The Official Story (La historia oficial): Amazon.ca: Norma Aleandro, H�ctor Alterio, Chunchuna Villafa�e, Hugo Arana, Guillermo Battaglia, Chela Ru�z, Patricio Contreras, Mar�a Luisa Robledo, An�bal Morixe, Jorge Petraglia, Analia Castro, Daniel Lago, F�lix Monti, Luis Puenzo, Juan Carlos Mac�as, Marcelo Pi�eyro, Rolando Epstein, �scar Kramer, A�da Bortnik: DVD

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This is one of those rare political films that transcend politics with a stirring emotional story. Argentinean first-time director Luis Puenzo tells the story of a strong-willed teacher who tries to learn the true identity of her adopted daughter's father, coming to suspect that he was a political prisoner. Her political awakening is actually an emotional one as well because of her detached persona. Ironically, even though she is a teacher, she doesn't connect with people very well, thinking of history in the most abstract terms. But she learns the painful truth of present-day life. Tautly directed by Puenzo, The Official Story was a 1985 Oscar-winner for Best Foreign Film, with a riveting performance by Norma Aleandro. --Bill Desowitz

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Customer Reviews

11 Reviews

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

Average Customer Review

4.3 out of 5 stars (11 customer reviews)

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1.0 out of 5 stars doesn't date well, May 16 2009

By

Brian Maitland (Vancouver, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Official Story (La historia oficial) (DVD)

Given that Argentina's Dirty War where thousands of citizens were "disappeared" is a fantastic topic to cover, I was let down by this movie. This thing moves way too slow to have any impact in 2009 when I saw it. The problem is you can see exactly where the story is going. No surprises at all really as the script telegraphs everything.

The only powerful scene I connected with was the mothers of the disappeared in central Buenos Aires.

Sooner have seen a documentary detailing more on exactly what the Dirty War was all about rather than eluding to it through the character Roberto.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Norma as Alicia, Oct 30 2002

By

HardyBoy64 "RLC" (Rexburg, ID United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Official Story, the (DVD)

This actress is phenomenal in this role. She IS Alicia and her portrayal of coming to terms with Argentina's dirty war secrets is the most compelling acting I've seen in my life. She is simply remarkable and the film's power and emotion center on her flawless portrayal.
Some heart-wrenching moments:
When she gently unfolds her baby's cloth diaper, long saved in a box of momentos from her infancy, or when she snuggles up to little Gaby, holding tight to her child, the woman's agony becomes so real that you forget that you're watching a movie and your heart feels the pain of her situation.
I've seen this movie at least 10 times and I find myself still tearing up when Norma performs Alicia so masterfully.

An interesting symbol I've noticed in the film:
The opening and closing of doors.
----Alicia watching the doors swing back and forth while witnessing the birth of a child in the hospital
----Alicia seeing a door at Roberto's office suddenly close, to hide a criminal act in progress
----Roberto closing the door on her fingers, as if to keep her from passing through the door
----Alicia's departure, the silence leading up to the heavy close of the door, as we see her profile finally pass through.
(These are the examples that come to mind. I'm sure there are more)
In the context of Argentine history in the mid 1980's, the country itself was passing through a door to democracy.

(Un pasito para allí, que miedo que me da...) The music is a perfect thematic instrument in the film as well.

What a complex and aesthetic film this is!

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5.0 out of 5 stars The Story Of Us, Sep 5 2001

By

Orlando Avila Blas (Argentina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Official Story, the (VHS Tape)

As and argentinian citizen, I think this is the one of the most representative film about us, ever made. The screenplay shows in a very close way, the dark years of our history, when democracy was just a dream. Norma Aleandro and Hector Alteiro are simply perfect in their roles and the music of Atilio Stampone is oustanding. The first (and by the moment, the only) Oscar for Best Foreing Language Film, to Argentina. I'm really proud that people around the world could appreciate this magnificent film.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Shocking History
I have seen this movie at least 5 times and I love it. It's a great story based on true historical events that took place in Argentina into the 1980s. Read more

Published on July 9 2001

5.0 out of 5 stars a flawless masterpiece
Very few films have reached this level of excellence. This multiple award winner (Oscar, Cannes, etc. Read more

Published on Sep 4 2000 by Alejandra Vernon