The Official Story
The Official Story

The Official Story

1985Movie112 minSpanish

Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1983. In the last and turbulent days of the military dictatorship, Alicia, a high school history teacher, begins to ask uncomfortable questions about the dark origins of Gaby, her adopted daughter.

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Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users93%
Director: Luis PuenzoGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Alicia is a history teacher in Buenos Aires who has always believed in the narrative provided by her country's military regime. She begins to question her understanding of the 'disappeared' when her adopted daughter, Gaby, starts asking difficult questions about her biological parents. As Alicia investigates Gaby's past, she uncovers truths about the regime's atrocities and her own complicity, forcing her to confront the devastating reality of Argentina's Dirty War.

Critical Reception

The Official Story was met with widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, strong performances, and unflinching examination of a dark period in Argentinian history. It resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and its humanistic approach to political commentary, becoming a significant film in bringing the realities of the Dirty War to international attention.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and important film that tackles profound political and personal themes.
  • Norma Aleandro delivers a tour-de-force performance as a woman confronting uncomfortable truths.
  • The film masterfully blends personal drama with historical context, creating a lasting impact.

Google audience: Viewers praise the film for its emotional resonance and its critical look at historical events, with many highlighting the powerful performances and the thought-provoking narrative.

Awards & Accolades

Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, Cannes Film Festival Best Actress (Norma Aleandro), Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

Fun Fact

The film was Argentina's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar and was the first Argentinian film to win the award.

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