... but even then you're still guilty, because somebody has to pay, so it might as well be you! If it wasn't for people like Nancy Hollander we wouldn't have the outstanding Tahar Rahim to thank for portraying, through an award worthy performance, the unbelievable injustices endured by Mohamedou Ould Slahi. Unlocking some of the not so secret secrets behind the incarceration of the innocent, the torture and torment of the unfortunate, the proximity in time and space to a place you probably call home reinforcing the impact of lessons seldom learnt and the overwhelming ignorance of those entrusted to protect us when given carte blanche to do so.
338 Reviews
Underrated
evanston_dad13 July 2021
I had modest expectations going into "The Mauritanian," a screen adaptation of the book "Guantanamo Diary," which blew the whistle on the U. S. treatment of prisoners of Guantanamo Bay. Usually, if a movie as Oscar-baity as this one fails to receive a single nomination, it's because it's not very good. So call me pleasantly surprised when I discovered the film to be the exact opposite.
To some, "The Mauritanian" will likely be too heavy handed. It's one of those liberal Hollywood diatribes (and I say this as a self-identified liberal progressive) that can be too much even for those who've already bought what the movie is selling. I might have been turned off if I'd been in a different mood when I watched it. But sometimes, the commitment of the people making the movie can overcome its excess earnestness, and that was the case for me here. Among the usual Liberal Activists = Good, U. S. Government and Military = Bad tropes, the film does try for some nuance in its characters. Jodie Foster gives a sensational performance as the attorney dedicated to freeing the film's protagonist, played in an equally wonderful performance by Tahar Rahim, and we're allowed to see that she's unlikable and conflicted. Likewise, Benedict Cumberbatch, as the prosecuting attorney, is introduced as what we're sure is going to be a macho Southern military goon stereotype, complete with unacceptable accent, but the movie subverts our expectations and shows that he's capable of letting personal and patriotic feelings be outweighed by humanitarian ones. Granted, the film does none of this elegantly or delicately, but I just appreciated a story that at least attempted to populate a liberal/conservative issue movie with characters that are more than easy ciphers. The film could probably be criticized as yet another white savior story, and those criticisms would be justified. But it's a damn good one.
Shailene Woodley rounds out the cast as Foster's assistant, and she's excellent as well. The director is Kevin Macdonald ("The Last King of Scotland"), who has a knack for making blisteringly entertaining movies out of gruesome true event subject matter.
Grade: A.
To some, "The Mauritanian" will likely be too heavy handed. It's one of those liberal Hollywood diatribes (and I say this as a self-identified liberal progressive) that can be too much even for those who've already bought what the movie is selling. I might have been turned off if I'd been in a different mood when I watched it. But sometimes, the commitment of the people making the movie can overcome its excess earnestness, and that was the case for me here. Among the usual Liberal Activists = Good, U. S. Government and Military = Bad tropes, the film does try for some nuance in its characters. Jodie Foster gives a sensational performance as the attorney dedicated to freeing the film's protagonist, played in an equally wonderful performance by Tahar Rahim, and we're allowed to see that she's unlikable and conflicted. Likewise, Benedict Cumberbatch, as the prosecuting attorney, is introduced as what we're sure is going to be a macho Southern military goon stereotype, complete with unacceptable accent, but the movie subverts our expectations and shows that he's capable of letting personal and patriotic feelings be outweighed by humanitarian ones. Granted, the film does none of this elegantly or delicately, but I just appreciated a story that at least attempted to populate a liberal/conservative issue movie with characters that are more than easy ciphers. The film could probably be criticized as yet another white savior story, and those criticisms would be justified. But it's a damn good one.
Shailene Woodley rounds out the cast as Foster's assistant, and she's excellent as well. The director is Kevin Macdonald ("The Last King of Scotland"), who has a knack for making blisteringly entertaining movies out of gruesome true event subject matter.
