Yosi, the Regretful Spy

It's a good premise to start a series. Personally I thought it might be more of a historical reference but the series is more fictional than a docudrama.

The time jump edits are an interesting way to back up character plots but there are too many and the plots remain unanswered and confusing. Even for some (like myself) that follow middle eastern politics and Israel's history in the region.

Yosi is a likable character. The actors do a good job with acting. The issue is the script itself. Deeper political research and character analysis were needed to help viewer understand choices made.

I just watched season 1. Not planning on watching season 2.

A good story that isn't lost with switching time lines, it actually keeps coherency in the viewers mind with a very good makeup department on characters in latter year scenes. Depth of plot not obliterated with artistic license towards having too much gratuitous violence... seems like a " based on a true story", stayed true to actual events. Not for the subtitled challenged. It's also nice to see actors from different countries, and cultures.

I love spy thrillers and 'Yosi The Regretful Spy' is up there as a favourite! It's one of those annoying series that draw the viewer in and then keep them hooked with the 'cliff hanger' after an hour or less of each episode! Let's be clear, it's not '24' or 'Lost' but it is well acted, scripted and shot.

Yosi is the main protagonist who works undercover for the Argentine government. The main story centres around the 1992 bombing of the Israelis Embassy and how Yosi integrates himself deep into the Jewish Community. Series 2 develops what happens after the bombing and the serious consequences he faces from some of his choices.

I found it a bit difficult to keep up with the chopping of time lines but it's worth watching despite this. I highly recommend it.

Yosi (Iosi) is the strong silent type. This is probably uncharacteristic of many heroes of Latin American films, but very familiar to Hollywood. I read an in-depth, but negative review noting the hero "appeals to an imperturbable register, almost impenetrable, close to the anodyne, probably marked by the direction" Well, that fits the character in multiple ways; first he's traumatized in childhood by the suicide of his father, then as an adult, he's recruited to infiltrate and spy on the Jewish community in Argentina, which has a distinct culture, of course they pick a quiet, shy, reassuring personality to do this. Although the previous parts of his life are shown in flashbacks, we initially see him as an older man, after he's changed allegiances, so he's filled with regret and hounded by former allies. Finally, perhaps this was indeed directed to appeal to American/international audiences, certainly I'm used to seeing movies with this kind of protagonist. I admit, I had to look up the word "anodyne", but I don't see why this attribute is in any way a negative. So, he's not a typical, loud flamboyant Latino star, so what?

Each episode kept me in suspense, wondering how Yosi would survive and/or what made him do a 180 degree turn and become a dedicated Jew in spirit, if not through blood. It's not always clear and coherent, from episode to episode, and some of the audience seem to be confused over what I consider simple plot points. As long as the characters remain interesting, I don't really care. I'm certainly not going to address a long list with explanations. You just have to expect to suspend your disbelief with some of the material. I actually found it hard to believe that elements of Argentinian law enforcement actually believed Jews were going to create a second Jewish homeland in Patagonia, but it turns out this was actually a prevalent paranoia in real-life Argentina. I guess one should never underestimate Antisemitism. I learned a bit, but mostly just enjoyed the ride. Extensive flashbacks can be confusing, but it also allows depth of character development, so I'm not going to complain. I'm just enjoying the show.

It does jump through time back and forth but I believe it was all tied together and you know it will make sense as you get more involved. Great group of actors that appear to work well together. Most people have no idea this happened in history let alone the facts behind it. This series had the ability to draw you in and as it opens up, you realize you can't wait to see how it ends but not wanting it to end. I appreciate the historical value in a time and place I'm not familiar with. I was also fascinated with the character development (Yosi) into a jew and part of the community. This was an eye opener for me. Thank you & God Bless.