Argo (2012 Film)

Argo is a conservative drama based on the true story of the Canadian Caper that occurred during the midst of the Iranian Revolution and the Iranian Hostage Crisis. The film was a financial and critical success, earning several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Film in 2013.

Plot[edit]

The film begins at the start of the Iranian Hostage Crisis on November 4, 1979. As the American Embassy is being overtaken by a mob of Iranian students, six American diplomats manage to escape the complex, seeking refuge at Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor's residence, where they would remain for the next 79 days.

In the United States, Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) works with the CIA, the Canadian government, and eventually Hollywood, to devise a plan to rescue the six Americans. The final plan is for Tony to fly to Iran as a Canadian film maker, and for the six Americans to be various staff members for a movie named Argo. In order to carry out the ruse, the CIA financed a fictional movie studio (Studio 6), advertisements were placed in Variety magazine, and even storyboards for the film were created. At the same time, the Iranians have realized they are missing six hostages, and they are weaving together shredded documents from the American embassy, which could expose the six Americans.

Using forged Canadian passports and Visas, Tony and the six Americans manage to get through security, and after nearly being caught, are allowed to board a Swissair jet to Zurich. As the plane begins to taxi, the Iranians realize that the film crew are really the missing six. The plane takes off just as Iranian security is about to stop them from taking off.

Spoilers end here.

Reception[edit]

Argo currently has a 96% 'fresh' rating from Rottentomatoes.com. It was nominated for and won many awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, a Golden Globe for Best Picture - Drama, and a Critics Choice Award for Best Picture.