Grade: A.
powerful straight story
SnoopyStyle15 August 2021
Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim) gets picked up by the Mauritanian police after 9/11. It's the start of his odyssey to Guantánamo Bay. Three years later, New Mexico defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) gets recruited to be his lawyer. She is joined by junior associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley). Meanwhile, Marine lawyer Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch) is recruited to be the prosecutor to give the prisoner a death sentence. He is eager for the job after losing a close friend in one of the planes. Former classmate Neil Buckland (Zachary Levi) is involved with the interrogation.
Director Kevin Macdonald delivers a clear-headed dissection of the case against Mohamedou who is known here as The Mauritanian. The power of this movie comes from a straight forward telling of his story. I am uncertain about portraying the torture but somehow it has to be laid down on film. I would consider a less direct approach to give the audience some space. There are a few lines of dialogue that I wish Nancy would say. The performances are beyond reproach. All in all, this is a powerful truth seeking missile of a film.
Director Kevin Macdonald delivers a clear-headed dissection of the case against Mohamedou who is known here as The Mauritanian. The power of this movie comes from a straight forward telling of his story. I am uncertain about portraying the torture but somehow it has to be laid down on film. I would consider a less direct approach to give the audience some space. There are a few lines of dialogue that I wish Nancy would say. The performances are beyond reproach. All in all, this is a powerful truth seeking missile of a film.
Sad but true story about Guantanamo Bay.
outlander25 February 2021
I think The Mauritanian gives a very insightful look at the extent governments will go to coverup how the treat prisoners. Here in the United States and other countries around the world. Doing all that can be done to get false witness against anyone.
The end does not justify the means, which is something brought to light in this movie. This is a true story from the story told in the book Guantánamo Diary, written by Mohamedou Ould Slahi. It tells of his experiences in Guantanamo Bay.
Maybe one day we will learn to treat each others as humans and respect deserved until the facts are proven.
My heart is very heavy
Gordon-111 May 2021
This is a very very powerful film, that brings a very dark page of history to light. My heart is so heavy from the horror I saw. When the credits rolled, I didn't want to stop the film. I'm amazed by how he keeps his positivity, or even the will to live through years of darkness.
An Oscar Film
alkitbe-8647525 February 2021
Sobering
alan-4672 April 2021
After 9/11, the USA caused Mohamedou Ould Slahi to be removed from his homeland and transported to the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, where he was kept for 14 years and two months, undergoing extreme forms of interrogation (amounting to torture), then was eventually released, never having been charged with any crime due to lack of firm evidence.
Now read that again:- After 9/11, the USA caused Mohamedou Ould Slahi to be removed from his homeland and transported to the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, where he was kept for 14 years and two months, undergoing extreme forms of interrogation (amounting to torture), then was eventually released, never having been charged with any crime due to lack of firm evidence.
How much impression did reading that make on your emotions? I guess not a great deal.
Now go and see this movie to help you imagine what it must have been like. Whether or not it's a true reflection of both sides of opinion, it's a sobering watch. Sometimes, the written word just isn't enough - thank heaven for good movies.
Now read that again:- After 9/11, the USA caused Mohamedou Ould Slahi to be removed from his homeland and transported to the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, where he was kept for 14 years and two months, undergoing extreme forms of interrogation (amounting to torture), then was eventually released, never having been charged with any crime due to lack of firm evidence.
How much impression did reading that make on your emotions? I guess not a great deal.
Now go and see this movie to help you imagine what it must have been like. Whether or not it's a true reflection of both sides of opinion, it's a sobering watch. Sometimes, the written word just isn't enough - thank heaven for good movies.
A story that should be told
raysa-4266613 March 2021
This is my first imdb review and for a good reason.
Because of the review rating, I was hesitant to watch this film, you see I've spoiled my way to 7.5 or above.
But this is more than just the acting, this is a story that should be known. Awareness can lead to change. It can help us grow in our understanding, and can hopefully lead action.
Please watch.
