Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intimate LGBTQ+ military romance; language, sex references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Yossi & Jagger
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In YOSSI & JAGGER, army commander Yossi (Ohad Knoller) and soldier Jagger (Yehuda Levi) develop a romantic relationship while posted at a tenement on the Israel-Lebanon border. There, their love offers comfort and escape, but they must hide it from those around them.
Is It Any Good?
Two strong central performances and intimate, unshowy direction elevate this story about two soldiers in love. Yossi & Jagger may be set at a time of war, but much of the conflict here is internal. It's doting looks followed by flashes of shame, moments of intimacy followed by complete separation that portray the struggle between the two army conscripts. Jagger compares their relationship to an "American movie" at times, and the scenes laying side-by-side in the snow and a playful snowball fight certainly pull in traditional romantic tropes. But it's the way Yossi's eyes soften, the way his lips curl into a smile when he's alone with Jagger that really make an impact. There's a sense of freedom within their relationship, while outside they're forced to serve, forced to hide who they are. The claustrophobic feel of the tenement reflects this perfectly, as stolen moments alone in the endless snowy landscape hint at a life that could be possible beyond.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the central relationship was portrayed in Yossi & Jagger. What were some of the struggles the characters came up against, both internally and externally? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Can you think of other movies where the central characters had to hide their relationship? What reasons did they have for doing so? How do the films compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 10, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : March 30, 2004
- Cast : Ohad Knoller , Yehuda Levi , Aya Steinovitz
- Director : Eytan Fox
- Inclusion Information : Middle Eastern/North African Movie Director(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Strand Releasing
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 65 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some sexual content
- Last updated : April 28, 2025
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