Coup 53 main backdrop
Coup 53 main poster

7.6/10 • 11

2019-09-012h 1m

DocumentaryHistory

Old secrets cast long shadows

Tehran, Iran, August 19, 1953. A group of Iranian conspirators who, with the approval of the deposed tyrant Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, have conspired with agents of the British MI6 and the US CIA, manage to put an end to the democratic government led by Mohammad Mosaddegh, a dramatic event that will begin the tragic era of coups d'état that, orchestrated by the CIA, will take place, over the following decades, in dozens of countries around the world.

Directors
Taghi Amirani
Writters
Taghi Amirani, Walter Murch
Editors
Walter Murch

Top Billed Cast

View Credits
  1. Ralph Fiennes

    Ralph Fiennes

    Self - Actor / Norman Darbyshire

  2. Taghi Amirani

    Taghi Amirani

    Self - Filmmaker

  3. Farhad Diba

    Farhad Diba

    Self - Mossadegh's Nephew

  4. Malcolm Byrne

    Malcolm Byrne

    Self - Researcher

  5. Stephen Kinzer

    Stephen Kinzer

    Self - Writer

  6. Walter Murch

    Walter Murch

    Self - Film Editor

  7. Ervand Abrahamian

    Ervand Abrahamian

    Self - Writer

  8. Alison Rooper

    Alison Rooper

    Self - End of Empire (1985) Researcher

  9. David Owen

    David Owen

    Self - Politician

Reviews1

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CitygalSF Avatar

CitygalSF

Jan 11, 2020

8/10

This important movie, over 4 years in the making, is even more pertinent today, with renewed tensions with Iran. Prodigious research underlies the revelation of British leadership in the coup that re-installed the Shah of Iran. The film provides evidence and context for subsequent events, without losing focus on the overthrow of a democratically elected leader to preserve British oil interests at Abadan. Currently making the rounds of the festival circuit, the producers are trying for a wide release as soon as possible. The persistence of the director and editing by Murch combine for a film that successfully tells a complex story without unnecessary simplification. It’s a sophisticated and vital film.

Media

  • Coup 53 poster
  • Coup 53 poster
  • Coup 53 poster
  • Coup 53 poster
  • Coup 53 poster
  • Coup 53 poster
  • Coup 53 poster
  • Coup 53 poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
espionagecinema on cinemanationalismcoup d'etatteheran (tehran), iranhistorical figureanimated scenepolitical assassinationdocudramaarchive footageoil refinerygovernment conspiracybritish colonialismnational identity1950spolitical repressiongeopoliticsstate crimesiranian expatsmohammad mosaddegh