The Impossible Spy (1987 TV Movie) User Reviews

A so-so movie that I find myself watching again and again

[mhettler · 7/10 · 17 January 2006]

One who is not interested in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, sympathetic to the Israeli cause, and inspired by Eli Cohen's sacrifice for that cause, will probably find this movie boring. One comes away from watching this movie, not thinking about what a great movie he just watched, but about the life of Eli Cohen. And perhaps that's what the filmmakers intended.

I can't think of anything particularly good to say about the movie. It is somewhat slow-paced, and no performances particularly stand out. But I find myself going back and watching it again and again, because the story it tells is so interesting to me. While the acting and production do not draw attention to themselves with their impressiveness, neither do they distract from the story due to poor quality; everything about the movie is unspectacular but competent.

The only complaint I can make is about the portrayal of Cohen's wife. She comes across so annoyingly that in the end, after her husband's death, when she encounters the Mossad official who lied to her repeatedly, took her husband away and sent him on the mission that resulted in his death, one finds oneself sympathizing with the spy-master because of the awkwardness of the situation, rather than with the aggrieved widow because of her loss.

A lukewarm telling of a true spy story.

[=G= · 5/10 · 2 July 2001]

"The Impossible Spy" is a so-so spy flick and docudrama which tells of renowned Israeli spy Eli Cohen and his penetration of the Syrian government in the years prior to the Six Days War. The film has the look of a low budget indie and, though it's well meaning and earnest, it is not a very elegant flick. Furthermore, much of the story seems too obvious to be real spy stuff which probably just means it's true. Recommended for those into spy flicks or the history of the Syrian/Israel conflict of the 1960's.

Average spy movie based on real life characters

[adrianovasconcelos · 5/10 · 20 June 2023]

It stands to reason that in the 1960s, leading up to the six-day war that pitted Israel against its Arab neighbors, technology was still rather basic, to the extent that communications were made by Morse, much as had been done in the Second World War, some 20 years before.

In light of that, it is not beyond reason to accept that an Israeli born in Syria could pass for a Syrian Arab, and so infiltrate El Fattah, among other splinter groups vying for power in Syria, thereby obtaining information to help Israeli defense. I found it tougher to swallow that this spy would promptly find a very senior military figure among the Syrian rebel forces vying to topple the government. Even tougher to believe that he would become his chum without attracting any suspicions.

Just as Eli Cohen was picked by Mossad because he did not look like a spy and had a low profile life, so he makes it as a smartly dressed businessman who somehow ingratiates his way to learning a great deal about the array and position of Syrian forces ready to attack Israeli kibbutzin.

Acting is strictly standard and less, only Eli Wallach catches your eye. Cohen's good looking wife, long suffering over hubby's lengthy absences, looks too amateurish.

Anyway, nothing much happens by way of action. 5/10.

I don't agree with this review.

[blacorp · 28 August 2016]

It's strange that other foreign movies, much worst, are given the best marks

I found this movie very moving, and well documented. Indeed, it is a documentary.

Even on films, bias against Israel is obvious. I saw marks as high as 8.1 and 5 are given to horrible french movies, which are the worst in the film industry. French, besides naked and "object" women, have no imagination, and still they are given the best marks. Incredible.

The story of this Israeli spy is very informative of at which length would Israelis go to protect their citizens against vicious attacks from the neighboring Arabs. This movie renders with utmost reality the talent exercised by this Israeli spy to hiding his activities to his wife and whole family.

And his whole life as a spy is incredible because he didn't chose to be a spy and it was not his trade at all. That shows the love Israelis have for their tiny country due to the fact they endanger their own lives and the lives of their families, without a thought, to help their country. I believe this movie is very well directed and played, especially when we consider the size and the date of Israel's creation: 1948. There was nothing but sand and desert.

My marks for this movie is 8.5

The New Janson Media DVD Is Excellent

[hchertok · 10/10 · 8 March 2006]

This is an amazing true story about one of history's greatest spies. And, I love this new Janson Media DVD of "The Impossible Spy" because it includes many important "extras" such as critic's reviews, trailer, and an on-location report featuring behind-the- scenes interviews with the stars, John Shea and Eli Wallach, about what it is like to be a spy. Also, there's a very good photo gallery, star information, and a time-line of all the major Arab- Israel conflicts that led up to Elie Cohen's incredible mission, and how vital it was for the outcome of the June 1967 Six-Day War.

The story is exciting and compelling. It's about an Israeli agent who was sent to Syria, via Argentina, in the 1960's and was so successful in infiltrating the Syrian High Command, that he was nominated to be their Deputy Defense Minister--and 3rd in line for the Presidency. Unbelievable. And, all true.

Not quiet reaches the heights

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 3 October 2013]

The Impossible Spy is a BBC co-production and was deemed to be controversial at the time of its showing.

John Shea plays Eli Cohen who infiltrates the Syrian government and manages to acquire secrets and military intelligence which eventually allows Israel to win the Six Days War and take over The Golan Heights.

Eli Wallach plays the Mossad handler. Both leads are earnest and for a BBC TV film very different from its usual subject matter.

It can be seen to be slow and slightly heavy going. It is of course rather one sided hence the controversy as it was seen to have had an Israeli bias.

Once you are in it, you never can get out of it, no matter how hard you try, and know it's wrong, but still you just have to have another go at it again...

[clanciai · 9/10 · 8 June 2023]

It's the same about all addictions in life, whether it is roulette, alcoholism, or, as in this case, the spying business. Our man here actually tries to quit and leave it behind, going to a normal life with wife and children, but Mossad just can't let such a natural gift with such a miraculous memory just lead a normal life, they try again and again to get him hooked for another job, and ultimately he can't resist it. He is so clever that he is successful, and he gets away with it and returns to his wife and children, everything seems to reach an established happy end, and yet he just wants to return to continue the job. Even Mossad tries to dissuade him, but he goes back one last time well aware of the risk he is taking.

The most interesting actor here is not Eli Wallach, who is always of extreme interest, nor John Shea as the lead, who is also absolutely credible in excellence, but Sason Gabay as the Syrian general whom he befriends and betrays. When his treason is beyond repair and nothing more can save him, the general still speaks with him, they still have a friendly conversation, the general has every reason to hate him and shoot him down without flinching, but he stays self-controlled and even grants the traitor his last wishes, giving the impression that he actually respects his former best friend who turned traitor more than hen can respect the general. Sason Gabay makes an almost unforgettable character of cool detachment in the most intolerable possible situation of a betrayed relationship.

The story is true and has the character of a genuine documentary.