Based on the true story of Elie Cohen, Israel's national hero, whose daring mission took him from Argentina to Damascus where he successfully entered the upper echelons of the Syrian government. The secrets he obtained bec... more »ame crucial in Israel's victory in the 1967 Six-Day War. A portrait of spies and spying that is as chilling as it is compelling, and as riveting as any James Bond adventure. The legendary Elie Cohen was persuaded to become a secret agent and ended up leading a double life -- as a mild-mannered husband and father in Israel, and as a wealthy businessman who infiltrated the highest levels of the Syrian government. Incredibly, Cohen was so successful that he was nominated to be the Defense Minister of Syria. The story begins in 1959. Cohen was a family man leading a quiet, normal life working as an accountant in Tel Aviv when he is recruited by Israel's Mossad secret service and assigned a mission that would forever change his life, and the history of Israel. 2005 was the 40th anniversary year of Elie Cohen's death (May 18, 1965) June 5-11, 2007 will be the 40th Anniversary of The Six-Day War--for which Elie Cohen's mission was substantially responsible for the quick victory. - Awards - The Impossible Spy won the ACE Award for Best Original Score. The same year, the film received four ACE Award Nominations for Outstanding Programming Achievement:
1. Best Dramatic or Theatrical Special ("The Impossible Spy")
2. Best Directing of a Dramatic or Theatrical Special (Jim Goddard)
3. Best Writing of a Dramatic Special (Marty Ross and Douglas Livingstone)
4. Best Original Score (Richard Hartley)« less
Actors:John Shea, Eli Wallach Genres:Indie & Art House, Drama Sub-Genres:Indie & Art House, Drama Studio:Janson Media Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 03/31/2007 Original Release Date: 01/01/2006 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2006 Release Year: 2007 Run Time: 1hr 36min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 2 Edition: Collector's Edition MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English See Also:
"This is an amazing true story about one of history's greatest spies. And, I love this new Janson Media DVD (Collector's Edition) 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 filmographies, 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.
Also, this new Janson Media DVD looks great when used with a video projector onto a large screen."
Amazing TRUE story
Spymaster | Dallas, TX | 04/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"They say truth is stranger than fiction...and the saying holds for this amazing story about an Israeli secret agent who penetrated the top levels of the Syrian government.
As the U.S. government debates the value of human intelligence vs. whatever they collect from calls, email, etc., this story demonstrates what one well-placed spy can do. Check it out."
A true story of one of the best human intelligence agents
Sandor J. Woren | Glendale, CA | 04/23/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a video enactment of the true story of the famous Israeli spy, Elie Cohen, who was reluctantly recruited by the Mossad to infiltrate the Syrian High Command. He successfully did so by befriending and subsidizing (with Israeli government money) the the then outlawed Baath Party of Syria. He made his first contact with a Baath Party representative in Argentina. When the Baath Party eventually came to power in Syria, Elie Cohen followed. Being Syrian born, and raised in Egypt, this devout Jew, fluent in Arabic and at least four other languages, rose from a job as a lowly accountant at a grocery chain, to nearly become the deputy minister of defense in Syria. Before being discovered, probably because of his false overconfidence in transmitting Morse code messages to Tel Aviv, he became, and still is, one of the most celebrated human intelligence figures in world history. The information he provided was instrumental in the astonishing victory by Israel in the Six Day War. Highly recommended for those interested in middle east politics and espionage."
The Impossible Spy - Seemingly impossible spy story true
Gabriel Fisher | Brick, New Jersey United States | 06/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Eli Cohen is an unlikely Israeli Spy - With his cover of as an Egyptian furniture salesman he penetrates to the highest levels of the Baath party in Syria for the Mossad before the 6 day war launched by Israel. He tours the Golan Heights making mental notes of bunkers (usually located under trees for shade). Passing on of all this information gave the Israeli's stategic advantage in the '67 war as they knocked out Syria's Golan defenses. Did Cohen finally get out? Thus the added suspense of how it all ends. Anyone with any interest in Israel or mid east policy must see this film. It is an incredible true story."
As Relevant Today as When It was Filmed
Darlene Arden | Northeast USA | 12/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This film, made on location in Israel, presents a seemingly impossible story that is all too true. Well worth owning and recommending to friends."