Set in 1979 and also based on real events, the movie is based on how a U.S. Central Intelligence Agency exfiltration specialist goes against all odds to rescue 6 American civilians who took refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. It all be began when the Iranian Islamists storm into the US embassy in retaliation to US giving Shah the asylum, 60 members have been captured and held hostage while the six somehow managed to escape and took refuge in the Canadian ambassador’s house. Worrying that the Islamists would soon get their hands on the escaped civilians, CIA exfiltration specialist Tony Mendez enters into the action.
The plot is simple, grity with nail biting scenes that will legit put you on the edge of the seat. The sheer diligence of Tony Mendez to take up this task with the idea of making a fake film and disguising the escaped American hostages as Canadian film crew as an alibi to get out of Iran shows how perilous this operation was back then.
Its not everyday that the worlds biggest film fraternity “Hollywood” takes up the major role in rescuing the hostages, Tony approaches John Chambers an Oscar winning make-up artist who previously worked with CIA to help him create a fake film. Chambers then puts Mendez in touch with Lester Siegel who is a producer and together the three come up with a fake sci-film “Argo” as a cover story.
Disguised as an assistant producer Mendez under the alias Kevin Harkins enters Iran with a slender hope that the Islamist buy the fake film idea. Mendez later on reaches the Canadian ambassador’s house and meets the escapees. Seeing the fear instilled in them Tony doesn’t waste any time and tells them the plan of action. Tony provides them with 6 Canadian passports and fake identities to be disguised as Canadian film crew and to make it look real he takes them to the bazaar as a genuine cover to then their alibi.
With nearly hours left to escape, Tony receives a Phone call from his boss Jack O Donnell stating that the Operation has been cancelled due to the risk it holds. Devastated with this news and not able to culminate on how to approach the escapees with this news, Mendez decides to go forward with his plan forcing his boss to re Authorize the mission and confirm the tickets on Swiss Air flight. After measely getting past the check point and boarding the plane the Islamists cracks the case and follows them to stop them, but its too late for the Islamists as the flight takes off pulling off the greatest escape in history of CIA.
Nothing much to say about this film, in reality the actual credit goes to Canada for rescuing the hostages and sheltering them until escape was planned. This movie will indeed be one Ben Afflecks greatest ever.
