The Mauritanian Film Review: Minority Struggle Against Discrimination

Tahir Rahim (STX Films)

JAKARTA - Director Kevin Macdonald is directing a 2021 legal drama film entitled The Mauritanian. This film has a bold storytelling side and is played by a number of famous Hollywood stars.

The true story is presented by The Mauritanian which tells of Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim) who is imprisoned without charge by the US government. He did not know and was never told why he was imprisoned.

One day, Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley) want to fight for Slahi's rights. They questioned the US government about the justice of the law.

On the other hand, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch) a military prosecutor who is moved to find out the truth behind Slahi's existence in prison. But the journey was not easy because Slahi did not interact much with other people. What really happened?

The Mauritanian presents a story with a sensitive issue related to the events of 9/11 WTC. The incident caused injury and changed the lives of Muslims in America.

With its long duration, The Mauritanian doesn't cause too much drama but there are many points of view that are balanced between the two. There are at least four main actors who come with different perspectives so that makes this film fair.

Issues that are also heavy also show the struggle for the rights of a human being. Tahar Rahim's appearance as the main character is described as someone who is clueless and goes through various stages in life until he finds peace.

In addition, the visuals of The Mauritanian are very explosive in presenting Slahi's story. Starting from what he faced in prison to the interview scene with Nancy Hollander.

The Mauritanian is not an easy spectacle to enjoy but watching it can be a new lesson. This film shows the struggle of a human being to live with idealism and against the voice of the public.

The Mauritanian film received positive reviews when it was released in 2021 in the United States. The film also received two Golden Globe nominations (Foster won one) and five British Academy Film nominations.

The Mauritanian film can be seen in cinemas XXI starting today, Friday, July 15.