Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex and nudity in tender, absorbing LGBTQ+ drama sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Yossi
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In YOSSI, cardiac surgeon Yossi (Ohad Knoller) works in a Tel Aviv hospital, living a lonely existence with little human contact outside of work. Mourning the loss of his partner, Jagger, a fellow Israeli soldier 10 years previously, he struggles to move on with his life. But when circumstances bring him in contact with Jagger's mother, he begins a journey of honesty and acceptance that will lead him on an unexpected road trip to reclaim his sense of self and a little bit of joy.
Is It Any Good?
It's an interesting choice from director Eytan Fox to follow his character Yossi's journey further in a sequel to 2002's Yossi & Jagger, but one that very much pays off. Yossi picks up the life of its central character 10 years after the tragic events of the original film. The former Israeli soldier has now found career success as a heart surgeon, but is emotionally closed off from everyone around him, as well as himself. His expression barely changes as he goes through the motions, attempting to avoid the romantic advances of a female colleague and the bad influence of a male colleague who's constantly trying to drag him out to bars. Instead, he finds a lonely release in pornography and online dating apps, which only serve to make him feel more isolated and ashamed. Knoller's performance is powerful but understated as a man haunted by his past and unwilling to leave the safety of his sadness to see what the future might hold. His tentative, suspicious reaction toward the interest of young soldier Tom (Oz Zehavi) highlights just how low his self-esteem has plummeted, but the healing that takes place through their relationship is beautiful to watch. The ending comes kind of full circle to the original in a way that might have more impact for those who've seen the first film, but it would be difficult for any viewer to not be impacted by Yossi's embrace of a hope, acceptance, and freedom he was unwilling or unable to in the past.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the main character's journey in Yossi. What did Yossi learn about himself and how the world around him was changing? What effect did it have on his being able to accept himself and start to move on with his life?
The movie centers a gay character in the lead role. Why is it important to see representation like this on-screen, where a gay character is complex and developed, rather than based on stereotype or confined to a supporting role?
How did the film portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How did the film portray alcohol, drugs, and smoking? Was substance use glamorized, shown with realistic consequences, or presented as a coping mechanism? Why does that matter?
The movie is a sequel to the 2002 movie Yossi & Jagger. Have you seen the original? How did the film work as a sequel—do you think it was a story worth continuing? If so, why? If you haven't seen the original, did the movie stand up on its own? Does it make you want to go back and watch the original film?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 25, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : May 21, 2013
- Cast : Ohad Knoller , Oz Zehavi , Lior Ashkenazi
- Director : Eytan Fox
- Inclusion Information : Middle Eastern/North African Movie Director(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Strand Releasing
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some sexual content
- Last updated : May 12, 2025
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