Bad Boy

The plot was just a pretext to deliver cinematography at its finest.

Outstanding imagery and cutting and music and sound. I loved the "dissonant" composition of intense quarrel scenes with anti-heroes shouting at each other, on rather ethereal musical backgrounds - perhaps so as to "prime" the spectator for when antagonists abruptly end up hugging each other!?

I've watched a good number of "foreign new wave" films or series, exuding "fragile tension", but it seems to me that Israelis are distinctly good at creating "harmony through chaos".

Bad Boy is a raw, riveting masterpiece that doesn't just tell a story-it grabs you by the soul and refuses to let go. This Israeli series dives deep into the harsh, often invisible world of youth at risk, portraying their struggles with unflinching realism and a beating heart of hope.

From the first episode, the writing stands out-sharp, witty, emotionally intelligent. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, never feeling forced or contrived. These aren't just characters; they're people. They bleed, they break, they laugh with surprising tenderness, and they fight like hell to survive. It's hard to watch at times-brutal, even-but that's the point. It doesn't sugarcoat trauma, and in doing so, it earns its moments of warmth and redemption.

What elevates Bad Boy beyond just another drama about troubled youth is its compassion. It doesn't pity its characters; it respects them. It allows them to be complex, funny, infuriating, brilliant. The cast brings incredible nuance, particularly the young lead, who delivers a performance so alive and layered it feels more like a documentary than fiction.

Yes, it's painful. Yes, it's heavy. But ultimately, Bad Boy is a love letter to resilience. A powerful, unsentimental reminder that even in the bleakest circumstances, light can break through. Gritty and gorgeous, dark and deeply moving, this series is a triumph.

This story is not a vehicle for using celebrity fame to market a so-so story (I'm not from Israel and never heard of this comedien). Really good drama with interesting characters, multiple story lines, unexpected twists. There have been a few with the same general plot (maybe because there are a few other real similar stories), but details matter and this one is the best I've seen. Well cast, well written script performed by some very charismatic actors (not the lead).

This is good enough to be very appealing to people who are not interested in crime/prison. Several storylines cut across specific tastes.

"Bad Boy" is Israeli television at its finest - bold, brutal, and emotionally devastating in the best possible way. Created by and starring Daniel Chen, this series doesn't pull punches. It plunges into the juvenile detention system with a mix of street realism and psychological depth rarely seen on screen. Every frame oozes authenticity, and the performances (especially Chen himself) are nothing short of extraordinary.

What makes this show shine is its refusal to romanticize or simplify trauma. It's messy, dark, and deeply human. The characters are complex, broken, and unforgettable. The pacing is tight, the writing razor-sharp, and the direction keeps you gripped and uncomfortable - exactly where you should be.

This isn't just a coming-of-age story. It's a gut-punching exploration of survival, masculinity, and the wounds that never fully heal. "Bad Boy" isn't easy to watch - it's even harder to forget. A must-see.

I absolutely loved it. The series is moving and deeply touching, portraying the complexities of the main character and making you fall in love with the kind heart of a criminal who is, at the end of the day, just a kid. Brilliantly written, beautifully shot, and masterfully directed. The entire cast delivers phenomenal performances. I devoured the whole series in just two days.