The Mauritanian

Filmed largely indoors and in often claustrophobic spaces, the movie isn't always subtle, but its impact is felt particularly in the scenes featuring Rahim. His powerful performance is supported respectfully by Foster, Cumberbatch and Woodley.

The subject is charismatic in a way that the film is not. But he is VERY charismatic, and it's his performance that sees this through.

The real-life story is enraging, and it's fun to see Benedict Cumberbatch's morally conflicted military prosecutor lock horns with Foster's icy human rights lawyer.

Few viewers will find themselves unengaged during The Mauritanian, but there are too many middlebrow beats either side of the jarring chords.

Macdonald and his producers and writers wanted too much... The result? A bland smattering of each that teases us with the possibility of complex roles.

The film's power lies in its direct confrontation with the ideology that underpinned it all... The Mauritanian is notable, too, for how much of its perspective is actually granted to Salahi.

The must-watch, shocking, real-life story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi is told through a formulaic yet efficient screenplay, placing the spotlight on Tahar Rahim’s exceptional, award-worthy performance.

By offering a sentimental and manipulative look – and always through the eyes of American people – on the War on Terror, it praises the American point of view, degrading the humanity of those that are directly affected by it.

Despite Tahar Rahim’s gut-wrenching turn, The Mauritanian never develops the gripping story it aspires to.

Opens up reflections without being combative or confrontational... [Full review in Spanish]