The Official Story   

By Bill Desowitz

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.

Academy Awards

The Official Story received an Academy Award for Foreign Language Film. The Official Story also received an Academy Awards nomination for Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen: Luis Puenzo, Aida Bortnik).

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