Product Details

• Actors: Norma Aleandro, Héctor Alterio, Chunchuna Villafañe, Hugo Arana, Guillermo Battaglia
• Directors: Luis Puenzo
• Writers: Luis Puenzo, Aída Bortnik
• Producers: Marcelo Piñeyro, Rolando Epstein, Óscar Kramer
• Format: Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Language: Spanish (Dolby Digital 1.0)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Fox Lorber
• DVD Release Date: November 24, 1998
• Run Time: 112 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305154937
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,705 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "The Official Story" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Story Of Us, September 5, 2001

By 

Orlando Avila Blas (Argentina) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Official Story [VHS] (VHS Tape)

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.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars La Historia Oficial as a teaching tool, September 22, 2004

By 

Marianna Ponti "MP" (Bolingbrook, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Official Story (DVD)

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.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a flawless masterpiece, September 3, 2000

By 

Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Official Story [VHS] (VHS Tape)

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.