Argo
Argo

Movie spotlight

Argo

2012
Movie
120 min
English

As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA 'exfiltration' specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic86
Google Users87%
Director: Ben AffleckGenres: Drama, History, Thriller

Plot Summary

Based on a declassified true story, Argo chronicles the secret operation to rescue six American diplomats who had taken refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador during the Iran hostage crisis. CIA 'exfiltration' specialist Tony Mendez, disguised as a Hollywood producer, devises a risky plan to get them out: create a fake science fiction film project in Iran and use it as a cover to smuggle the diplomats out of the country. The operation is fraught with tension and close calls as they attempt to navigate the volatile political climate and evade Iranian authorities.

Critical Reception

Argo received widespread critical acclaim for its suspenseful storytelling, direction, performances, and historical re-imagining. Critics praised its blend of historical drama and thriller elements, noting its taut pacing and ability to generate genuine tension. Audiences also responded very positively, appreciating its compelling narrative and its successful portrayal of a dramatic historical event.

What Reviewers Say

  • Masterfully crafted thriller that successfully blends historical drama with intense suspense.

  • Ben Affleck's direction is lauded for its steady hand and ability to create palpable tension.

  • Strong performances across the board, particularly from the main cast, elevate the compelling narrative.

Google audience: Google users widely praised Argo for its gripping storyline, excellent direction by Ben Affleck, and strong performances from the entire cast. Many found the film to be a thrilling and suspenseful experience that effectively captured the historical events it depicted. The movie's ability to maintain tension and deliver a satisfying conclusion was frequently highlighted as a major strength.

Awards & Accolades

Argo won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 85th Academy Awards. It also received Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing. It was nominated for several other awards, including Best Actor for Ben Affleck, Best Supporting Actor for Alan Arkin, and Best Original Score.

Fun Fact

While the film portrays the escape as a last-minute, high-stakes operation, the Canadian ambassador, Ken Taylor, and his wife, Patricia, who harbored the diplomats, were not aware of the CIA's fake movie cover story until after the escape was completed. The film simplified the timeline and omitted certain details for dramatic effect.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

6 reviews
Etmahoney

Etmahoney

Box office $ 232.3 million No movie being showcased by this year's Toronto International Film Festival caught our interest as much as Ben Affleck's directorial follow up to The Town. Argo, based on a true story and starring Affleck, Brya...

Nathan

Nathan

Argo is undoubtedly one of the most intense cinematic experiences I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. From the very first frame, this film had me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath in anticipation of what was to come next. Th...

Per Gunnar Jonsson

Per Gunnar Jonss...

grave doubts about the operation themselves. This is a good movie although the context of the movie is a rather sad one. It is definitely not my favorite genre but my wife wanted to watch it and it had received generally favorable rating...

Andres Gomez

Andres Gomez

Surprisingly winner of the Oscar award for the best movie. It is a reasonably well done picture but nothing that interesting nor well threaded that the story telling would be worth mentioning. Actually, probably the contrary. The cast...

markuspm

markuspm

I think there really is no other way to say this and please excuse my english. Argo f@#$% yourself (in a good way!). Watch it and you will understand. Solid member of my 'so worth it' category.

TheCakerBaker

TheCakerBaker

Nowhere near best picture worthy, but truly excellent suspense building. The 2 hours certainly fly by with this one. Alan Arkin is a joy to watch.

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