Yossi and Jagger (2002)

88% of critics liked it
(42 reviews)
73% of users liked it
(3,118 ratings)

Yossi (Ohad Knoller) is the stoic company commander of an Israeli Defense Forces unit on the Lebanese border. Jagger (Yehuda Levi), who got his nickname thanks to his fun-loving rock star appeal, is the platoon leader. They have a secret. When they walk off in the snow together, it isn't because… More Yossi (Ohad Knoller) is the stoic company commander of an Israeli Defense Forces unit on the Lebanese border. Jagger (Yehuda Levi), who got his nickname thanks to his fun-loving rock star appeal, is the platoon leader. They have a secret. When they walk off in the snow together, it isn't because they're on patrol--it's because they're lovers. Jagger is more gregarious. He tells Yossi that he loves him, and longs to hear Yossi say it back to him. He makes plans for their future together, urging Yossi to leave the army with him when Jagger's mandatory service is done. Yossi can't bring himself to make any promises. "This isn't some. . .American movie," he tells Jagger. The colonel (Sharon Reginiano) arrives with two female soldiers, the irrepressible sexpot Goldie (Hani Furstenberg) and her more introspective friend Yaeli (Aya Koren of Late Marriage), who harbors a serious crush on Jagger, and is herself pursued by Jagger's nosy roommate, Ofir (Assi Cohen). As the unit's perfectionist chef, Yaniv (Erez Kahana) struggles to make a sumptuous meal for the commanding officer with meager supplies, the colonel tells Yossi that Hezbollah forces are expected to cross the border, and the already exhausted unit needs to set up an ambush that night. Yossi & Jagger, directed by Eytan Fox, was a critical and commercial hit in Israel. It was shown at the 2003 Berlin International Film Festival and had its U.S. premiere at the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 5 min.
Directed By: Eytan Fox
Written By: Avner Bernheimer
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International

In Theaters: Sep 24, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Mar 30, 2004
Studio: Strand Releasing

Critic Reviews

John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press
It's too lean to deserve marquee billing.
Howard Shapiro, Philadelphia Inquirer
A searing, tense and beautifully told film.
Allison Benedikt, Chicago Tribune
Levi and Knoller are so natural, so unconcerned with mugging for the camera, that what could have been a corny love story on paper is utterly sincere and touching on screen.
, Boston Globe
Nothing happens in Yossi & Jagger that you couldn't have seen coming toward you in a fog. There are coincidences, hurt feelings, and more -- but what the movie lacks in ambition, originality, and grit, it makes up for in pure feeling.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Runs a brisk 67 minutes, and cost a remarkable $200,000, yet it boasts more heart and humanity than megaproductions.
Charles Ealy, Dallas Morning News
If Yossi & Jagger is any indication, Mr. Fox has a bright future.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Modest to a fault, this is no more than an anecodte about gay love within the Israeli military, but it has plenty of charm and establishes Ethan Fox as a talented filmmaker to watch.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
introduces a number of very human characters that we grow to care about
Don Willmott, Filmcritic.com
Yossi & Jagger says a lot and is well worth an hour of your time, but you'll walk away thinking it could have said more.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
Films that have gained immeasurably from their star's eyes: The Wind, Sunset Boulevard, The Fury and now Yossi & Jagger.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
In the film's spare running time, director Eytan Fox strips away almost anything that doesn't present a dichotomy of conflict.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
The economic filmmaking and punchy writing make Yossi & Jagger feel like an old Edgar G. Ulmer or Samuel Fuller B-picture.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
Modern Romeos and Juliets need to mix things up, and this one freshens the pot with a tone that sucks us in with raucous comedy and then gets deadly serious.
Jean Lowerison, San Diego Metropolitan
I'm the first one to appreciate economy of expression, but the difference between economical and underdeveloped is what's at issue here.
David Elliott, San Diego Union-Tribune
Sincerity and brevity can be virtues, but they don't do enough for Yossi & Jagger.
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone, TheMovieChicks.com
It's short, sweet, romantic, and leaves you wanting more.
Frank Swietek, One Guy's Opinion
A minor but affecting story of men caught between their personal desires and societal expectations... distinguished by sharp writing and nicely understated acting.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Cast

Ohad Knoller
as Yossi
Yehuda Levi
as Jagger
Assi Cohen
as Ofir

See full cast

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