The Mauritanian : “The Mauritanian” is a legal drama based on real-life events. Mohamedou Ould Salahi, a man implicated in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, finds himself imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay for over a decade without facing formal charges. Nancy Hollander and Teri Duncan, tasked with advocating for Salahi, grapple with the challenges of defending him, while military prosecutor Stuart Couch endeavors to prove his guilt.
Release Date 2 April 2021 Language English Genre Drama, Thriller Duration 2h 9min Cast Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Shailene Woodley, Benedict Cumberbatch Director Kevin Macdonald Writer M.B. Traven, Rory Haines, Sohrab Noshirvani Cinematography Rakesh Rawat Music Tom Hodge Producer Adam Ackland, Michael Bronner, Benedict Cumberbatch, Leah Clarke, Christine Holder, Mark Holder, Beatriz Levin, Lloyd Levin, Branwen Prestwood-Smithmore… Production Topic Studios, Black Sheep Pictures, Convergent Media, Oak Street Films, SunnyMarch, Wonder Street, 30West, BBC Film Certificate 13+
Following the tragic 9/11 terror attacks, Mohamedou Ould Slahi is apprehended by American authorities under suspicion of involvement. He is subsequently held captive in Guantanamo Bay for 14 years without being formally charged or afforded a trial. As hope begins to wane, he encounters Nancy Hollander, a defense attorney, and her associate Teri Duncan. Together, they embark on a quest for justice, despite the controversy surrounding their efforts.
Mohamedou Ould Salahi, portrayed by Tahar Rahim, is thrust into a nightmare when he is detained during a family wedding in Mauritania and transferred to Guantanamo Bay without due process. Nancy Hollander, played by Jodie Foster, and Teri Duncan, portrayed by Shailene Woodley, take on his case in a bid to compel the U.S. government to either charge him or secure his release. Opposing them is Stuart Couch, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, who is determined to see Salahi receive the death penalty for his alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks.
As the legal battle unfolds, questions arise about Salahi’s culpability and the lack of procedural fairness in his prolonged detention. Director Kevin McDonald delivers a nuanced portrayal of the complex legal and moral dilemmas at play. Despite commendable performances from the cast, including standout work from Tahar Rahim, the film struggles with pacing issues and a lack of depth in character exploration.
Based on Mohamedou Ould Salahi’s memoir “Guantanamo Diary,” the film attempts to weave together multiple perspectives without fully committing to a central narrative. While it sheds light on the flaws in the U.S. justice system and the horrors of Guantanamo Bay, it falls short of delivering a cohesive and impactful storyline. Nevertheless, “The Mauritanian” remains a well-directed and technically proficient film, underscored by powerful performances and thought-provoking themes.
