JOIN USBased on a true story, Argo tells how the intelligence and quick thinking of one man in the CIA, Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), saved the lives of six hostages during the Iranian revolution in 1979. It’s is a simple plot well executed with absolute detail. Director and protagonist Ben Affleck shines throughout and the movie is an absolute winner.
Argo starts off with detailing some forgotten history with visuals of agitated Iranians protesting outside the American embassy in Iran for the release of their Shah, Ayatollah Khomeini, who was given asylum in the United States. The embassy officials, in a mad rush, are trying to destroy all the official paperwork before the mob barges in. Sixty Americans in the embassy are caught and held hostage while six of them manage to escape. The escapees gain refuge at the Canadian Ambassador’s residence and it is up to the CIA to get them all out of the country before the Iranians find out.
While discussing possible ways to rescue the refugees, Tony Mendez comes up with a strange and daring plan, an idea that struck him while watching the Planet of the Apes — to disguise them as a Canadian crew for a sci-fi movie based in the Middle-East. He has to convince all the skeptics around him — including his own colleagues, the White House and the refugees themselves — before going forward with it. In case the plans fails, it will result in the loss of seven lives including his own. He is backed only by a few trusted Hollywood greats including make-up artist John Chambers (John Goodman), and his producer Lester Seigel (Alan Arkin) who says “If I’m gonna make a fake movie, it’s gonna be a fake hit!”
With very little time before the Iranians discover the escaped refugees, Mendez must execute his plan and exfiltrate his people.
The movie will take you back to the early 80’s, with its magnificent setting and near perfect make-up and costumes. There are no gaps in the story and it is bound to keep you at the edge of your seat. The fact that it is based on a true story adds credibility to an otherwise strange tale.
Rumours of a possible Oscar nomination? Well, we’ll wait and see.