The tragic fate of the wrongly convicted
Two months after the attacks of September 11, 2001, in a context of extreme paranoia, Mauritanian Mohamedou Ould Slah (Tahar Rahim) was captured by the United States. A prisoner at Guantanamo Bay, suspected of having ties to al-Qaeda, was interrogated and tortured for a long time.
As he begins to despair, new hope appears in the form of lawyers Nancy Holland (Jodie Foster) and Terry Duncan (Shailene Woodley). Convinced of Muhammadu’s innocence, they relentlessly demand a fair trial and shed light on the scandalous conspiracy.
Pure fiction or truth?
Like Omar Killed Me (2011), Found Guilty is quite faithfully inspired by an actual court case. Wrongfully arrested in 2001, the real Mohamedou Ould Slah was indeed illegally detained by the United States for over a decade. During his imprisonment, he especially learned the English language and wrote several hundred pages about his traumatic experiences in prison, which were collected in a collection in 2015 under the title. The Guantanamo DiariesAdapted here by director Kevin MacDonald (The Last King of Scotland).
“I spoke to the real Mohamed three years ago on Skypethe filmmaker told AlloCiné in 2021. It was not what I expected. I thought I saw a broken, bitter, angry man. Instead, I met a warm, funny person . Someone who has forgiven and made the choice not to be drawn into a world of hate. I find it very inspiring.“*
This biographical film directed by the talented Tahar Rahim (Prophet, Past, Fix Life), reveals the secrets behind Mohamedu Old Slah’s harsh detention and reveals the outcome of the long legal battle co-led by Terry Duncan and Nancy Holland. Brilliant for the latter role Jodie Foster (Taxi Driver, The Silence of the Lambs, The Accused) also won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
* Comments collected by Maximilien Pierrette for AlloCiné.
Justice Procedural Urgency and Hope Designated Offender is a must (re)watch on Prime Video.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
