A dramatization (based on a declassified true story) of the 1980 joint CIA-Canadian secret operation to extract six fugitive American diplomatic personnel out of revolutionary Iran.
I’ve got to admit, its rare I enjoy Academy award-winning films. I know, I know I’m a philistine but its the truth, for me they tend to be achingly boring or bleak, or indeed both! There’s the odd gem of course but on the whole I don’t tend to enjoy them. Argo was different though, I had been looking forward to this since I’d first heard about it. I found the story intriguing, what had Hollywood got to do with a hostage situation in Tehran?
I was a little nervous, that it would somehow belittle the hostages and the escape of the 6 Americans, but I think it was delicately handled and I really enjoyed Ben Afleck’s direction as well as acting, if a little clichéd.
The opening scenes, really felt real to me, very true to the late 1970’s. The colour seemed be drained out of them, like photographs I own myself dating back to the era. In the closing credits, you can actually see how close to the events it really was, which is fascinating. Argo is so full of tension, I think this is its best attribute, especially the closing third of it. You really are on the edge of your seat, but it’s sprinkled with light humour too, which works well. I actually would of liked the film to be a little longer, I felt the six Americans characters could have explored in more depth, and especially their time at the Canadian Ambassadors house. I also would have enjoyed to learn a little bit more about CIA agent called Tony Mendez (Ben Afleck) and his relationship with his (ex) wife and son. The film however is 2 hours long, so by modern standards, its probably at its maximum length anyway.
So overall, I really enjoyed the film definitely worth all of the hype and awards. I can definitely recommend it, its entertaining and one I would watch again, and I don’t say that very often.
Argo : Available for £15 from Amazon (Blu-ray) I was sent this in order to conduct my review.
Thank you for reading
I wanted to see this when it was on a the cinema. Definitely going to treat my boyfriend to this, at the weekend. Great review!
I watched this film the other day. I completely agree with everything you say in your review. Even though I knew how it was going to end I still found it very tense and exciting.
I really want to watch this ever since seeing the Oscars. It does look a bit heavy but I’ve heard a lot of good stuff about it!
Even the minor actors are written exceedingly well, with the military officials showing a threatening presence that for a moment, takes your attention away from the main actors, especially Cranston who’s as crazy as he is smart and determined. Good review Ana.