ARGO: The Canadian Caper Story Revealed...Well some-what.

I had the pleasure of seeing the film 'ARGO' tonight at the theatre. I have to say that I was very happy about the film--especially with the director Ben Affleck. Unfortunately, I am a unsettled about the actual story that this film told. Of course I think I feel this way because I am very political, as well as I am very patriotic to my country of Canada. But let's begin talking about the things that I loved most about this film.

For one, I loved the actual style of the film. I think one of the ways that films grab audiences is by telling the story in 'actual time.' And what I mean by that is that they do not try to change the era in which the film is being told in. This actual event took place in the 80's and the film showed this not only by the way that characters dressed, but the places that they visited. Additionally, the film itself seemed to have that 80's structure to it. It was not some blu-ray clear as the night sky film, it seemed more 'real' for that time.

Another reason I loved this film is because it linked together Canada and the United States. For the most part we are always trying to compete with each other, but in this film it shows the importance and strength of our partnership together. Together we can do great things. I guess you could say that that statement is a little politically charged, but I feel that we waste a lot of time comparing our strengths and weaknesses against each other. It is nice to know that some of our accomplishments were completed together as a whole instead of apart.

But now back to the film. The actors that were chosen for this film were exactly what I would hope this film would use. When is comes to serious films that are based on actual events, I feel that it is always important to use actors that are not as well known. I feel this way because a lot of the time films use 'popular' actors as a way to sell to audiences. I believe that sometimes popular actors tend to take away from the importance of a film. Therefore by choosing actors that are not in the lime-light Affleck was able to tell the story the way that it should be told.

Now on to the things that I did not like....

To sum up all I would like to say is "COME ON...Canada did nothing and took that responsibility and the glory of this mission?" Yah... some how I do not believe this. Audiences deserve the real story no matter where they live. Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor put himself in extreme danger in order to hide the 6 American diplomats. I will say that they did show this within the film, but at the end before the credits rolled they finished off the story by basically saying the Americans did the work and the Canadians took the credit. I find that really hard to believe, especially since Tony Mendez (the CIA agent that got the 6 out) said in previous interviews that CIA efforts complemented Canadian initiative to make sure the 6 were brought home safely. So come on, tell the story right. I realize it is an American film, but that does not mean that Canadian initiative during this time should be down played. But like I said.. this is a movie that is a little politically charged.. so my statements are somewhat based on that.

Other than the down playing of Canadian initiative, I feel that this film is something that audiences will enjoy. I also feel that it is a film brings both Canadians and American together. We are more alike then most people think and I do not believe this to be a bad thing.

Enjoy the film for what it is, but take it with a grain or salt. I give this film a [A-] for it depiction of a real-life story that changed the lives of 6 American diplomats. I also give it this grade for its amazing depiction of the era. 

See you at the movies!