The Mauritanian 📽

Often we see things that make us so angry we just don’t know what to do. 😡 The documentary Allen v. Farrow is one. We know the truth always lies somewhere in the middle and the media can certainly sway. But sometimes facts are so damning that it hurts.☝🏽Doctor’s notes destroyed, expert opinions ignored, and individuals fired for telling the truth. Maddening. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. 🙅🏻‍♀️

Another film like this is this year’s The Mauritanian. 🎞

🎬 Director Kevin Macdonald has given us some real gems: Touching the Void, State of Play, and Whitney are a few that come to mind. Based on the memoir ‘Guantanamo Diary’, this is the story of Mohamedou Ould Salahi, and his harrowing experience at the hands of the U.S. Government -- from decisions made by Bush, and maintained by Obama. Languishing in a Guantanamo prison for years and years, Salahi’s tale is remarkable. 👀

Certainly controversial, and yes painful to watch, when morality appears compromised, it’s scary. But in the lead role, it’s hard to take your eyes off Tahar Rahim. Jodie Foster is equally strong. Both were nominated for Golden Globes this year, with Foster winning Best Supporting Actress. 🏆 A complex story, more about ethical shades of grey -- and how tunnel vision can get the better of us -- than a portrayal of terrorists as victims, The Mauritanian is beautiful.

Many of us are all about the underdog. The top dog is the top dog. The winner. Yet we often support and root for the other. In history, when love to read about the triumph of the underdog. In David and Goliath, it is the shepherd who wins against the experienced warrior -- a sling and five stones, against a sword and shield. Robin Hood uses archery skills to battle and win against a corrupt king and sheriff. 🏹 King Arthur’s visionary leadership leads him to pull a sword from a stone. 🗡 Tales like these are countless. When the weak become the strong, we revel in that victory. 💪🏽 When we look at our own highs in life, how and where we persevered, those are the most meaningful parts of our lives. 👏🏽

In today’s confusing and also frightening reality, we look for reassurances. There is so much we don’t know. So much kept from us. We rely on the media and experts and our own faith. 📺 📰 But COVID-19 aside, not everything is transparent, is it? And especially this year, we need that. 🙏🏽 Therefore, quite often what we cannot find in the world around us, we seek in the stories of others. 📚📽 Stories that are inspirational and transformational in equal measure. Stories that are painful and also magnificent. 💔 🌟

And The Mauritanian is exactly this.