Argo

UK Release: 7th November 2012

Watched in Cinema: Thursday 21st February 2013

Rating: 15

Genre: Drama, History, Thriller

Runtime: 2 hours

IMDb Plot Synopsis: In 1979, the American embassy in Iran was invaded by Iranian revolutionaries and several Americans were taken hostage. However, six managed to escape to the official residence of the Canadian Ambassador and the CIA was eventually ordered to get them out of the country. With few options, exfiltration expert Tony Mendez devised a daring plan: to create a phony Canadian film project looking to shoot in Iran and smuggle the Americans out as its production crew. With the help of some trusted Hollywood contacts, Mendez created the ruse and proceed to Iran as its associate producer. However, time was running out with the Iranian security forces closing in on the truth while both his charges and the White House had grave doubts about the operation themselves.

My Review: Argo was the most intense experience I’ve had in a long time. Right from the get go we are thrust into an impossible amount of life or death tension that never seems to falter and continues right up until the very last moment. My heart was in my mouth multiple times and I found myself gripping the arms of the chair as Tony and the hostages are almost caught time and time again. Even vaguely knowing that the mission was successful didn’t let up on the tension as the spanner in the works in the last act meant I suddenly had serious doubts that this could work. And this tension couldn’t have felt so real without the incredible directing of Ben Affleck.

The first 20 minutes or so is set in Iran outside the US embassy as Iranians barge in and capture about 50 hostages. The scenes were intercut with real footage of the event with a modern re-staging shot in a very similar 1970’s style, making you feel like you were right in there, in the chaos of it all.

And that feeling never ended as the feel of it felt so raw and of the time.

The acting too, was outstanding not only from Ben Affleck himself but every single actor involved. From the hilarious Hollywood producers to the empathetic hostages I couldn’t tear my eyes away. 

I couldn’t recommend this film enough and can definitely see why it won so many BAFTAS and is nominated for Academy Awards - I hope the Academy agrees with me in that it is definitely one of the best, most compelling, films from last year!

Score: 9/10