Because of the review rating, I was hesitant to watch this film, you see I've spoiled my way to 7.5 or above.
But this is more than just the acting, this is a story that should be known. Awareness can lead to change. It can help us grow in our understanding, and can hopefully lead action.
Please watch.
Amazing movie...
Thanos_Alfie6 July 2021
"The Mauritanian" is a Drama - Thriller movie in which we watch a man named Mohamedou Ould Slahi trying to convince the U. S. Government that is innocent. He was detained and imprisoned without any charge and now with the help of some lawyers he will fight for his freedom.
I liked this movie very much because it was based on true events, it had a nice and very interesting plot, and some outstanding interpretations. The direction which was made by Kevin Macdonald was simply amazing and he presented very well and very careful this sensitive case. He also succeeded on presenting his main characters very well without confusing the audience with all the dates and the locations. The interpretation of Tahar Rahim who played as Mohamedou Ould Slahi was simply outstanding and he made the difference. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Jodie Foster's who played as Nancy Hollander, Shailene Woodley's who played as Teri Duncan and Benedict Cumberbatch's who played as Stuart Couch. Finally, I have to say that "The Mauritanian" is an interesting, in tense drama movie which I highly recommend everyone to watch it because I am sure you will learn a lot from it and you will also understand even more.
I liked this movie very much because it was based on true events, it had a nice and very interesting plot, and some outstanding interpretations. The direction which was made by Kevin Macdonald was simply amazing and he presented very well and very careful this sensitive case. He also succeeded on presenting his main characters very well without confusing the audience with all the dates and the locations. The interpretation of Tahar Rahim who played as Mohamedou Ould Slahi was simply outstanding and he made the difference. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Jodie Foster's who played as Nancy Hollander, Shailene Woodley's who played as Teri Duncan and Benedict Cumberbatch's who played as Stuart Couch. Finally, I have to say that "The Mauritanian" is an interesting, in tense drama movie which I highly recommend everyone to watch it because I am sure you will learn a lot from it and you will also understand even more.
Elevated by a phenomenal performance from Tahir Rahim, this is a must-watch!
nidhunmoviebuff16 April 2021
The Mauritanian is an emotionally engaging watch, pulling you into the harrowing tale of its real-life protagonist, a man who was forced to spent years in Guantanamo for a crime he didn't commit.
Director Kevin MacDonald peels away layer after layer of the conspiracy hatched to entrap him and one can't help but shiver from the weight of the series of systemic wrongs brought down on one man.
As the main defence lawyer, Jodie Foster delivers a performance well worth her Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actress while Shailene Woodley is underutilized.
Cumberbatch shines in a limited role, playing the emotional struggle of a righteous man pressured to prosecute an innocent victim with gusto.
It is, however, the titular character played by Tahir Rahim that truly elevates the film to greatness, brilliantly portraying the trials and tribulations of a man held behind bars for 14 years, without a single crime charged to his name!
Appalled that this didn't get a nod for a Best Picture nomination at this years Oscars.
Highly recommended.
Director Kevin MacDonald peels away layer after layer of the conspiracy hatched to entrap him and one can't help but shiver from the weight of the series of systemic wrongs brought down on one man.
As the main defence lawyer, Jodie Foster delivers a performance well worth her Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actress while Shailene Woodley is underutilized.
Cumberbatch shines in a limited role, playing the emotional struggle of a righteous man pressured to prosecute an innocent victim with gusto.
It is, however, the titular character played by Tahir Rahim that truly elevates the film to greatness, brilliantly portraying the trials and tribulations of a man held behind bars for 14 years, without a single crime charged to his name!
Appalled that this didn't get a nod for a Best Picture nomination at this years Oscars.
Highly recommended.
Mindblowing
atractiveeyes3 March 2021
This movie is just mindblowing, heavy and so important. The true story is so sad but also interesting and important. The movie portrayed it so nicely; the screenplay is great and so is the storytelling. Performances are all superb specially by Tahar Rahim who gives an Oscar-worthy performance. The Mauritanian is a nice decent important well crafted biography. A must see.
