《逃离德黑兰》

Some historical events show that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

On November 4, 1979, as part of an Anti-American demonstration*, radical* students seized the United Stated Embassy in Tehran, Iran, holding hostage* more than 50 Americans. This was in response to the United States allowing the former dictator* of Iran, Shah* Reza Pahlavi, to enter the States to treat his cancer.

Ayatollah Ruholla Khomenini took over power in Iran when the Shah fled the country and called for Anti-American street demonstrations after the Shah entered the United States.

Six Americans escaped before the attack and found refuge* at the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor (Victor Garber). The Americans were Consular Officers Bob Anders (Tate Donovan), Mark Lijek (Christopher Denham) and Joe Stafford (Scoot McNairy); Consular Assistants Cora Lijek (Clea DuVall), Kathy Stafford (Kerry Bishe) and Agriculture Attache* Lee Schatz (Rory Cochrane).

When news of the six Americans reached the State Department, it was then left to CIA agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) o figure out* a plan to bring the six home.

The “best bad idea” was proposed by Mendez, as posing as a Canadian film crew on a location scout for a sci-fi movie “Argo;” then fly them out of Iran under their “Hollywood identities.” Mendez, given the greenlight, flew to Los Angeles and got the help of veteran makeup artist John Chambers (John Goodman) to create a fake production company and movie “Argo” to present to the public, trades and international press as cover to extradite* the six Americans.

Mendez found himself facing many problems. Will he succeed in his mission or risk becoming a hostage himself?

What this film does well is tell a true story that stays as non-political as possible.

To date, this is Ben Affleck’s best film as a director and actor. The attention to detail is meticulous*; from the research, the costumes, sets, locations and technology, everything appears spot-on.

(SD-Agencies)