The Impossible Spy
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DVD details
Actor: Eli Wallach, John SheaDVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Collector's Edition, Color, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 96 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-03-31
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Janson Media
DVD Reviews of The Impossible Spy
DVD Review: T E N S E, .T R A G I C...S T O R Y...H O L D S...Y O U R....I N T E R E S T
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a very well-done movie, about Eli Cohen, a happily married accountant, recruited by his country for spying activities, who, after some years as a very successful spy, is discovered. Everyone -- from Eli Wallach, as Cohen's spy-boss, to Mical Bet-Adam as his wife, to Sasson Gabai as the Syrian General Haled, whom Cohen, as a spy, cons, to the two little girls who play Cohen's daughters -- are very good. Unlike other Israeli films I have seen, this film takes less time for propaganda and ramming ideals down the viewer's mind, (the "boy-loves-girl-loves-Israel" scenario) -- than it does for scenes for real emotions, between individuals, to show through and shine.)
The title, "The Impossible Spy", is somewhat of a misnomer. Was he "impossible", as a willful child is said to be "impossible"? Obviously not. Mr. Cohen answered the call of Knesset and Country, willingly and patriotically. A better name for this movie, I think, would have been "The Incredible Spy" -- because the idea of a true story, about taking a civilian accountant, and turning him into a top-notch spy is, indeed just short of unbelievable.
This movie is based upon a true story. The producers and writers of this film deserve kudos in many areas, (a realistic, involving and moving script, great casting, scenery, directing, and a deeply moving, yet unobtrusive background score) -- but the two that shine most for me are 1) Mr. Cohen is played by John Shea, who -- to my knowledge, anyway -- is NOT Jewish. The basic similarity of ALL human beings, (with their innate desire for freedom and dignity), is thus wonderfully displayed). 2) In one of the final scenes, it is revealed on the radio that many official and governmental agencies, world-wide, called for clemency in Cohen's case. These included the Vatican (!), and Switzerland (!!). As I've always suspected, the GOODNESS, (in MOST people), will totally overwhelm any prejudices they may have been taught as children, and so this mentioning of those who demanded Cohen's release, puts a nice lie to the idea some Jews have that "there's an anti-semite behind every tree." Nope. Seems those forests have all been turned into nice little theoretical villages, wherein Christians, Jews, Moslems, and others -- who view each other as fellow human beings, and not as "enemies". The reaction to his former(?) friend's final moments, of Gabai, (General Haled), show that not all Arabs are monsters, either. A wonderful, and insightful attitude for an Israel film -- one which I hope will be continued in the future.
As it was Israel which, by all accounts, was first attacked during the Six-Day war, (which was fought two years after Cohen's death, but for which, Israel had obtained much vital information, through Cohen's spying), it is a sad state of affairs that Cohen -- a civilian accountant -- was executed for his spying activities. But the question remains: is Israel ALWAYS right in it's dealings with its Arab neighbours? Surely, crimes of inhumanity have been committed by both sides, and are continuing to be committed, even as I write this review. One hopes, ultimately, for peace and understanding, (perhaps with only a two-state solution as the utimate ideal). Let those who wish to live in the Middle East, stay there, and those who WISH to migrate, do so. But the forcing of "diaspora" Arabs, and "diaspora" Jews, to move to an area, when and where they do not wish to, makes for unhappiness to all. I have always felt that part of the strenght of the Jewish people IS that they do not all dwell in one place. Suppose, (Heaven forbid), a bomb was dropped on Israel, destroying all people in that country.
If ALL the Jews lived there, it would be the end of the Jewish people as well. However, as things stand now, many Jews are happily living -- secularly, or religiously, as THEY choose -- in many areas that are NOT in Israel. There is no need whatsoever, in my opinion, to dislodge innocent Arabs from their homes in Israel, to make room for Jews who do not want to move there! I thought it was my own idea, that God had made so many different religions, to test Humanity see how we all got along with each other -- but recently, a Moslem neighbour has told me this very idea is actually in the Koran!
If we leave emotionalism and hoary tradition aside, and just think about individuals, and honour EACH individual's desires to live their own lives, as they so choose, there will be far less -- if any wars, and sacrifices such as Eli Cohen's (and his family's), will not have to be made. The words of PROFESSOR JAMES SHENTON, in his landmark, 1960's Public TV History of the United States series, describing the definition of democracy, come again and again to my mind. "The Definition of Democracy", said Dr. Shenton, "is this: My Freedom To Swing My Arm Ends Where Your Nose Begins". Let people live were they individually wish to. Respect each other's traditions and ways. Realize that individal freedom is SO much more important than ethnic tribalism. So that sacrifices like Eli Cohen's, (and his family's), need never be made again-- by anyone!
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