emotional power lies in its raw expression of struggle and growth, something that, in the eyes of its audience, should never be censored.
Set during Japan’s Taishō era, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons and whose sister Nezuko becomes one. To avenge his family and find a cure, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps alongside allies Zenitsu and Inosuke, battling demons with unique “Breathing”-based swordsmanship. The series intensifies through televised seasons and films like Mugen Train, adapting arcs through Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, leading up to the final Infinity Castle arc.
