But the most accessible scenes feature Slahi
himself, whether they involve the dreaded
interrogations or the prisoner’s basic efforts
at making a friend at Guantanamo, a French
detainee he speaks to through a green mesh
fence, and who dubs him “The Mauritanian.”
The film has the rhythm of a legal thriller
heading toward a dramatic courtroom trial. The
true climax is hardly that climactic: Slahi testifies
by video at his habeas corpus hearing. He learns
by mail that he’s won.
He whoops with joy. He’s going home.
And then, the closing credits tell us, he remains
imprisoned at Guantanamo for seven more years.
“The Mauritanian,” an STX Films release in
theaters on Friday, has been rated R by the
Motion Picture Association of America “for
violence including a sexual assault, and
language.” Running time: 129 minutes. Two and
a half stars out of four.MPAA definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires parent or
adult guardian.The Mauritanian - Official Trailer 2