359. Argentina, 1985; movie review

 

ARGENTINA, 1985

Cert 15

140 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language, references to violence and sexual violence

The horrors of South America in the 1970s and early 1980s largely passed us by in the UK until the invasion of the Falkland Islands by Argentina in 1982.

We now know that this was the last throw of the dice of military dictator Leopoldo Galtieri who was removed from office soon after the defeat to the British.

Galtieri was one of the fascist leaders tried in 1985 for crimes against their own people.

This prosecution is the subject of Santiago Mitre's riveting thriller starring Ricardo Darin and Peter Lanzani.

Darin plays chief prosecutor Julio César Strassera, forced to take the job nobody wants of trying to convict the feared junta believed to be behind the disappearance and torture of thousands of people during military rule.

No senior lawyers will join his team because they are either politically sympathetic to the fascists or in fear for their lives.

Sure enough, death threats become an occupational hazard for the lawyer, his family and the very young team, led by Luis Moreno Ocampo (Lanazani), he is forced to recruit.

Argentina 1985 brilliantly recreates the tense atmosphere as the prosecution sets about finding witnesses to the reign of terror, building up a case to a near-impossible deadline.

It reflects the heavy workload, the outside pressure and the deep importance of their work.

There are also deeply upsetting scenes once the action arrives at court and witnesses relay what happened to them or their loves ones.

Mitre's has superbly recreated the 1980s styles and the misty production also gives the movie a documentary feel.

It all adds up to a must-watch.

Reasons to watch: Fascinating political thriller

Reasons to avoid: Demands high concentration

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 9/10

Did you know? During the 53 years between the first military coup in 1930 and the fall of the last dictatorship in 1983, the military ruled Argentina for a total of 25 years, imposing 14 dictators under the title of "president", one every 1.7 years on average.

The final word. Santiago Mitre: "I’m surprised that it was not shot before, but I’m happy that we finally could do it." The Hollywood Reporter

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