Michael-l-cronin It's been a long time to watch this film. I finally got sick of hearing just how great it was, and I wouldn't watch it purely because it is subtitled. I normally argue that a film cannot be enjoyed properly with subtitles because you're too busy reading rather than watching...this film completely changed that! I missed little bits, when the subtitles disappeared too fast but it didn't matter, I was glued. It is frankly the best film I have ever seen, I've never watched anything with such emotion and power, AND it came from Israel where I thought they were extremely homophobic, but also lacking in the ability to make something like this. I was completely wrong, it has opened up a new world for me. Also to add, I have never once cried watching a film, but this film forced a couple of tears out, trying my best not to show it because my brother is in the room. Hardest thing ever.

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.

yawnmower1 This little gem may be the best news out of Israel in years. There are no politics and no ax to grind. Eytan Fox has simply given us a powerful, bittersweet love story between two soldiers in a remote outpost. It could be anywhere, in any army, at any time. It just happens to be now, and in Israel.With great mastery, Mr. Fox put together a stunning ensemble of characters that are diverse, real, funny, and human. Outstanding are Ohad Knoller as Yossi, commander of the unit, and Yehuda Levi as his lover. Opposites attract: Yossi is a career man who has stepped out of character to love Jagger, is terrified of discovery, and reluctant to declare his love; Jagger, so nick-named because of his seductive rock star looks (Mick was sexy, but never this sweet and seraphically beautiful), is a free spirit who is beginning to demand that they live in the open. The two fight over this just before a disastrous foray into dangerous territory. Their parting will break your heart with its profound sense of lost possibilities and opportunities. One yearns for a happier ending for these two sincere, sensual, loving men.

ludencil I'll comment but, sorry, I have not good English.Would be better for me my home language( Portuguese)! I have seen this movie in a friends house, some of them not gay, men and women. The place was noisy, many people talking at the same time and the movie began... slowly people was silent. I saw their eyes in the room...wet... some of them showing their emotions discretely while Yossi and Lior, in a simple way, was sharing their souls in the snow... as I never saw it in a gay movie before. Strong pain in heart when that sad mother (Mrs Amichai) says " people don't have time to know each other...I don't even know my son favorite song..."Commandant Yossi, not the beautiful soldier Yaeli ,answer: "BO, from Rita". Strong pain in heart when he sees Lior picture as a rabbit... A movie FROM HEART , in a so terrible time , in Golan mountains. Ludencil, Rio, Brasil