Product Description

An Argentine teacher lives in blissful ignorance of the evils perpetrated by her country's government. Over time, however, her students' rejection of the "official" versions of their history leads her to question things herself. Suspecting that her adopted daughter may have been the child of a murdered political prisoner, she attempts to unearth the truth. But her investigation reveals levels of political corruption so abhorrent that the illusions of her past life are irrevocably shattered.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17552 in DVD
• Brand: Koch International
• Released on: 2004-11-09
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, Enhanced, Subtitled, NTSC
• Original language: Spanish
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 112 minutes

Amazon.com
This is one of those rare political films that transcend politics with a stirring emotional story. Argentinean first-time director Luis Puenzo tells the story of a strong-willed teacher who tries to learn the true identity of her adopted daughter's father, coming to suspect that he was a political prisoner. Her political awakening is actually an emotional one as well because of her detached persona. Ironically, even though she is a teacher, she doesn't connect with people very well, thinking of history in the most abstract terms. But she learns the painful truth of present-day life. Tautly directed by Puenzo, The Official Story was a 1985 Oscar-winner for Best Foreign Film, with a riveting performance by Norma Aleandro. --Bill Desowitz

Customer Reviews

The Story Of Us
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.

a flawless masterpiece
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.

La Historia Oficial as a teaching tool
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.