Artistically Emotional Drama of the Terrifying Argentinean Disappearances...
Imagining Argentina applies the word disappear in a factual manner, the way it was used by the military government between 1976 and 1983. The word disappear, opposite of appear, has a direct link with what is removed out of sight and no longer can be noticed. Disappear in this film refers to the disappearance of several thousand people during the juntas control of Argentina, which they blamed on extremists and terrorists while denying all involvement themselves. Nonetheless, the disappearances begun shortly after the military had gained control in 1976.
A brief historical background can help the audience get a grasp of the situation in Imagining Argentina, which takes place during the junta's control. After the military coup in 1976 when María Perón was tossed out of office, the military government began to keep track of those who opposed them. It led to eight petrifying years, as the megalomaniac military leader Videla and his allies pursued all...
The Tragedy of Argentina's "Desaparecidos"
Argentina's Dirty War and the regime of the Generals from 1976 to 1983 is one of the dark secrets of history and has been examined by poets, writers such as Colm Toibin (and here, Lawrence Thornton in his novel from which the film was adapted), and journalists. And yet the silence about this period of time is deafening, especially since the amnesty this past June releasing the perpetrators from all responsibility of this terrifying activity and time in Argentina. Now, with the current 'silencing' of our own covert CIA activities and tortures in the name of a fight against terrorism, this overlooked film takes on particular potency. And for whatever reasons the film doesn't succeed as a great movie, at least it is a red flag bravely waving.
In 1976 the intellects, professors, journalists and writers began disappearing, kidnapped, taken to secret hideaways, tortured, raped, and disposed of all in the guise of protecting the viability of the military regime. Carlos...
Symbolical political drama
Mix one part magical realism with two parts government corruption and a heavy dose of good acting and you've basically got the idea for this unflinching portrayal of the Videl dictatorship in Argentina in the 1970s. I admit I am not altogether familiar with the history behind this story but this film, under the assumption that it is portrayed somewhat correctly, gave me a fairly good idea of what happened. However, it is not entirely heavy on the political realm for much symbolism is used throughout. Indeed, the political backstory is almost put on the back-burner in favor of the more dramatically-pleasing plot of finding missing family members.
Antonio Banderas proves that he can actually act and gives a fine performance (if at time slightly cheesy). Emma Thompson is, as always, brilliant in a surprising South American accent which she does very well. The film is emotionally charged throughout, especially the last shot. It's a good thing the writers didn't opt for a...
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