Argentina, 1985

 

Best International Feature Film

Argentina

This extraordinary film follows Julio Cesar Strassera and Luis Moreno Ocampo as the lead prosecutors of the 1985 "Trial of the Juntas," Argentina's last military dictatorship. It is imperative that they win this trial to bring a sense of justice to the people of the country. This was the first major trial held for war crimes since the Nuremberg trials, and earning a win was just as difficult. It is estimated that the trial invited over 800 witnesses to testify against the unjust policy of simply "disappearing" political dissidents and intellectuals - anyone deemed an enemy of the state. The film is a tribute to the idea of "Never Again."

For Americans who perhaps aren't familiar with this part of Argentina's history, it is an especially fascinating look at the history (and of course, don't forget that narrative movies are not documentaries, so if you really like the film, check out the real events in other venues), and is a fantastic courtroom drama in the style of Philadelphia, The Verdict, and A Few Good Men.  Very much worth your time.