BuzzFlash Reviews
The Official Story (DVD)
Directed by Luis Puenzo
BUZZFLASH REVIEWS
Why is BuzzFlash offering this Argentinian exploration now, of a mother of an adopted child who comes to understand the horrors of the "dirty war" in her nation?
Because it speaks to the heart of the matter of what happens when a government claims that it is "defending the homeland" and proceeds to implement a reign of terror in the name of defeating "terrorists."
In this case, the alleged "terrorists" were Argentinians, tens of thousands of them, who were tortured and killed in the most unspeakable of fashions, with the understanding and green light given by Henry Kissinger. But the "terrorists" were really only really citizens with political viewpoints opposed to the oligarchy and the military.
In the film, they are called "subversives."
"The Official Story" is not a political polemic. It is a personal story.
Remember that it was the "Diary of Ann Frank" that moved the world in a way the statistics about the Holocaust could not.
And it is the fictional account of one family -- based on historical fact -- that makes the "The Official Story" so painfully compelling.
In the United States, we could be just one terrorist attack away from what happened in Argentina. And remember that what became known as the "Southern Cone dirty wars" in South America occurred with the approval of Henry Kissinger.
Bush and Cheney and the right wing echo chamber have already defined anybody who opposes the White House shredding of our Constitution as people who are enabling terrorists, which is tantamount to being similar to many of the "subversives" who were tortured and killed in Argentina, Chile and the other "Condor War" nations in the '70s.
There are no scenes of torture in "The Official Story." It takes place after the end of military rule. But so much is revealed through a subtly crafted and acted film. In it's heart, it is a mystery.
Who is the birth mother of the adoptive child known as "Gaby"?
From this simple question, the terrifying recent history of a nation unfolds.
For the Argentinians, it is in their past. (A priest who aided the military torturers was just convicted last week -- October, 2007 -- in Argentina of his crimes.)
For us, in the United States, it is perilously close to our future.
An online reviewer:
"Very few films have reached this level of excellence. This multiple award winner (Oscar, Cannes, etc.), is magnificently directed by Luis Puenzo and superbly acted by everyone in the cast (Norma Leandro is extraordinary). The beauty of the cinematography, with its sharp contrasts of red and blue, the editing, the script...it's all a marvel. One of the things this film is about is how the truth can unravel a seemingly "perfect" situation when it's based on wrong motives and actions.
This film will capture you...you won't just watch it, you'll live it. Don't miss this incredibly powerful cinematic experience."
Roger Ebert, at the time of its first showing, gave it a solid four stars.
BUZZFLASH REVIEWS