Argo

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2:25

Argo

R

2012

2h 0m

History

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

Biography

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

359 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

On Nov. 4, 1979, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 66 American hostages. Amid the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge with the Canadian ambassador. Knowing that it's just a matter of time before the refugees are found and likely executed, the U.S. government calls on extractor Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) to rescue them. Mendez's plan is to pose as a Hollywood producer scouting locations in Iran and train the refugees to act as his "film" crew.

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Critics Consensus

Tense, exciting, and often darkly comic, Argo recreates a historical event with vivid attention to detail and finely wrought characters.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

09/07/2017

A

Affleck continues to impress audiences with his keen eye for direction, knowing just when to fall back and allow this top-notch cast the freedom to interpret the events in a way that will most compel viewers.

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Jonathan Robbins

Film Comment Magazine

01/13/2015

Affleck is still building up his chops as a director, but the intelligence and ambition he brings to filmmaking are particularly apparent in Argo.

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Anthony Quinn

Independent (UK)

01/13/2015

5/5

The old saw "truth is stranger than fiction" has had its teeth properly sharpened in the superb thriller Argo, a blend of political history and Hollywood hijinks that goes right for the jugular.

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Anushka Halve

Film Companion

12/12/2023

Mendez orchestrates the audacious plan to hoodwink Iranian authorities by posing as a film crew, ingeniously paving the way for the American diplomats to secure safe passage out of the country.

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Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

06/27/2023

Lines of historic moments are blurred in Ben Affleck’s dramatization of the rescue of diplomats during the Tehran hostage crisis of 1979. But who’s complaining? (Argo) is an extremely rewatchable movie.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

09/23/2022

4/4

Affleck has not only reminded us that his best performances come when he’s in control, but that he’s also a considerable force behind the camera.

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Mike M

@Mike92LA Jun 30

One of the best spy movies ever made

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Steve B

@RT89879247 May 9

Fantastic movie..Trump should be dragged into a screen room and be forced to watch what real friendship and decency between allies means..

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Levi J

@Lev77 Apr 5

Amazing, suspenseful movie based on a true story with a great cast, screenplay, and stunning editing!

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Jace E

@thefilmguy Mar 30

There is a powerful force felt throughout this film that is simply captivating. Ben Affleck is a rock, the script is tight and the tension is palpable the entire 120 minutes. Best Character: Tony Best Quote: "This is the best bad idea we have, sir. By far." - Jack Best Scene: Leaving Iran Best Piece of Score: "The Mission"

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Tyler P.

@TylerPhoenixMD Mar 22

Star studded cast that almost look identical to the real persons. Amazing acting, action and suspense. A real tragedy filmed very well!

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Dave H

@RT97513633 Mar 18

#Argo essentially spits on the Canadians that provided documents and safe passage for them during the 1979 Iran Revolution, by giving Americans all the credit. No charge, not a second thought. Despite the risks Canadians took, and the hospitality shown to Americans during this terrifying experience, they made it all about themselves- just a bit part. Cutting out the actual heroes is not where you take artistic licence.

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Argo: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

On Nov. 4, 1979, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, taking 66 American hostages. Amid the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge with the Canadian ambassador. Knowing that it's just a matter of time before the refugees are found and likely executed, the U.S. government calls on extractor Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) to rescue them. Mendez's plan is to pose as a Hollywood producer scouting locations in Iran and train the refugees to act as his "film" crew.

Director: Ben Affleck
Producer: Grant Heslov, George Clooney
Screenwriter: Chris Terrio
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Smokehouse Pictures, Warner Bros., GK Films, Smoke House
Rating: R (Some Violent Images|Language)
Genre: History, Drama, Mystery & Thriller, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 12, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 3, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $136.0M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, Datasat