Film Review: Argentina, 1985 Dir. Santiago Mitre
Fim Still from Argentina, 1985
Written by Belle McIntyre
Based on historical facts, this tale of political malfeasance and justice meted out against all odds, sheds a light on an episode in Argentina’s history which is probably little-known to most American audiences, which enhances the tension of outcome uncertainty. This expert dramatization is fraught with an atmosphere tangible danger and legitimate paranoia and thoroughly believable individual characters. Taking place after years of dictatorship and horrendous atrocities committed by the military junta, democracy has finally been restored. The new government has decided that there needs to be some retribution against the military for the criminal acts of murder, torture and unsolved “desaparacidos”cases perpetrated on the civilian population. Rather than have a military tribunal it has been turned over to a civilian justice system similar to the Nuremberg trials.
Fim Still from Argentina, 1985
The task of prosecuting the trial has fallen to a very reluctant Julio Strassera (Ricardo Darín), the chief prosecutor, who is still skeptical about the stability of the newly established democracy. His fears are legitimate as there are still those who supported the Dirty War as a defense against communist revolutionaries. He needs a team to prepare for such a task and established lawyers are understandably unwilling to sign on. He finds a brilliant young assistant Luis Moreno Ocampo (Juan Pedro Lanzani) who has a lot of new ideas which are not in sync with the old school practices of Strassera. Their power struggle is fascinating to watch as Strassera, a control freak, is forced to let go of some ingrained beliefs.
The team has only 17 weeks to prepare. Moreno Ocampo’s solution is to hire a team of young lawyers, newly-minted and not yet employed, but eager to serve and practice their trade. They are tasked with gathering testimony and proof from those affected by the junta. Their zealous efforts produce a staggering 800 witnesses who testified at the trial. The film deftly intersperses its focus on the trial and a few of the most appalling cases, with scenes from Strassera’s professional and domestic milieu. He has a flinty wife, a rebellious free-spirited teenage daughter, and younger inquisitive brother eager to please his somewhat distant father. There is a lot of humanity and humor evoked in the scenes between the Strassera family members.
Fim Still from Argentina, 1985
The case is considered a major victory for justice, convicting nine generals with war crimes and crimes against humanity. The victorious moment is hailed far and wide and just when you imagine that all the participants will take a victory lap and call it a day, we see Strassera go to his office and begin a letter of intention to continue the fight and seek justice for the untold victims. And the fight goes on with Strassera, the reluctant hero, Moreno Ocampo and their young team continuing to this day to bring charges. It is a fantastic and encouraging example of a victory for speaking truth to power. I could not recommend it more.
