The Mauritanian delivers the shock, outrage and ultimate comeuppance that audiences expect; It starts slow...as it braids multiple timelines to somewhat disorienting effect; But the story gains momentum as it goes and by the end it's positively gripping
Kevin Macdonald directs in an adaptation of Mohamedou Ould Slahi's acclaimed "Guantanamo Diary", but the results are no more successful than previous films like "Rendition" and "Camp X-Ray" in turning this real-life horror into satisfying drama
it's opaque and frustrating. Tahar Rahim gives a perfectly decent performance and everyone else does an honest job. But this movie is content with congratulating itself.., with little attention paid to questions unanswered and history unresolved
in the end, "The Mauritanian" is an efficient procedural that condemns the Bush-era treatment of detainees more effectively than any other recent narrative film. It's an affecting, but nevertheless tragic, watch
an exciting, bold and horrifying film; this is Tahar Rahim's movie; He is superb whether showing an ironic sense of humor, straining against his captors' brutality, serving to convince us if we are not already believing..
a politically charged legal thriller with only an intermittent pulse; Kevin Macdonald is an exceptional documentary maker.. and this legal procedural remains strangely flat, despite its star power and a gripping central performance from Tahar Rahim
"The Mauritanian", a true life drama and legal thriller that shines a light on another injustice; This is a really good movie, one with impeccable acting, as well as something important to say
"The Mauritanian" comes alive thanks to the incredible work from its lead actor, Tahar Rahim. While there are bigger names surrounding him, this movie belongs to Rahim, and he gives an unforgettable performance
by Chuck Bowen [Slant Magazine ]
by Peter Bradshaw [The Guardian ]
by Joey Magidson [Awards Radar ]
