Renowned gay Israeli director Eytan Fox (Time Off) delivers a touching portrayal of gay life in the Israeli army.

The love story between Yossi and Jagger, two officers stationed in Israel's snowy northern border, reveals the challenge of a blossoming yet closeted relationship that is confined to a military environment. There's a backdrop of surprisingly endearing characters, each representing an aspect of modern Israeli society ranging from the macho, hawkish commander to a young Buddhist foot soldier. Fox's direction remains fresh by presenting from the perspective of the two gay men who struggle with their desire. They are conflicted having to meet the demands placed on them by both a homophobic institu­ tion and by their fellow soldiers, for whose lives they are responsible.

While Israel has allowed gays to serve equally in the military beginning in 1985, the film illustrates that issues relating to homopho­bia — both institutional and internalized — contin­ue to challenge despite almost 20 years of legal­ized policy. This mirrors the larger Israeli society in which the gay community has made signifi­cant legal advances, but continues to seek wide­ spread social change.

Yossi & Jagger is a love story with a fairy tale quality. In turn sweet and sad, the film por­ trays the extreme conditions many face before the closet doors can open... and captures how fragile two people discovering newfound honesty can be.