Prisoners of War

I watched "Prisoners of War" because I had already watched the American TV series, "Homeland", which had taken inspiration from it. The first season lacks of action as it's all focused on the POWs (Prisoners of war) release and their return to family life. Therefore it's more psychological an introspective rather than gripping and suspenseful. However the first season sets the grounds for an amusing second one, where an entangled plot is little by little built up and than unraveled at the end. At a certain stage it's hard to tell who's siding with who and the curiosity of the spectator is more and more stronger. From the beginning to the end I wasn't enthusiastic about the setting, the middle east, probably because it's always associated with tough life and war. I also found surprising the outgoing personality of Israeli people that's depicted in this series.

My review is based on two seasons, which is all that has been produced at the time of writing. I have not seen Homeland.

Two Israeli soldiers and a body are returned home after 17 years of captivity by a terrorist group in Syria. The details of the capture, imprisonment, and reactions in Israel draw on actual abductions, for example, Ron Arad, Gilad Shalit, Guy Hever (arguably), and others. The closest real-life Israeli parallel I can think of is the (mildly obscure) case of Massad Abu Toameh, who was kidnapped in Greece and secretly held in Syria for 14 years. There have been somewhat similar cases in the Arab world (not involving Israel) such as in Morocco, Syria, and Iraq. I wish I knew more about those, so I could better compare fiction to reality.

Season 1 follows the returnees and their families as they try to re- adapt to ordinary life, while gradually filling us in on what happened in captivity, some of which involved moral compromises and does not come into the light easily. It's gripping, and, as far as I can tell, fully plausible. Season 2 is more of a thriller, which I won't reveal the reason for. The second season contains significant implausibilities. Drew me in anyway.

Indeed, even beyond high expectations. One of the most successful serials in recent years, much better made than its US remake Homeland. Israeli cinema in its best.

Magnificent scenario, great directing, excellent cast. Extremely enthralling, holds attention every second. Viewers are constantly under tension - what will happen in the next episode.

A real pleasure for the auditory, proof of the high potential of Israeli cinema in general. I personally very much hope its creators to make a third season, and will look forward to with anticipation of future pleasure. I hope be soon!

I have never been more fascinated by a TV show. When I first watched it I went by the title alone and thought it was a documentary on POW in WW2. I was wrong

I found the whole show absolutely compelling. I have also watched Homeland but hated that show, it was just too unreal. This one, however, seemed as realistic as a story could get and the only thing that disappointed me was that there wasn't a third series.

The twists and stories were so clever and the characters, and their reactions to events, seemed so genuine and real unlike Homeland.

The script was brilliant, the direction superb and the acting so realistic.

Each season was made 3 years apart, and it shows.

Season 1 is a very detailed psychological study of 2 men who were gone for 17 years. It has some thriller elements but mostly, it's slow paced, methodical study that is finely weaved by the writer/director.

Season is two is mostly thriller, action. Much faster paced with many plot twists. Very different, overall but nevertheless enjoyable.

Overall, it's not an American version, and in some ways it's better, if you like slower pace, methodical narrative vs fast paced action, plot twists, and quite a bit of unrealistic action.

9/10 because ending left few questions unanswered, as if they expected s3 that never came.