Argentina is a South American country filled with passionate culture and diverse landscapes. Famous cities include the European-inspired Buenos Aires. The country is known for the mountains of Patagonia and the wide-open plains of the countryside. Argentina offers filmmakers a variety of settings and interesting cultures. These movies bring Argentina to the big screen in different ways, focusing on the country’s history and unique personality.
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
The Secret in Their Eyes is one of Argentina’s most recognized films, and It’s a great introduction to the country. The crime drama takes place in Buenos Aires and uses the city’s streets, neighborhoods, and historic structures as important pieces of the mystery. As the story moves between the 1970s and the late 1990s, audiences get to see Buenos Aires as it changes over time. It does a great job of introducing audiences to Argentina’s capital.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
Although the film takes audiences through several South American countries, Argentina plays a major role in the story of Ernesto “Che” Guevara. The journey begins in Argentina and takes the pair through different parts of the country, from the Andes Mountains to rural communities. Alongside its themes of adventure, inequality, and personal growth, it shows the beauty of Argentina.
Argentina, 1985 (2022)
This one is a historical drama that tells the true story of one of Argentina’s most important legal trials. It details the Trial of the Juntas, which prosecuted leaders of Argentina’s military dictatorship after democracy returned. Set in Buenos Aires, the movie is really about the importance of justice and democracy. It offers an in depth look at the country’s history while celebrating the courage of individuals who fought for meaningful social change.
Evita (1996)
Evita tells the story of Argentina’s most famous political figure, Eva Perón. Most well known as an award-winning play musical, the tale was brought to the big screen in 1996. Portions of the movie were filmed in Buenos Aires, including at the Casa Rosada, where Eva Perón spoke to enormous crowds. The story focuses heavily on Argentina’s culture, politics, and history. It captures the passion of one of the most important women in the country’s history.
Nine Queens (2000)
This crime thriller takes viewers deep into the streets of Buenos Aires. It’s a fast-paced story about two con artists living and working in the city. The movie does a good job of depicting the energy of Buenos Aires, showing everything from its neighborhoods to its everyday streets. It shows the lived-in version of Buenos Aires instead of the tourist version. It is one of Argentina’s most popular movies.
Relatos Salvajes (Wild Tales) (2014)
Wild Tales is a dark comedy about modern-day Argentina. We see the country through six fascinating stories. The anthology format means the movie moves between different settings, including Buenos Aires and rural regions, allowing viewers to see different sides of the country. It explores truly human emotions like frustration and vengeance, detailing the darker side of human behavior. Its witty humor and unique style made it a hit.
The City of Your Final Destination (2009)
The City of Your Final Destination takes place in Uruguay, but almost the entire film was shot in Argentina. The country stood in for Uruguay throughout the entire story and provided the majority of the scenery. The story follows a graduate student who wants to write the biography of a deceased author. He goes to South America to convince the writer’s family to give him the rights to the life story. The movie takes places mainly at the family’s remote home, surrounded by quiet countryside and lots of natural scenery. While it doesn’t depict life in Argentina, it does show just how beautiful the country’s countryside can be.
The Official Story (1985)
This drama was the first Argentine movie to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The heavy subject matter focuses on Argentina’s history during its military dictatorship. It tells the story of a family coming face to face with harsh realities. The movie is extremely emotional and forces its main character to face a painful part of her beloved country’s recent history.