Based on true events, Argo chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis--the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA "exfiltration" specialist named Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.
This movie was great. And I didn't even realize how much I was enjoying it until the tension that had been building for so long finally passed. I literally felt relieved. That is good film making when you get someone to feel that way and totally reel them in without them knowing it's even happening. I continue to be amazed at how much better Ben Affleck is as an actor than a director and the fact that when he is directing himself, he makes himself a better actor. So weird.
I would definitely recommend people checking this out. It's a pretty intense true story that is excellently directed and acted throughout. I'm pretty sure this movie is going to show up on a lot of top ten lists at the end of the year.
