I can’t tell you the last time I went to the cinema which is why I was very happy that Warner Brothers sent me Argo to review on DVD. Based on real events, the dramatic thriller chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis, focusing on the little-known role that the CIA and Hollywood played— information that was not declassified until many years after the event.
I love films based on real life event and it certainly didn’t disappoint! On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, the Canadian and American governments ask the CIA to intervene. The CIA turns to their top “exfiltration” specialist, Tony Mendez, to come up with a plan to get the six Americans safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.
We both enjoyed the film so much we watched the extras too which included interviews with President Jimmy Carter, Tony Mendez and the actual houseguests, feature length commentary and a feature from Ben Affleck who directed and starred in the film about how he re-created the world of the 1979 Iran Hostage Crisis. I didn’t know anything about this event before watching the film but I would recommend this to anyone. There’s obviously an American spin on events but it was still fascinating and nail-biting to watch!
Argo was a big winner this awards season, picking up an amazing list of gongs including:
· BAFTA Award for Best Film
· BAFTA Award for Best Direction
· BAFTA Award for Best Editing
· Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture- Drama
· Golden Globe Award for Best Director – Motion Picture
· Academy Award for Best Motion Picture of the Year
· Academy Award for Best Achievement in Editing
· Academy Award for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
I was so happy when I heard Argo won the Oscar for best motion picture! I was voting for it in my mind 😉 I loved it, too even though it was too hollywood-like at times (one of the last scenes at the airport for example). But overall it was amazing and everyone should watch it!
I really enjoyed it. The extras were interesting as it showed how much artistic licence they used!