Argentinien, 1985 - Nie wieder

Argentina 1985 and a prosecutor pursues cases against powerful people who were involved in disappearances and murders during the earlier military dictatorship in Argentina.

This is a skilful and earnest political thriller which deals with real events. It took me a while to engage with this film, and I think it would probably have a lot more impact if you are either Argentinian or if you have a deeper knowledge of the events portrayed. It's all very effectively done but is perhaps a bit too long winded and talky at times, so could have done with a more punchy script and little more economic direction. As a comparison, the classic Greek political thriller 'Z' came to mind, and although it's nowhere near as good as that great film, this is a compelling stuff, and definitely it's a story that needed telling.

You've been tasked to prosecute the fascist junta, they've been pulled into the court from their safe bunker, air force, navy and army, assortments of corrupt parties, but you'll feel like you're the hunted, not the hunter.

You'd be forgiven for thinking Ricardo Darin appears in most of the films of Argentine cinema if you only come across the features that receive international acclaim, but there's a good reason for that, and once again he delivers an impressive performance as the state prosecutor building a team and a case against those that destroyed thousands of lives during their vicious and brutal reign.

Coming in well over two hours, I wouldn't let that put you off as the tension builds and insurmountable barriers are removed, the time flies by. A fine piece of factual story telling that leaves more than a sense of satisfaction at the end.

The movie starts pretty slow, but from the beginning on you can connect with the characters. The first half hour or so has A LOT of funny little moments, maybe even one or two to many, considering the tone and themes of the movie, but it still works somehow, especially because the actors do a very good job(Important sidenote: I watched it in the original language with subtitles).

The movie lacks a bit of structure though, and the first half feels a bit long and stretched in some parts, it doesn't really feel like we are getting somewhere anytime soon. But it picks up in the second half! What still lacks is real tension. BUT there are a lot of very powerful moments near the end, spectacularly delivered by the cast.

You should also not expect thorough explanations of argentinian history or the court case itself, the movie is about people fighting for justice and shows there struggles and emotions.

So if you want to see an emotional, yet funny, movie with some real heart, and you bring some patience with you, I can really recommend it!

Argentina undergoes the biggest civilian trial in its history by putting in the dock the military officers who ruled the country for years, who, in their effort to subdue the guerrillas, orchestrated one of the harshest genocides in recent history: kidnappings, tortures and murders that were to go unpunished.

Because of its political plot, the film will generate different results in the viewer, mainly among Argentines. One character is saved, Attorney General Stassera, showing an integrity that is a great inspiration. However, for those who know the details of the real story and even more for those who have lived through it, these stories with a clear political hero always leave someone with a bad taste in their mouth.

On the other hand, considering that this is a trial that many viewers may not be aware of, the film's plot is well-developed if somewhat lengthy.

The drama is both entertaining and tough, as is so often the case with Argentine films starring Darín.

The camera play is good, to the point that it is difficult to distinguish the historical shots from the fictional ones. The characters are very well chosen.

Undoubtedly, Darín's performance, once again, is among the best in this feature film. He supports the rest of the actors - the family scenes are practically his - leads them as he wants and always leaves that humorous tone of fine irony in all his gestures.

A remarkable film that can be recommended to a minimally serious audience.

As Argentina begins reckoning with the violent torture and murder of its people by a ruthless military junta from 1976 to 1983, the task falls to prosecutor Julio Strassera (Darin) to prosecute the dictators. The constant death threats are shrugged off by his wife Silvia (Flechner) and children, and his deputy Luis (Lanzani) has no experience but a sharp mind. They assemble an unusually young team and set out to gather evidence of 709 specific crimes, representing thousands. But it seems unthinkable that these still-powerful armed forces leaders will ever be sent to prison.

Witty interaction gives the film a surprising electrical charge, making darker elements even more devastating. Without going into too much detail regarding torture, what's described is absolutely horrific, and scale could have been mind-numbing without such personal filmmaking. This also helps us identify vividly with characters, while seeing this situation echoed in present-day politics as former heads of state face consequences for actions taken when they felt above the law.

Veteran actor Darin makes Julio feel wonderfully competent; even when he's unsure, we know he's on the right track. His sardonic comments bring harsh things into perspective, and he has wonderfully abrasive camaraderie with his family and colleagues, drawing both strength and inspiration. His partnership with the likeable Lanzani's whip-smart Luis develops beautifully over the case. And as Silvia, Flechner adds fabulously sardonic moments that run very deep. Meanwhile, Paredes gets a show-stealing role as a key witness who resiliently recounts a staggering ordeal.

These true events are important in world history, a pivotal change in how leaders are held to account, eventually. A line in the film equates this trial with Nuremberg, but this is perhaps even more earth-shaking. And what sets this film apart is the way a young legal team bonds over their desire to set the historical record straight, because they are the ones who will inherit the leadership of their country. They want it to be a just place to live. Obviously, they're not there yet, but this first step was massive.