The Mauritanian
JoBloTheMovieCritic12 February 2021
Oscar bait, but I'm not biting.
necromancer-mcgill5 April 2021
Solid performances all round, the entire thing lacks something however.
I'm genuinely surprised over some of the reviews here saying how shocked they were at this story. Did people honestly not know this is what is going on? Maybe they've just forgotten. There was maybe a lost opportunity here to address the patriot act in more detail and give it a more contemporary context, such as Gitmo still being active and even more prisoners being held without trial, (although briefly mentioned in the credits). Possibly the Obama administrations part in the torture of detainees too. I daresay there are some glaring factual errors here too, but who cares right? It's only a movie.
The torture sequences in the film messed up the tone and pacing in my opinion, they didn't feel very impactful.
Cumberbatch and Foster give very professional performances however I'll never believe Cumberbatch with a southern accent. Tahar Rahim is excellent as 'The Mauritanian' and I can't fault him here.
All in all a reasonable effort however once the dust settles, expect this rating to lower considerably.
I'm genuinely surprised over some of the reviews here saying how shocked they were at this story. Did people honestly not know this is what is going on? Maybe they've just forgotten. There was maybe a lost opportunity here to address the patriot act in more detail and give it a more contemporary context, such as Gitmo still being active and even more prisoners being held without trial, (although briefly mentioned in the credits). Possibly the Obama administrations part in the torture of detainees too. I daresay there are some glaring factual errors here too, but who cares right? It's only a movie.
The torture sequences in the film messed up the tone and pacing in my opinion, they didn't feel very impactful.
Cumberbatch and Foster give very professional performances however I'll never believe Cumberbatch with a southern accent. Tahar Rahim is excellent as 'The Mauritanian' and I can't fault him here.
All in all a reasonable effort however once the dust settles, expect this rating to lower considerably.
A much better film than the recent "The Report"
somf25 February 2021
A lot of great talent make this a particularly riveting film. No punches are spared when it comes to how incompetent and inhumane Rumsfeld's policies were at Guantanamo. I criticized The Report for being too visceral in trying to make its point. This film had some very disturbing scenes as well but they were much more effective. You actually cared for the characters in the film. The Report and the Mauritanian make the same points, but where the Report was dry with little character development, The Mauritanian tells a fascinating personal tale.
At the film's core is outrage
nancyldraper3 March 2021
This is a difficult movie to watch or write a review on. At the core is outrage. Those who don't want to believe that such outrageous things could be done by their beloved country and those entrusted with its values and justice will deny its assertions to protect the vision they hold as sacred. Others will raise their fist and proclaim they fight for the right of those abused and violated. Both sides will claim they know the truth. I am not surprised by man's inhumanity. Indeed, my faith calls it original sin. The difference being, I believe we are all capable of it. But my faith also believes in deliverance and hope, responsibility and the power of redemption. This film does a remarkable job of representing this man's story. The performances are flawless. The storytelling is compelling. The warning is important. For those reasons, I give this film an 8 (well told) out of 10. {Drama}
About GITMO, not a shining star in the USA resume.
TxMike22 July 2021
The movie gets its title from the GITMO inmate that is featured in this movie, based on a real person and his experiences. He is a Mauritanian.
The whole movie centers on one man's fate, he was arrested and accused in 2002 of being a key figure in the 9/11 attacks, but was detained for years without any charges. He was tortured to get him to confess.
Two supporting stories are told in parallel, frequently switching from one to the other. One is the military attorney charged with building a case to find him guilty and executed. The other is a New Mexico law firm defending him, not so much focusing on whether he was guilty or not, more on whether the USA constitution and laws were being followed.
Very interesting and very well made, the actors in the featured roles are all excellent, especially Jodie Foster and Benedict Cumberbatch.
I watched it at home on BluRay from my public library. My wife skipped.
