Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows FanStore News Showtimes

The Impossible Spy

Play trailer Poster for The Impossible Spy 1986 1h 36m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
Tomatometer 0 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
In 1959, Ellie Cohen (John Shea), an unassuming Israeli accountant, is recruited by the spy agency Mossad to gather intelligence on the Syrian government. Disguising himself as a Muslim businessman, Cohen ingratiates himself with the top brass of Syria's Ba'ath Party and gains the trust of prominent party leader Gen. Gamal Haled (Rami Danon). But the threat of blowing becomes increasingly dangerous as Cohen draws closer and closer to the inner circle of the enemy.
Watch on Prime Video Stream Now

Where to Watch

The Impossible Spy

Audience Reviews

View All (6) audience reviews
Audience Member Excellent movie based on the true story of a heroic Israeli spy. His work helped enable Israel's victory in the Six-Day War. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member A pure piece of shit! For information, this spy had been discovered by another Egyptian spy who lived in Israel as an Israeli (Refaat El-Gammal). Refaat had never been discovered and died peacefully in Germany. Refaat El-Gammal played an important role in the 1973 war and destroying Barlev line. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Eli Cohen (born 1924 and died 1965) was a celebrated Israeli spy, and is recognized as one of the most successful spies of modern times. Born in Egypt, Cohen contributed to pro-Israeli activities in Egypt during the 1950s, such as taking part in Operation Goshen although Egyptian government could never provide proof of it. But the most important part of his career began when he was recruited into Israeli military intelligence in 1960. He was given a false identity as a Syrian Arab who was returning to Syria after living in Argentina. To establish his cover, Cohen moved to Argentina in 1961. In January 1965, hired Soviet experts caught him in the act of sending a radio message after large amounts of radio interference brought attention. After a showcase trial, he was found guilty of espionage. Despite many appeals including from Pope Paul VI and the heads of state of France, Belgium and Canada, to persuade the Syrian government to commute the death sentence, he was publicly hanged by Syria on May 18, 1965. Syria to this day refuses to return Eli Cohen's remains to his family for burial in Israel. Book is excellent!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Good movie, have to know the historical background though. Anyone that has an education in world history will like it. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Audience Member u'll no after u watch it Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Audience Member this movie is a little bit boring. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Impossible Spy

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

Show Less Cast & Crew Show More Cast & Crew
View All The Impossible Spy photos

The Impossible Spy

The Impossible Spy (1986) The Impossible Spy (1986) The Impossible Spy (1986) The Impossible Spy (1986) The Impossible Spy (1986) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1959, Ellie Cohen (John Shea), an unassuming Israeli accountant, is recruited by the spy agency Mossad to gather intelligence on the Syrian government. Disguising himself as a Muslim businessman, Cohen ingratiates himself with the top brass of Syria's Ba'ath Party and gains the trust of prominent party leader Gen. Gamal Haled (Rami Danon). But the threat of blowing becomes increasingly dangerous as Cohen draws closer and closer to the inner circle of the enemy.
Director
Jim Goddard
Producer
Sarah Frank
Screenwriter
Douglas Livingstone, Marty Ross
Production Co
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Quartet International, IMGC
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 7, 2016
Runtime
1h 36m
Most Popular at Home Now