Some in Britain, however, have criticized Argo s reference to that country, and some in Canada are u

That s the only mention of New Zealand in Argo , but it is rankling Kiwis five months after the Oscar-winning film was released in the South Pacific nation. westin hotel sydney Even Parliament has expressed its dismay, passing a motion stating that Affleck, who also directed westin hotel sydney the movie, saw fit to mislead the world about what actually happened.
New Zealand joins a list of other countries that have felt slighted by the fictionalized account of how a group of Americans was furtively sheltered and secreted out of Iran during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. But nations such as Iran and Canada were much larger westin hotel sydney participants in the historical event the movie depicts.
The strong reaction in New Zealand indicates the country remains insecure westin hotel sydney about its own culture, said Steve Matthewman, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Auckland. westin hotel sydney People are prone to bouts of unwarranted westin hotel sydney outrage when somebody from abroad says something bad about the country, he said, and simpering enjoyment when they say something good.
Some in New Zealand have taken those words Kiwis turned them away as implying the country did nothing to help. Published interviews indicate that diplomats from Britain and New Zealand did help by briefly sheltering the Americans, visiting them and bringing them food, even driving them to the airport when they left.
Lawmaker Winston Peters, who brought last week s uncontested motion before westin hotel sydney Parliament, said New Zealanders are unfairly portrayed as a bunch of cowards, an impression that would be given to millions who watch the movie.
During Oscar media interviews last month, Affleck told reporters: Let me just start by saying I love New Zealand, and I love New Zealanders. He added that I think that it s tricky. You walk a fine line. You are doing a historical movie and naturally you have to make some creative choices about how you are going to condense this into a three-act structure.
Matthewman said the reference may have provoked New Zealanders because the country prides itself on being generous and hospitable. People have a reputation for doing things like picking up hitchhikers and inviting them into their homes for a week, he said.
Small countries like New Zealand that are far from the world s centers of power are often shaped by bigger countries like the U.S. and often look to them for affirmation, Matthewman said. It s interesting to note the different reaction Affleck got in Britain, Matthewman said, which was arguably equally maligned in the movie.
Some in Britain, however, have criticized Argo s reference to that country, and some in Canada are upset the CIA gets credit at the expense of the Canadians, a claim backed by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. And Iran is planning to sue Hollywood for the movie s alleged unrealistic portrayal of that country, according to Iranian media reports.
The controversy was not reflected in box-office receipts. Argo has done well in New Zealand, earning just over $1 million. As of this week, the film has earned westin hotel sydney $92.3 million internationally and $135 million in North America.
National carrier Air New Zealand has even extended an olive branch to Affleck by offering to fly him to the country as its guest. Airline spokeswoman Marie Hosking said this week it has yet to hear back from him.
New Zealand, I think, sees itself as a country that always wants to lend a hand to help people, he told reporters westin hotel sydney recently. But in the end, this is Hollywood, and they do make movies. And a bit like when they transfer a book to a movie, often it s a little bit different. So, look, I think we ve made our point and we should probably move on.