The whole movie centers on one man's fate, he was arrested and accused in 2002 of being a key figure in the 9/11 attacks, but was detained for years without any charges. He was tortured to get him to confess.
Two supporting stories are told in parallel, frequently switching from one to the other. One is the military attorney charged with building a case to find him guilty and executed. The other is a New Mexico law firm defending him, not so much focusing on whether he was guilty or not, more on whether the USA constitution and laws were being followed.
Very interesting and very well made, the actors in the featured roles are all excellent, especially Jodie Foster and Benedict Cumberbatch.
I watched it at home on BluRay from my public library. My wife skipped.
Something you need to watch, but didn't need to be as long
Top_Dawg_Critic4 March 2021
The 129 min runtime was really stretched out in the first third quarters, with slow pacing and long dragged out, and often boring scenes. The final quarter was the most interesting and enjoyable, as there was much more substance, and much less filler. At least 20-30 mins needed to be sped up and/or cut down or out.
The directing was ok with great cinematography and score, but I feel there were better directing choices that could've elevated this film to actually make it a "thriller". Even the three writers could've used a once-over by a seasoned writer to tune-up their screenplay.
The lead performances were all very bland, especially Jodie Foster, who seemed bored out of her mind with her monotonic dialogue and flat composure, as was Shailene Woodley. The only good performance was Tahar Rahim in the last quarter of the film. I'm sure the lackluster performances were in part due to director Kevin Macdonald failing to direct his cast properly.
Nevertheless, it's a film I feel everyone should watch, or at least read the novel "Guantánamo Diary" buy the actual detainee, Mohamedou Ould Salahi. It's a generous 7/10 from me.
The directing was ok with great cinematography and score, but I feel there were better directing choices that could've elevated this film to actually make it a "thriller". Even the three writers could've used a once-over by a seasoned writer to tune-up their screenplay.
The lead performances were all very bland, especially Jodie Foster, who seemed bored out of her mind with her monotonic dialogue and flat composure, as was Shailene Woodley. The only good performance was Tahar Rahim in the last quarter of the film. I'm sure the lackluster performances were in part due to director Kevin Macdonald failing to direct his cast properly.
Nevertheless, it's a film I feel everyone should watch, or at least read the novel "Guantánamo Diary" buy the actual detainee, Mohamedou Ould Salahi. It's a generous 7/10 from me.
Solid, absorbing legal procedural drama
wellthatswhatithinkanyway13 April 2021
STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning
In the aftermath of 9/11, the US State Department is under pressure to round up suspects, at home and abroad. Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahoe Rahim) finds himself taken from his home in Mauritius, placed on a rendition flight and placed in Guantanamo Bay. His case attracts the attention of defence attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her assistant Teri Duncan (Shailene Bailey.) Under the terms of Habeus Corpus, Hollander knows that Slahi can't be held overly long without being charged, and as she and military prosecutor Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch) dig deeper in to the case, they uncover evidence that casts everything in a new light.
Years after it happened, 9/11 and the events that followed it are still fresh in everyone's minds, and can still be felt in the political climate today. One of the scariest ones has got to be America's standing as the superpower of the world, and how it can abuse that power to it's whim, which can be witnessed in the shocking amount of people from around the world hoisted away from their homes, and held for years without being charged or having a trial, one of which this sprawling legal drama from director Kevin McDonald explores.
Performances wise, Foster is effortlessly effective in the role, with just the perfect presence and it's hard to think who would have done it better. Cumberbatch is also reliably solid in support, with a commanding presence you've come to expect off him, and doing a great American accent. But stealing the show is relative newcomer Rahim, still fresh from hit BBC drama The Serpent, as the central protagonist, sometimes cracking but still trying to keep his humanity together in spite of his desperate predicament. Director Macdonald also makes his contribution to the proceedings, with neat touches, like closing the screen in during the scenes with Slahi in the detention centre, to add to the feeling of claustrophobia and being trapped.
