EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: RESENDING WITH AMENDMENT TO SLUG
EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS 4:3 CONVERTED MATERIAL
As tensions escalate between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, the Margaret Thatcher biopic, "The Iron Lady", starring Meryl Streep, opened in cinemas across the South American nation on Thursday (February 2).
The film, for which Streep won a Golden Globe and is nominated for an Oscar, tells the story of Thatcher's rise to power against the odds and depicts her actions during the lead up and outbreak of the 10-week Falklands War over the South Atlantic islands Argentina also lays claim to.
SOUNDBITE: Melisa Covina, Buenos Aires resident, saying (Spanish):
"I thought it was intense, especially the war scenes and everything, but it didn't impact me the way a lot of other movies that tell this kind of story do. But yeah, it can make you feel bad, that's why it was intense, but good. It is a reflection."
In 1982, Thatcher sent troops to reclaim the islands after Argentine forces occupied them. About 650 Argentine and 255 British troops died in the conflict which in part led to the end of Argentina's last military junta.
Streep has won over critics and viewers alike for her stunning portrayal of Thatcher, even some Argentines.
SOUNDBITE: Nelida D'Gostino, movie goer, saying (Spanish):
"The movie was very shocking because of her [referring to Meryl Streep playing former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher]. She truly is an iron lady in every form. I liked her [Meryl Streep]. It was great."
With anti-British sentiment growing and a number of protests in the Argentine capital with the anniversary of the war approaching, it remains to be seen how the film will sit with Argentine viewers at large.
Lisa Giles-Keddie, Reuters