The Mauritanian tells a harrowing account of injustice, brutality, and ethical reckoning within the aftermath of the tragic 9/11 terrorist assaults. Primarily based on the e book "Guantanamo Diary", the movie is the true story of Mohamedou Ould Salahi, who was taken clandestinely through rendition to the jail camp in Cuba. His interrogation, ways used, and the efforts to free him are explored in a well-acted, however overly procedural narrative. The Mauritanian makes a compelling case for introspection. We should maintain the perpetrators of this heinous crime to account, however can not trample on our bedrock values or succumb to unfettered vengeance.
The movie opens on a Mauritanian seashore two months after 9/11 in 2001. Mohamedou Ould Salahi (Tahar Rahim) has returned from Germany to attend a relative's wedding ceremony. He is taken away by native authorities as his terrified mom watches. Two years later in New Mexico, distinguished civil rights legal professional, Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster), is approached by a former colleague (Denis Ménochet) to evaluation a case professional bono. Salahi's household had reached out to him after studying an article in a German journal. It was their first clue to Salahi's whereabouts after disappearing.
The Mauritanian then modifications views to Hollander, and her junior affiliate, Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley), assembly Salahi for the primary time in Guantanamo Bay. They're stunned he can communicate English, however is fearful to talk overtly. Hollander informs him that the US Supreme Courtroom has licensed Guantanamo Bay detainees the suitable to authorized counsel. She asks Salahi to put in writing detailed notes about how he bought to the camp and his therapy inside. Salahi had by no means been charged for against the law.
On the identical time, the White Home and Division of Protection sought the demise penalty for aiding and abetting the 9/11 hijackers. Lt. Colonel Stuart Sofa (Benedict Cumberbatch) is assigned to prosecute Salahi. It was supposedly an open and shut case. Salahi's cousin labored for Osama Bin Laden. Salahi fought with the Taliban towards the Russians in Afghanistan. He was a terrorist and killer that wanted to die for his crimes. However as Hollander and Sofa put together for trial, they each uncover a disturbing conspiracy concerning the case. The revelations, together with Salahi's chilling recollection of his arrest and incarceration, painted a vastly completely different image of the federal government's case towards him.
The occasions of September 11, 2001 won't ever be forgotten. The horror and heartache will at all times be felt, particularly for these of us who misplaced pricey family and friends. The Mauritanian strikes on the coronary heart of an ethical and existential dilemma. Ought to we permit harmless individuals to be swept up in a ruthless seek for justice? Is extrajudicial rendition, imprisonment, and torture a crucial means to an finish? Nancy Hollander, Teri Duncan, and Stuart Sofa had been branded as traitors for searching for the reality behind Salahi's seize. They need to be seen as heroes. The Structure, the defining ideas of Americanism, is sacrosanct. That is the message the movie conveys.
Tahar Rahim has acquired a Golden Globe nomination for Greatest Actor in a Movement Image Drama. Mohamedou Ould Salahi was subjected to hideous torture and years of soul-crushing confinement. Rahim embodies his battle to stay hopeful beneath probably the most dire circumstances. He delivers an unimaginable, nuanced efficiency. Propping up The Mauritanian when the narrative turns into labored. The movie, regardless of its extraordinary content material, appears like an episode of Legislation & Order at instances. Tahir Rahim succeeds in humanizing Salahi. Thus making his terrible expertise relatable and teachable. The Mauritanian is a manufacturing of Marvel Avenue, 30 West, and BBC Movies. It is going to be launched theatrically by STX Movies on February twelfth.
The views and opinions expressed on this article are these of the writer and don't essentially replicate the official coverage or place of Movieweb.