It's all rounded off with some horrifying true life statistics regarding those incarcerated and those charged, leaving us with the uncomfortable realisation that the subject's situation is far from unique, and making you question America's legitimacy in its role as the world's policeman. ****
In the aftermath of 9/11, the US State Department is under pressure to round up suspects, at home and abroad. Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahoe Rahim) finds himself taken from his home in Mauritius, placed on a rendition flight and placed in Guantanamo Bay. His case attracts the attention of defence attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her assistant Teri Duncan (Shailene Bailey.) Under the terms of Habeus Corpus, Hollander knows that Slahi can't be held overly long without being charged, and as she and military prosecutor Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch) dig deeper in to the case, they uncover evidence that casts everything in a new light.
Years after it happened, 9/11 and the events that followed it are still fresh in everyone's minds, and can still be felt in the political climate today. One of the scariest ones has got to be America's standing as the superpower of the world, and how it can abuse that power to it's whim, which can be witnessed in the shocking amount of people from around the world hoisted away from their homes, and held for years without being charged or having a trial, one of which this sprawling legal drama from director Kevin McDonald explores.
Performances wise, Foster is effortlessly effective in the role, with just the perfect presence and it's hard to think who would have done it better. Cumberbatch is also reliably solid in support, with a commanding presence you've come to expect off him, and doing a great American accent. But stealing the show is relative newcomer Rahim, still fresh from hit BBC drama The Serpent, as the central protagonist, sometimes cracking but still trying to keep his humanity together in spite of his desperate predicament. Director Macdonald also makes his contribution to the proceedings, with neat touches, like closing the screen in during the scenes with Slahi in the detention centre, to add to the feeling of claustrophobia and being trapped.
It's all rounded off with some horrifying true life statistics regarding those incarcerated and those charged, leaving us with the uncomfortable realisation that the subject's situation is far from unique, and making you question America's legitimacy in its role as the world's policeman. ****
That's how US government is?
ks-605005 April 2021
Given it's a real case and I believe in any single details in the movie. Even criminal have rights for trial but not for a suspect in this case. It's quite irony a country advocate human rights happen such a case. Tip of the iceberg of victim case I wonder.
Another scandal from the USA, the land of the free...
deloudelouvain27 June 2021
Movies based on true events are always more interesting to watch and when it's a story like this one you can't help it to have very opiniated emotions. It's another (yes there are plenty) scandal coming from the land of injustice (even though they think they are so rightful whilst the opposite is much more accurate). The land of freedom and justice, of opportunities, where people are treated like equal no matter what your religion or skin color is... That's how they like to portray their country. If you tell yourself a lie long enough you might start believing it. The Mauritanian is a powerful movie with excellent actors. Tahar Rahim did a great job playing his character and so did Jodie Foster. It all starts a bit slow but as soon as you get into the story you can't take your eyes of the screen. Guantanamo Bay, another enormous scandal everybody knows about by now, another scandal where nobody had to pay the price for their wrongdoings, a scandal where the only ones that paid a very high price are the innocent. It's not a movie that will leave you with a pleasant feeling, but it's for sure worth watching. To me one of the better movies I watched this year, or even in the last decade.
Straightforward And Moving
david-meldrum25 June 2021
A pretty straightforward telling of a remarkable and upsetting true-life case of a man detained in Guantanamo Bay for 14 years without charge. The script feels like it paints its central character as a little too flawless - but then I know next to nothing about the man himself, so that may be as much about my ignorance as any failing on the film's part. An extended montage sequence of some of the human rights abuses he experiences is very effective without being overtly graphic and is the one part of the film that departs from straightforward story-telling. Tahar Ramin is excellent in the leading role.
Taut true tale well told and acted
richard-196714 February 2021
This film about the true experience of Mauritanian Gitmo prisoner Mohamedou Ould Slahi carries off a painful story that reminds us that Guantanamo is still there, still with prisoners.
