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47 of 50 found the following review helpful:
 The Story Of UsSep 05, 2001
By Orlando Avila Blas
As and argentinian citizen, I think this is the one of the most representative film about us, ever made. The screenplay shows in a very close way, the dark years of our history, when democracy was just a dream. Norma Aleandro and Hector Alteiro are simply perfect in their roles and the music of Atilio Stampone is oustanding. The first (and by the moment, the only) Oscar for Best Foreing Language Film, to Argentina. I'm really proud that people around the world could appreciate this magnificent film.
30 of 31 found the following review helpful:
La Historia Oficial as a teaching toolSep 23, 2004
By Marianna Ponti
"MP"
I used this film in my upper level high school Spanish class. The students, without exception, immediately became emotionally involved with the characters and the powerful story line. They could not believe this was a part of history they were not aware of and even questioned their history teachers as to why there is no mention of this in their classrooms.
Along with the movie, we did extensive research on the "desaparecidos" and they read a few real stories of children who had been "adopted" only to find out as adults that their entire life had been a lie.
What surprised my students most of all was the relatively lenient treatment the perpetrators of this heinous crime received after being found guilty.
This movie, and topic, is suitable for an upper level high school class (4th year and up). I recommend that you prepare the students beforehand by doing some research on the topic and period of Argentinian history. It would also be valuable to research the link between the military dictator of Argentina at the time and the government of the U.S.
34 of 37 found the following review helpful:
a flawless masterpieceSep 04, 2000
By Alejandra Vernon
"artist & illustrator"
Very few films have reached this level of excellence. This multiple award winner (Oscar, Cannes, etc.), is magnificently directed by Luis Puenzo and superbly acted by everyone in the cast (Norma Leandro is extraordinary). The beauty of the cinematography, with its sharp contrasts of red and blue, the editing, the script...it's all a marvel.One of the things this film is about is how the truth can unravel a seemingly "perfect" situation when it's based on wrong motives and actions. This film will capture you...you won't just watch it, you'll live it. Don't miss this incredibly powerful cinematic experience.
24 of 26 found the following review helpful:
 A moving story, with subtlety, emotion, and truth.Nov 04, 1999
The military juntas in Argentina had methods similar to those of Pinochet in Chile and Castro in Cuba. You will see in this movie how Argentine society wretched at the numerosity of the families suffering losses. You will see the "abuelas de la Plaza de Mayo," protesting in a way never seen before. But the uniqueness of this film lies in its portrayal of how an unlikely family finds that it, too, has fallen victim, in an unexpected way, in the wake of a secretly brutal regime. The movie is poignant in another way: very subtlely, it portrays how an average man in the government, a husband who loves his wife and daughter dearly, is himself changed, profoundly, through his association with the government (a government willing to hurt its citizens in order to battle a threatening ideology). The slow, subtle build-up of a tension that must be resolved, and the crescendo in the final scenes, are moving. In the end, in its portrayal of a particular case (Argentina), this movie holds a mirror to human nature, showing us both the depths, as well as the heights, which men and women can reach. This appears to be one of the best Argentine films made in the '80s. I think it shows that Argentine filmmaking is alive and well. If you like this movie, I would also recommend another Argentine film: Man Facing Southeast, a more reflective, philosophical movie, with a very subtle religious interrogative, probing the question of who we are as human beings.
19 of 21 found the following review helpful:
Norma as AliciaOct 30, 2002
By HardyBoy64
"RLC"
This actress is phenomenal in this role. She IS Alicia and her portrayal of coming to terms with Argentina's dirty war secrets is the most compelling acting I've seen in my life. She is simply remarkable and the film's power and emotion center on her flawless portrayal.
Some heart-wrenching moments:
When she gently unfolds her baby's cloth diaper, long saved in a box of momentos from her infancy, or when she snuggles up to little Gaby, holding tight to her child, the woman's agony becomes so real that you forget that you're watching a movie and your heart feels the pain of her situation.
I've seen this movie at least 10 times and I find myself still tearing up when Norma performs Alicia so masterfully. An interesting symbol I've noticed in the film:
The opening and closing of doors.
----Alicia watching the doors swing back and forth while witnessing the birth of a child in the hospital
----Alicia seeing a door at Roberto's office suddenly close, to hide a criminal act in progress
----Roberto closing the door on her fingers, as if to keep her from passing through the door
----Alicia's departure, the silence leading up to the heavy close of the door, as we see her profile finally pass through.
(These are the examples that come to mind. I'm sure there are more)
In the context of Argentine history in the mid 1980's, the country itself was passing through a door to democracy. (Un pasito para allí, que miedo que me da...) The music is a perfect thematic instrument in the film as well. What a complex and aesthetic film this is!
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