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The Mauritanian
2021 129 min United States of America, United Kingdom R 18+
★7.4
Drama, Thriller
Director: Kevin Macdonald
🎭 Based on
«Guantanamo Diary»
byMohamedou Ould Slahi
Trailers
EN
EN
Description
The true story of the Mauritanian Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who was held at the U.S military's Guantanamo Bay detention center without charges for over a decade and sought help from a defense attorney for his release.
US Gross:
$836,536
Worldwide:
$7.53M
Starring
Tahar Rahim
Actor
Nouhe Hamady Bari
Actor
Saadna Hamoud
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 2021
— Best Supporting Actress
BAFTA 2021
— Best Picture
BAFTA 2021
— Best Actor
Golden Globe 2021
— Best Supporting Actress
Golden Globe 2021
— Best Actor (Drama)
BAFTA 2021
— Best Adapted Screenplay
BAFTA 2021
— Best British Film
European Film Awards 2021
— Best Actor
Key opinion
The Mauritanian is a harrowing and emotionally resonant legal drama anchored by a standout performance from Tahar Rahim. While critics and audiences alike praise the film's commitment to exposing human rights abuses at Guantanamo Bay, opinions on the narrative structure and script are split.
| Acting | Tahar Rahim delivers a powerful and evocative performance that effectively anchors the film's emotional weight. | |
| Cinematography | The cinematography, particularly the use of varying aspect ratios and tight framing, creates an oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere that reflects the protagonist's suffering. | |
| Emotion | The film succeeds as a poignant, unsettling indictment of state-sponsored torture and the erosion of basic human rights. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is a point of contention; some appreciate its straightforward, documentary-like approach, while others find the reliance on legal paperwork and procedural subplots tedious or scripted. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is divisive; viewers who value the contemplative, heavy nature of the subject matter find it compelling, whereas others perceive the film as slow, monotonous, or lacking in momentum. |