Excellently acted by the principals, most especially a wonderful Tahar Rahim, this film is timely - coming years after many of us have almost forgotten about Gitmo. The scenes in the prison are exceptionally well realized.
One flaw is that Shailene Woodley's character, the junior lawyer, is poorly drawn, is present before dropping from sight until the end, and doesn't give Shailene much of a chance to do anything with the role.
Excellently acted by the principals, most especially a wonderful Tahar Rahim, this film is timely - coming years after many of us have almost forgotten about Gitmo. The scenes in the prison are exceptionally well realized.
One flaw is that Shailene Woodley's character, the junior lawyer, is poorly drawn, is present before dropping from sight until the end, and doesn't give Shailene much of a chance to do anything with the role.
The real America - what we on the outside think
harrylosborne12 April 2021
America loves building the narrative that "we" are the heroes, and that everyone else aspires to be like the West.
Nowhere in this mindset do those patriotic individuals consider that other people may be aggrieved by how they have been treated over the years, particularly by a country that paints everyone else as the enemy.
"The Mauritanian" is embarrassing watching for a nation that paints itself as protector of the free - a statement that, from a neutral perspective, is completely misguided. I would say that this story shocks me, but by now, I have no doubts of the depths the USA have sunk to.
Following the detainment and subsequent interrogation of a man implicated in recruitment for the 9/11 attacks, "The Mauritanian" looks at both the prosecution and the defense, fixating on the lengths the US have gone to silencing such a fugitive.
This is a film that is more about the story than the players, so the acting was only required to make the narrative believable. Jodie Foster and Tahar Rahim are both decent, but Benedict Cumberbatch felt surplus to requirement (given he didn't look like his character or have any unique qualities to justify his selection above an American).
Set-wise, Cape Town was transformed to represent Guantanamo, doing a good job of creating a stark contrast between the hostility of the prison against the rolling sea only metres away. I enjoyed the repetitive, claustrophobic soundtrack as well (clearly added to contribute to the tension), but still felt the hard-hitting stuff should have taken up a larger portion of the film.
"The Mauritanian" is adapted from a bestselling biography, and it's not hard to imagine why - this story is as harrowing as it is damning.
What vexed me most was the news that accompanies the credits: that there are almost 800 people who experienced the same abysmal treatment, some of which are still having their human rights violated by a country that holds everyone else to higher standards than it does its own patrons.
Nowhere in this mindset do those patriotic individuals consider that other people may be aggrieved by how they have been treated over the years, particularly by a country that paints everyone else as the enemy.
"The Mauritanian" is embarrassing watching for a nation that paints itself as protector of the free - a statement that, from a neutral perspective, is completely misguided. I would say that this story shocks me, but by now, I have no doubts of the depths the USA have sunk to.
Following the detainment and subsequent interrogation of a man implicated in recruitment for the 9/11 attacks, "The Mauritanian" looks at both the prosecution and the defense, fixating on the lengths the US have gone to silencing such a fugitive.
This is a film that is more about the story than the players, so the acting was only required to make the narrative believable. Jodie Foster and Tahar Rahim are both decent, but Benedict Cumberbatch felt surplus to requirement (given he didn't look like his character or have any unique qualities to justify his selection above an American).
Set-wise, Cape Town was transformed to represent Guantanamo, doing a good job of creating a stark contrast between the hostility of the prison against the rolling sea only metres away. I enjoyed the repetitive, claustrophobic soundtrack as well (clearly added to contribute to the tension), but still felt the hard-hitting stuff should have taken up a larger portion of the film.
"The Mauritanian" is adapted from a bestselling biography, and it's not hard to imagine why - this story is as harrowing as it is damning.
What vexed me most was the news that accompanies the credits: that there are almost 800 people who experienced the same abysmal treatment, some of which are still having their human rights violated by a country that holds everyone else to higher standards than it does its own patrons.
