Coup 53
Coup 53

Movie spotlight

Coup 53

2019
Movie
121 min
English

Tehran, Iran, August 19, 1953. A group of Iranian conspirators who, with the approval of the deposed tyrant Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, have conspired with agents of the British MI6 and the US CIA, manage to put an end to the democratic government led by Mohammad Mosaddegh, a dramatic event that will begin the tragic era of coups d'état that, orchestrated by the CIA, will take place, over the following decades, in dozens of countries around the world.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic81/100
Google Users95%
Director: Taghi AmiraniGenres: Documentary, History, Politics

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the covert British-American operation that overthrew Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953. Through a blend of archival footage, interviews with key figures, and expert analysis, the film reconstructs the events leading up to and following the coup, revealing the complex geopolitical forces at play. It explores the lasting impact of this intervention on Iran and its relationship with the West.

Critical Reception

Coup 53 received widespread critical acclaim for its meticulous research, compelling narrative, and timely relevance. Critics lauded its deep dive into a pivotal historical event and the skill with which it unraveled a complex conspiracy. The film was praised for its objective yet passionate approach to exposing the truth behind the coup.

What Reviewers Say

  • A meticulously researched and urgent historical documentary that uncovers a significant, often overlooked, geopolitical event.

  • Praised for its compelling storytelling and the revelation of hidden truths about the 1953 Iranian coup.

  • Hailed as a vital piece of filmmaking that connects past events to present-day international relations.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly approved of Coup 53, highlighting its historical importance, thorough investigation, and informative nature. Many appreciated the film's effort to shed light on a crucial but under-discussed event, with viewers finding it educational and impactful.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the IDA Documentary Awards.

Fun Fact

Director Taghi Amirani spent over a decade making "Coup 53," initially aiming to make a narrative film before discovering compelling archival evidence that shifted the project into a documentary.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CitygalSF

CitygalSF

This important movie, over 4 years in the making, is even more pertinent today, with renewed tensions with Iran. Prodigious research underlies the revelation of British leadership in the coup that re-installed the Shah of Iran. The film pro...