Argentina, 1985 Review : This slice of Argentinian history is a potent and gripping watch

Story: ‘Argentina, 1985’ is based on the true story of Julio Strassera, a public prosecutor, who stood up to the mandarins of Argentina's military dictatorship and dared to prosecute those from the military who were involved in civilian kidnappings and deaths.

Review: There is a sequence in 'Argentina, 1985' where civilians are testifying against the barbaric act of the Argentinian dictatorship. Most of those testifying are women and the horror stories of atrocity they were subjected to are so terrifying that it will make you both squirm in shame thinking how low mankind can descend and whatever happened to humanity. This true story is a potent watch and you marvel at the courage of a few who took on the might of the Argentinian military dictatorship and ensured that those responsible for committing heinous crimes against civilians during their regime were prosecuted and handed punishments. 'Argentina, 1985' is a slice of the country’s history which makes for an engaging viewing.

The film begins with murmurs that the Argentinian military dictatorship could be tried by a civilian court instead of a military court. When the rumours are proven to be true, the onus falls on Julio Strassera to perform the onerous task. In his pursuit to prosecute those responsible for the heinous crime and atrocity on civilians, he is assisted by Luis Moreno Ocampo and a battery of young lawyers with no previous experience. The film ends with an extremely powerful closing argument from Strassera in which he emphasizes on the values of truth and justice while emphasizing ‘Never Again.’

Those familiar with Argentina's contemporary history will recall that the years from 1976 (when Isabella Martinez De Peron was deposed in a military coup) to 1983 were a dark time in the country's history when democratic institutions were subjugated and buried. The film brilliantly captures the mood of the people after the end of the dictatorship and how the task of prosecuting those involved from the military junta was almost unimaginable. The film follows the arc of a trial film and keeps you engaged with its sharp and smart screenplay. The film takes the audience on a journey that begins with Strassera's initial reluctance to take the case, followed by him eventually agreeing to the proposition, building his own legal team with no previous experience to take on the mighty, and then culminating with a trial. The film effectively conveys the mindset of Strassera and his family as they were plagued with death threats from all sides.

Though the film deals with a serious and delicate issue, director Santiago Mitre deserves credit for injecting fun at various points. The scene in which Strassera is irritated by the military men involved in the trial and mocks them by acting childishly is really amusing. Ricardo Darian is a well-known Latin actor who effortlessly fits into the part of Strassera. His demeanour and mannerisms are quite close to those of the actual Strassera, and he gives an outstanding performance. Peter Lanzani, who plays Luis Moreno Ocampo, also delivers a strong performance. But it's Alejandra Flechner in the part of Silvia, Strassera's wife, who stands out. Her function is limited to the four walls of the house, with a solitary appearance in the court as a mute spectator.

Argentina, 1985 has a plot that does not offer much novelty as the incident is known to the most, and Hollywood has addressed many films toeing similar lines, but it’s the screenplay and performances that make all the difference. Santiago Mitre succeeds in making viewers uncomfortable with victims' horror stories, and judging by the mood of the film it appears that was his intention. The film's success stems from the fact that it portrays all of the characters as ordinary people with flaws. The art department and the camerawork, which transports viewers to the era around 1985, deserve special praise. The meticulous details to bring out a slice of Argentina’s history is commendable and deserve a watch at the earliest.