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The Mauritanian

The Mauritanian

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

2021

R

Director

Kevin Macdonald

Runtime

129 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film centers on a Mauritanian protagonist, offering a underrepresented perspective to challenge conventional views on the War on Terror. It replaces simple narratives with a complex look at individual resilience against institutional power. The film's strength lies in its sophisticated engagement with post-colonial themes and its critique of Western dominance. By focusing on a Muslim man navigating a Western military framework, it questions the legitimacy of state authority. However, the film lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and does not feature characters with active, ability to act-driven disabilities. The narrative remains focused on the specific legal and human rights struggles of the protagonist.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Mauritanian have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The story focuses solely on the legal and human rights struggles of the main character.

How does The Mauritanian portray gender?

Fair

Female characters play key roles in providing intellectual and professional leadership, especially through their involvement in the legal defense. This shifts the balance of power away from the male-dominated military environment towards female expertise.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Mauritanian?

Excellent

The film centers around a Mauritanian protagonist, highlighting his unique cultural background. It effectively critiques the systemic treatment of non-Western individuals within a Western military context.

How does The Mauritanian represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story avoids 'clash of civilizations' clichés by treating the protagonist's religious identity as an intrinsic part of his identity. It provides a nuanced critique of Western institutional structures.

Does The Mauritanian include disability representation?

Fair

While there is no active disability representation, the film explores the profound psychological trauma caused by indefinite detention. It highlights the invisible mental health injuries resulting from systemic isolation.

Present on Screen

  • Centers a non-Western, Mauritanian protagonist.
  • Critiques Western dominance and institutional power.
  • Integrates religious identity as an intrinsic part of the protagonist.
  • Highlights strong female professional and legal expertise.

Limited or Absent

  • No LGBTQ+ characters or identities.
  • No active disability representation.
  • Limited exploration of diverse gender identities beyond professional roles.

Official Synopsis

The true story of the Mauritanian Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who was held at the U.S military's Guantanamo Bay detention center without charges for over a decade and sought help from a defense attorney for his release.

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