Torture
R-averiss5 April 2021
I do not know if Mohamedou Ould Slahi is innocent or guilty. The little evidence against him that the movie provided was not clearly or satisfactory explained away in the film. IMHO The film should have concentrated more on using torture to get to the 'truth' as it is its use that clouded innocence or guilty. There is still no explanation why Mohamedou Ould Slahi after being told he 'won' was still held for another 7 years and this under Obama. Revealing when the 'lawyers' we're talking about taking on the case, voices were raised about kicking the 'Bush' administration. Yet no commentary about the Obama years!
A dreadful abuse of human rights: a movie to make you angry
bob-the-movie-man14 April 2021
Positives:
Negatives:
Additional Note for the squeamish: For those worried about seeing distressing scenes of torture (e.g. Fingernail extraction, etc), these are - although disturbing - more of the "psychological torment" type. So those of a squeamish disposition can still watch this one.
Summary Thoughts: The fact that "The Mauritanian" is a true story hammers home just what the US has been up to over the last 20 years. War crimes are not only committed on the battlefield.
Director Kevin Macdonald is no stranger to documentaries ("Touching the Void", "Whitney"). He's also proved adept at bringing gripping true stories to the screen (having previously given us "The Last King of Scotland"). Here, the emotional journeys of the key characters are well observed making the movie 'highly recommended'.
(For the full graphical content - and a few more controversial comments! - please check out the post on One Mann's Movies... via the web or Facebook. Thanks).
- I've not read the book so I found the story gripping. As the related legal information is divulged, the movie drip-feeds flashbacks of Slahia's story, which is clever..
- Acting wise, "The Mauritanian" has top notch stuff. Tahir Rahim is excellent as Slahia. He portrays charismatic and confident businessman, brought down to earth with a bump. Not recognizing him with an Oscar nomination feels like a minor crime. He will have to make do with the BAFTA nomination. Also brilliant is Jodie Foster. As the illustrious Mrs Movie Man pointed out, it's so nice to see an actress acting her age with confidence. The ever-watchable Shailene Woodley is also great, especially in a dramatic 'dismissal' scene. She adds some much needed warmth to the legal team. The southern drawl from Cumberbatch is a bit of a surprise and takes some getting used to. But it's still a strong performance from him.
- After ranting on last time at Zack Snyder's use of 4:3 screen ratios in "Justice League", here is an intelligent use of the technique. The film is in 16:9 ratio, but then pivots to 4:3 for all of the Guantanamo flashback scenes, reflecting the claustrophobia of Slahia's position.
- Real-life footage over the closing titles is absolutely fascinating.
Negatives:
- I personally didn't find this a particular negative, but I went into the film knowing it to be a "legal drama". So there would be lots of scenes, as in "The Trial of the Chicago 7", with courtroom debate and gavel-banging, right? Actually, there is almost none of that. Most of the legal action is in terms of the preparation of the case and the paperwork involved. (If this makes the movie sound excruciatingly dull... think again!)
- The Guantanamo story ends quite abruptly (with the above-mentioned jolt), and left me wanting to see more of the intervening time. It's not often that I complain about a film running too short, but here is one where just a little of "the Snyder treatment" might have been welcomed!
Additional Note for the squeamish: For those worried about seeing distressing scenes of torture (e.g. Fingernail extraction, etc), these are - although disturbing - more of the "psychological torment" type. So those of a squeamish disposition can still watch this one.
Summary Thoughts: The fact that "The Mauritanian" is a true story hammers home just what the US has been up to over the last 20 years. War crimes are not only committed on the battlefield.
Director Kevin Macdonald is no stranger to documentaries ("Touching the Void", "Whitney"). He's also proved adept at bringing gripping true stories to the screen (having previously given us "The Last King of Scotland"). Here, the emotional journeys of the key characters are well observed making the movie 'highly recommended'.
(For the full graphical content - and a few more controversial comments! - please check out the post on One Mann's Movies... via the web or Facebook. Thanks).
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
