The Mauritanian Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Mauritanian guy gets caught up in post-9/11 hysteria and needs a sassy lawyer and a conflicted Marine to prove he’s just a misunderstood world traveler, not a terrorist mastermind.

🍿 The Mauritanian: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Arrest

In November 2001, Mohamedou Ould Slahi is taken into custody in Mauritania, shortly after 9/11. He’s told the Americans want to talk to him about his cousin. He agrees to cooperate, unaware of the long ordeal that awaits him. This sets in motion the events that lead to his imprisonment at Guantanamo Bay.

Enter Nancy Hollander

In 2005, Nancy Hollander, a defense attorney, is approached to take Mohamedou’s case. He has been detained for years without charge. Along with her associate Teri Duncan, Nancy decides to fight for his rights. They face significant resistance and public scrutiny for defending a suspected terrorist.

Stuart Couch’s Dilemma

Marine Prosecutor Stuart Couch is assigned to prosecute Mohamedou. He seeks justice for the victims of 9/11, having lost a friend in the attacks. However, as he investigates the evidence, he uncovers disturbing truths. These truths challenge his commitment to the case.

The Fight for Evidence

Both Nancy and Stuart struggle to access crucial case files. The government classifies vast amounts of information. This obstruction makes it difficult for both sides to present their cases. Ultimately, the pursuit of truth becomes a central theme.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim): A Mauritanian man who fights for his freedom after being detained at Guantanamo Bay without charge for years.
• Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster): A defense attorney who takes on Mohamedou’s case, challenging the U.S. government’s detention practices.
• Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley): Nancy’s associate who assists in the legal battle to free Mohamedou, providing crucial support and perspective.
• Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch): A military prosecutor initially determined to prosecute Mohamedou but later questions the evidence and methods used.
• Neil Buckland (Zachary Levi): A military interrogator and Stuarts classmate who defends the use of enhanced interrogation techniques.
• Mohamedou’s Mother (Baya Belal): Mohamedou’s Mother whose well-being and safety is threatened to force a false confession from him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nancy Hollander: “When I stand by my client and I insist that he get a fair hearing, I’m not just defending him, I’m defending you and me.” – Hollander passionately defends her decision to represent Slahi, emphasizing the importance of due process for everyone.
• Nancy Hollander: “The constitution doesn’t have an asterisk at the end that says: ‘Terms and conditions apply.’” – Hollander underscores the universality of constitutional rights, even for those accused of heinous crimes.
• Mohamedou Ould Slahi: “In Arabic, the word for free and the word for forgiveness is the same word.” – Slahi reflects on the interconnectedness of freedom and forgiveness, highlighting a path toward healing and reconciliation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $836,536
• Worldwide Gross: $7,527,030

💥 The Mauritanian Reviews

Personal Review

I was deeply moved by ‘The Mauritanian’. Tahar Rahim’s portrayal of Mohamedou was heart-wrenching, and I felt his pain and hope throughout the film. The waterboarding scene was particularly hard to watch, but it drove home the inhumane treatment he endured. I appreciated the film’s even-handed approach, showing the perspectives of both the defense and the prosecution. It made me question the cost of security and the importance of upholding justice, even for those accused of terrible crimes. Definitely a film that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of legal dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in true stories and social justice issues”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances”
  • “People interested in post 9/11 political and legal issues”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of torture and abuse”
  • “Scenes of imprisonment and confinement”
  • “Discussion of terrorism and violence”
  • “Some disturbing content may be upsetting to sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Though well-intentioned and boasting strong performances, ‘The Mauritanian’ often feels heavy-handed. Rahim is compelling, but the film’s emotional impact is blunted by its reliance on familiar legal-thriller tropes.
• Variety: “Kevin Macdonald’s movie is a worthy, if somewhat conventional, legal drama buoyed by Tahar Rahim’s stunning performance. It unflinchingly explores the moral complexities of the war on terror and the cost of justice.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A legal drama that packs a real punch thanks to fine acting, and the complex and relevant storytelling that dives into the fight for justice and the human spirit in Guantanamo Bay.

Audience Reactions

Tahar Rahim’s performance was absolutely phenomenal and Oscar-worthy.: Viewers overwhelmingly praised Tahar Rahim’s acting, citing his ability to convey both vulnerability and resilience.

The movie is a powerful eye-opener regarding Guantanamo Bay.: Many felt the film shed light on the injustices and human rights issues at Guantanamo.

Overall Consensus: A compelling legal drama with strong performances, especially from Tahar Rahim, that raises important questions about justice and human rights in the post-9/11 era.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture)- 2021

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the memoir “Guantánamo Diary” by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, which was initially heavily redacted by the U.S. government before its publication.”
• “Tahar Rahim’s portrayal of Mohamedou Ould Slahi was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, requiring him to undergo significant physical and emotional transformation.”
• “Director Kevin Macdonald aimed to present a balanced perspective, exploring the perspectives of both the defense and prosecution, as well as the human cost of the War on Terror.”
• “The filmmakers faced challenges in accurately depicting the harsh conditions and interrogation techniques used at Guantanamo Bay, while remaining sensitive to the real-life experiences of the detainees.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Mauritanian?

The Mauritanian is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you can rent or purchase the film. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options. You can also purchase the movie on DVD and Blu-ray from major retailers, providing a physical copy for your collection.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Mauritanian, you might like these similar films:

• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Explores the post-9/11 hunt for Osama bin Laden and the controversial interrogation techniques used by the CIA, similar to the themes in ‘The Mauritanian’.
• The Report (2019): Focuses on the Senate Intelligence Committee’s investigation into the CIA’s use of torture following 9/11, providing a critical look at government overreach and accountability, much like ‘The Mauritanian’.
• Argo (2012): Dramatizes a high-stakes rescue operation during a political crisis, emphasizing the human element amidst international conflict and government secrecy.
• Official Secrets (2019): A British intelligence specialist leaks a top-secret memo exposing illegal activity within the UN Security Council, examining the moral and ethical implications of whistleblowing during times of war.
• Judas and the Black Messiah (2021): Highlights the story of Fred Hampton and his betrayal by an FBI informant, exploring themes of injustice, government surveillance, and the fight for civil rights, akin to the struggle for justice in ‘The Mauritanian’.

🛒 The Mauritanian Related Products

• Guantánamo Diary: Mohamedou Ould Slahi’s memoir, detailing his experiences in Guantanamo Bay, upon which the movie is based.
• The Mauritanian Movie Poster: High-quality print of the film’s theatrical poster, a visual reminder of the movie.
• The Mauritanian Blu-ray: Watch this biographical legal drama starring Jodie Foster and Tahar Rahim at home.
• Legal Eagle T-Shirt: 100% cotton t-shirt featuring a humorous design related to lawyers and the legal system.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Mauritanian features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Makam Vaghou” – performed by Noura Mint Seymali
• “The Man in Me” – performed by Bob Dylan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jodie Foster on Aaron Rodgers Shoutout, Golden Globe Nominations & The Mauritanian

Ever wonder what it’s like for a major actress to reflect on an intense movie like ‘The Mauritanian’? Jodie Foster talks about it in this fun interview, even getting a shoutout from Aaron Rodgers! You can see her passion for the film, which is really cool.

Why is the Guantánamo Bay prison still open?

Want to know the real story behind Guantanamo Bay, the prison at the heart of ‘The Mauritanian’? This Vox video breaks down the complicated history and current state of Gitmo. Honestly, it’s more messed up than I thought!

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