On June 10th, 2014, ISIS took control of the Iraqi city of Mosul, holding it for two years before being driven out by a combination of Iraqi government and civilian forces. Considering all the fighting, suffering, loss of life, and destruction that occurred, how does one approach telling the story of Mosul and those involved in the conflict? Writer and Director Dan Gabriel attempted to do so by following journalist Ali Maula and his team as they interviewed key people and accompanied them into battle in the documentary *Mosul*. The film initially unfolds at a measured pace, introducing Ali Maula and explaining how ISIS gained control of Mosul. It doesn’t take long for the film to become gripping as it delves into graphic accounts of the hardships endured by innocent civilians under ISIS rule. The people interviewed share detailed stories that vividly depict the horrific conditions they faced, their animosity toward ISIS, and their hopes when military forces arrived. Ali Maula introduces an interesting perspective by questioning the veracity of some of the civilians' statements. While it’s a disheartening thought, it highlights the deep distrust and division that ISIS has created within the country. The inclusion of actual footage depicting brutality and violence makes for a shocking and deeply disturbing viewing experience. Gabriel doesn’t shy away from difficult subject matter, and although this makes the film challenging to watch—it's certainly not for those easily upset—he strengthens its impact and memorability. The individuals featured provide valuable insights into the events surrounding the battle of Mosul. Um Hanadi and Captain Alaa were particularly compelling figures; their backgrounds and transformations are fascinating to explore. Hanadi is introduced early on, and her stories stand out as some of the most powerful in the film—her care for soldiers under her command, the people she rescued, the dangerous missions she undertook, and all that she lost along the way. Captain Alaa’s segments are especially intense, as the crew follows him and his soldiers into actual combat situations. The war footage is remarkable, showcasing how close the crew got to the action. It's energetic and exciting, yet undeniably terrifying, given their proximity to the fighting and destruction. Calling the crew brave is an understatement; what they went through to capture their footage was extraordinary. Through these stories, figures, and accounts from civilians, we gain a clear understanding of the context leading up to the battle of Mosul. The film's length is relatively short, under ninety minutes, but this actually works in its favor. It manages to fit in every story and piece of information while maintaining a sense of urgency and energy that makes the viewing experience more impactful and memorable. Overall, *Mosul* can be difficult and grim to watch, but it’s a truly excellent documentary. The individuals and civilians share compelling, often disturbing, stories, and the crew captures impressive footage of the war—their survival is nothing short of miraculous. *Mosul* is essential viewing for anyone wanting to understand what has been happening in the world. Verdict: 4.5/5

Source on TMDB