The Mauritanian

Based on the book 'Guantánamo Diary,' Mohamedou Ould Slahi's memoir, 'The Mauritanian' is a biographical drama film directed by Kevin Macdonald. The movie focuses on the extraordinary story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian national, who spent over 14 years at the Guantanamo Bay detention center without being formally charged or receiving a trial. The film takes a dramatic turn, focusing on Slahi's relationship with his defense attorney, Nancy Hollander, played magnificently by Jodie Foster, a renowned human rights lawyer, and her colleague, Teri Duncan, a young and ambitious defense attorney portrayed by Shaun Toub's wife, Nina Kiri, but in this film, her counterpart is Teri (also the wife of a soldier). The movie also stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Clive Stafford Smith, a brilliant lawyer known for his expertise in counter-terrorism laws, though this isn't explicitly shown. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Mohamedou Ould Slahi, played compellingly by Tahar Rahim, a young and ambitious Mauritanian man with a brilliant mind and exceptional language skills. Born in Mauritania, Slahi, an Arab, is raised in a wealthy family influenced by his father's close relationships with Islamic leaders. The young Slahi becomes fascinated with the teachings of Ayatollah Khomeini and starts attending lectures in Beirut on the Islamic revolution. When the Iranian Revolution breaks out, Slahi gets arrested for his alleged involvement with the group, but he is eventually released and flees to Germany. In the 1990s, Slahi becomes a part of a militant training camp in Afghanistan, where he develops close ties with many individuals, including Osama bin Laden's associates. This decision would have severe consequences years later. Mohamedou Ould Slahi is eventually detained by German authorities due to his involvement in militant activities, but he's released and sent back to Mauritania. However, the U.S. government becomes aware of Slahi's activities and believes he is a valuable intelligence asset due to his connection to Al-Qaeda. The Mauritanian authorities, at the behest of the United States, arrest and detain Slahi, and he eventually finds himself at the Guantanamo Bay detention center. Mohamedou Ould Slahi spends nearly 14 years in Guantanamo without a fair trial or being formally charged. In that time, his only source of solace is his writing. Through the years, despite facing intense torture and physical and mental abuse, Slahi manages to write an entire memoir from memory, detailing the atrocities inflicted upon him and his struggles with his own faith. It is within these difficult conditions that he meets his defense team, particularly Nancy Hollander, who takes on Slahi's case despite her personal feelings about him. However, her decision is guided by her unwavering pursuit of justice and her belief in the power of human rights. Nancy, fueled by a desire to challenge the U.S. government's actions at Guantanamo, faces intense opposition from the authorities as she strives to provide Slahi with a proper defense and a chance at freedom. Throughout the movie, Mohamedou Ould Slahi's mental and physical state deteriorates, and he becomes disillusioned with the American legal system. He believes that no one will ever listen to his story and that he will spend the rest of his life imprisoned in Guantanamo. In the film, Nancy Hollander, determined to secure his release, fights relentlessly to get Slahi's story heard, using the book to show the international community the injustice he has faced. As the story reaches its climax, the film portrays a critical turning point in the U.S. government's stance on Guantanamo. After years of pressure and numerous appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court finally rules in favor of Slahi, granting him the right to have his case in a federal court. Although this news brings a glimmer of hope, Slahi himself remains uncertain about his future. However, Slahi's story becomes an inspiration for Americans, especially those who are critical of U.S. foreign policy. As Nancy Hollander's defense strategy gains momentum, the U.S. government finds it increasingly challenging to justify Slahi's continued detention. Eventually, under international pressure, the United States allows Slahi to be transferred to Mauritania in 2016, where he is finally reunited with his family after a long and arduous journey. Ultimately, Mohamedou Ould Slahi's story, as portrayed in 'The Mauritanian,' serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of advocacy for human rights. The film is a thought-provoking portrayal of the long and difficult path to justice and freedom for those held in Guantanamo, and a reflection of the complexities surrounding counter-terrorism in the post-9/11 world. The film reminds us of the fundamental principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' that lies at the heart of Western justice. Through the lens of one man's remarkable story, 'The Mauritanian' sheds light on a largely unknown aspect of American history, revealing the human cost of its foreign policy decisions and challenging viewers to question the notion of justice and morality in a world governed by the politics of fear and the war on terror.