Watch The Mauritanian

The Mauritanian is a legal drama film that revolves around the true story of Mohamedou Ould Salahi, a man from Mauritania who was detained and imprisoned at the United States' Guantanamo Bay detention center for fourteen years without charge or trial. Directed by Kevin Macdonald and released in 2021, the movie stars Tahar Rahim as Salahi, Nouhe Hamady Bari as Abdul Razak Ali, and Saadna Hamoud as Fatima.

The film is set in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, when the American government began its campaign against terrorism worldwide. Salahi, a Mauritanian citizen, was accused of aiding the 9/11 hijackers and was taken into custody by the US government. He was then transported to the Guantanamo Bay facility in Cuba, where he was subjected to years of torture and interrogation.

The Mauritanian follows Salahi's journey as he struggles to keep his sanity and fight for his freedom in the face of brutal treatment and severe human rights violations. The film also highlights the efforts of a defense attorney, Nancy Hollander, and her associate, Teri Duncan, who taking on Salahi's case pro bono, attempt to secure his release from Guantanamo Bay.

The movie begins with Salahi's arrest by the US government and his subsequent incarceration at the detention facility. The intensity of his ordeal is vividly portrayed through the various flashbacks of his torture and interrogation techniques. Salahi is subjected to sleep deprivation, body cavity searches, threats against his family, and waterboarding, among other tactics. Throughout this time, he is held without charge or trial, and his lawyers struggle to gain access to him.

During this period, Salahi meets Abdul Razak Ali, another detainee who shares his cell, and the two form a bond. Abdul, who serves as Salahi's translator, helps him fight back against his captors and gives him a sense of hope that he will one day be released.

As the movie progresses, the focus shifts to Salahi's legal team, who are determined to get him released from Guantanamo Bay. Nancy Hollander, a seasoned attorney, and Teri Duncan embark on an Herculean legal battle against the US government to secure Salahi's freedom. They must overcome a cascade of challenges, including a hostile judicial system, red tape, and limited resources, to give their client his day in court.

A large portion of the movie's narrative follows Salahi's hearings and court appearances as Hollander and Duncan build their defense. The two lawyers face obstacles from the US government, who are determined to keep Salahi detained, despite the lack of evidence against him. In the midst of these challenges, the lawyers discover crucial evidence that could exonerate their client and result in his long-awaited release.

The movie encapsulates the raw emotions of the prisoners and their loved ones, the struggles, the uncertainty, and pain of isolation. Tahar Rahim's stunning performance aptly captures Salahi's torment, resilience, and courage in his fight for freedom, while Nouhe Hamady Bari brings a level of humanity and depth to the role of Abdul Razak Ali.

The Mauritanian also touches on broader themes of human rights, government overreach, and due process. The film raises critical questions about the morality of detaining people without charge or trial, particularly in the context of counterterrorism efforts.

In conclusion, The Mauritanian is a gripping legal drama that tells the true story of one man's struggle for freedom against a powerful government. Through the lens of Salahi's journey, the movie highlights essential issues of human rights and the rule of law, with outstanding performances from Rahim, Bari, and Hamoud. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities of the US justice system and its impact on individuals and society.

The Mauritanian is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 53.