We watched this on Netflix streaming movies, mainly because of the actors. Plus it is timely because Camp X-Ray is actually part of the Guantanamo Detention facility in Cuba and in recent years much has been discussed of its use and possible shutting down.
The first thing we learn is they are "detainees", not "prisoners", as it makes a difference in what is allowed regarding international law.
As it opens we see a Muslim man, Peyman Moaadi as Ali, being captured in his German home and brought to Camp X-Ray under suspicion. When the current time of the movie opens he has been there for several years, his future is indefinite.
We see a new set of US Army soldiers showing up for duty, to guard the place and assure the detainees are kept in line, fed, given books, whatever is within the protocol, the 'SOP'. The soldier the story focuses on is Kristen Stewart in a quite different role for her, as Private Cole. She is mainly a by-the-book person and doesn't shy away from close duty with the detainees.
It seems many negative comments about this movie arise from those who think the movie should have been something else, a very empty way to look at a story. What it distills down to is establishing a humane understanding between Ali and Cole. The ability to realize that no matter what your creed or nation we all have the common right to living with dignity. And Cole learns that in her interactions with Ali.
As the movie ends Cole has shipped out and new soldiers arrive, but Ali finds the last Harry Potter book he so desperately wanted, inside was a note from Cole, it was one of the last things she did, made sure the book arrived. A small gesture but it was valuable.
The first thing we learn is they are "detainees", not "prisoners", as it makes a difference in what is allowed regarding international law.
As it opens we see a Muslim man, Peyman Moaadi as Ali, being captured in his German home and brought to Camp X-Ray under suspicion. When the current time of the movie opens he has been there for several years, his future is indefinite.
We see a new set of US Army soldiers showing up for duty, to guard the place and assure the detainees are kept in line, fed, given books, whatever is within the protocol, the 'SOP'. The soldier the story focuses on is Kristen Stewart in a quite different role for her, as Private Cole. She is mainly a by-the-book person and doesn't shy away from close duty with the detainees.
It seems many negative comments about this movie arise from those who think the movie should have been something else, a very empty way to look at a story. What it distills down to is establishing a humane understanding between Ali and Cole. The ability to realize that no matter what your creed or nation we all have the common right to living with dignity. And Cole learns that in her interactions with Ali.
As the movie ends Cole has shipped out and new soldiers arrive, but Ali finds the last Harry Potter book he so desperately wanted, inside was a note from Cole, it was one of the last things she did, made sure the book arrived. A small gesture but it was valuable.