ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

SanEat A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Raymond Sierra The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Laakbaar This interesting film transports the moviegoer into the world of an Israeli military unit posted at an outpost in the middle of winter.This is not exactly a tough, battle-hardened Israeli unit of trained killers. Even though these young people are in the military, they have obviously not been socialised through a long, tough basic training process. Yes, the trappings of a military are there, but it's really just a group of ordinary young people. Women and gays are included in the unit. The movie is essentially about the romantic involvement and tensions in his unit. There is a practical, remarkably common-sense approach to that. I don't know enough about the Israeli military to know whether this is realistic or not. It's not the kind of military you would see in an American or British movie. It's not the kind of disciplined military that American or British soldiers would recognise. Perhaps this is the kind of citizen-military that the Dutch or Danish would recognise from conscription days.The story revolves around Yossi, the commander, and Jagger, one of his subordinates and also his lover. The movie excels in developing these characters and showing us (non-pornographic) scenes of their relationship. I found it profound.Everyone in the unit seems to know what's going on (without particularly caring), but Yossi (played by Ohad Knoller) is an upright, macho kind of guy trying not to make it too obvious. Jagger (played by Yehuda Levi) is beautiful and a free spirit, loved not just by Yossi, but also by Aya and his family, even though they don't know him at all. Only Yossi knows the secrets of Jagger's heart.This is a short and sweet movie that has a simple, predictable, contrived and disturbing ending. My partner found it upsetting and difficult to watch.The film is mostly about character development. I suspect the movie will resonate deeply with gay men. American and British gay people who have served in the military will also be agog that a gay relationship like this could exist in a military unit somewhere in the world.It helps that Ohad and Yehuda are not just easy on the eyes, but are both cast well and play their roles believably. The Yossi character in particular spoke to me. The final scenes haunt me.

darebear2001 I just watched Yossi & Jagger last night with my spouse. We have been watching other more worthy fare during the holidays and when we got to Yossi & Jagger I was expecting something special as foreign films often supply. I was very disappointed. There were too many characters and a contrived dramatic ending where you knew the outcome even before the final scene. There were some funny moments and some tender moments but there were also too many distractions from what should have been the heart of the movie - the romance between Yossi & Jagger. Other commenters have noted that they were only alone for brief moments in the movie and more time was spent digging a hole to dump spoiled food into than their relationship. More time was spent with desperate women on the hunt for man flesh in rather inappropriate ways. All in all, it was a let down. I was never given the opportunity to connect with any of the characters and as such I never cared what happened to them. It simply didn't matter in the end. I would recommend "Bent" or "Breakfast with Scot" or "Maurice" for those interested in the genre.

thinker1691 On a cold desolate hillside, during a lull in a long winter war, Jewish soldiers in far off Isreal, brace themselves against the wind, the dark night and frigid temperatures, in anticipation of an ambush. The air is frosted with both fears and idyllic dreams of a comfortable civilian life. In this tiny corner in a war torn country, two soldiers await destiny amid their shivering companions. The first is Lior Amichai, affectionately called "Jagger" for his love of the noted singer. The other is his companion and secret lover Yossi who despite command responsibilities, yearns for a time when he and Jagger can openly express their love. Arrayed against this union are the tragedies of life. There is Aya who also loves Jagger and in turn is sought after by others in the tiny force. The squad like most common soldiers, long to return home and dream of peace. It is rare that a film elevates gay love to such a poignant level, but this story does just that. It captures the true sentiments of both characters and tugs at the heart of any who have ever been in love amid the turmoil of conflict. When the war torn drama yields it's tragic outcome, it is touching, sympathetic and memorable. ****

Imhotep77 I hate to be the devil's advocate but I don't see how this movie deserves all the praise that is heaped upon it. For one, it's rather weak structurally; it plays like an episode in a weekly hour long series, on cable, supported by the fact that it was shot on DV. Contrary to the length listed, it is just 61 minutes from post-opening credits to start of end credits. The ending is so trite; seriously, how many viewers out there don't know what's coming right after the mission is made known? I was 100% certain who's going to die when they're going on an ambush. And yes, it's the free spirit, the one who's comfortable as being gay. Oy vey, indeed. Then there is the problem with the two women. Are they soldiers or groupies? One of them sure serves no purpose militarily whatsoever except to be the whore for her superior officer. Is that what really happens in the Israeli military? I don't know but if the movie is supposedly a true slice of life of the military, that it's too corrupt and sad. The movie also doesn't show much of the emotional grief that should have been felt by the surviving lover. I just don't see much of a bond between them and the impact is much lessened by his stoicism. It's also not very good technically. It plays like a music video during the frolic in the snow section with the slow-mo and the zoom in and out camera work. Very banal. All in all, I was probably expecting too much from all the good reviews I've read. Maybe if my expectation wasn't so high to begin with…. Never mind, it really isn't that good.