Genre: political docudrama
Directors: Michael Winterbottom and Mat Whitecross
Release: 2006
Studio: Revolution Films, Screen West Midlands − Roadside Attractions
Rating: R
MBiS score: 8.4/10
Welcome, Tourists, To Satan’s Cuban Resort
THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO begins with a press conference in which President George W. Bush, referring to British citizens held captive in Cuba on terrorism charges, asserts that they are ‘bad people and we look forward to working closely with the Blair government to handle this situation’. From such a starting point, the film tells the tumultuous tale of Ruhel, Asif and Shafiq, the ‘Tipton Three’, who had travelled to Pakistan for a wedding, were taken prisoners by Northern Alliance forces in Afghanistan and were ultimately incarcerated in Cuba’s notorious Guantanamo Bay detention camp. With Rizwan Ahmed (Shafiq), Ruhel Ahmed (himself), Asif Iqbal (himself), Shafiq Rasul (himself), Farhad Harun (Ruhel), Waqar Siddiqui (Monir) and Arfan Usman (Asif).
Over the years, Michael Winterbottom’s directorial choices have been eclectic and fascinating. For one thing, he has shown a distinct interest in geopolitics and THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO, codirected with Mat Whitecross, exemplifies his concern for world issues. This cold and special movie, which straddles the line between documentary and fiction film and may recall MIDNIGHT EXPRESS, tells the troubling story of three Brits who were accused of terrorism even though they had not seen combat. On screen, their confinement looks awful enough… imagine how nerve-racking and life-changing it must have truly been. In Cuba especially, they had to survive on a daily regimen of intimidation, interrogation and inhumanity that may disturb you; personally, I was appalled by the sheer brutality of their treatment.
Despite its messy subject, THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO is remarkable for its proficient direction (honoured with a Silver Bear in Berlin), frantic editing and glorious visuals. The images captured in Pakistan and Afghanistan are particularly amazing, I thought. As a bonus, expect solid acting and a relentless narrative. This is powerful, riveting, outstanding cinema.
I see no need to comment further on THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO because this is the kind of film you must experience for yourself. After seeing it, you will probably reflect on the war on terror that has been raging for ten years now, maybe even twenty. I know I did… and it doesn’t look any clearer now from my point of view. Are there only ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’ in this global chess game founded on ideology, politics and religion? Where do legitimate security concerns end and paranoia take over? Is the ‘war’ being waged on the right front? I find torment in these unanswered questions. Do you?
MBiS
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