Mosul 2020
Directed by
Matthew Michael Carnahan
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
During the Battle of Mosul, a gripping confrontation unfolds as three Iraqi policemen engage ISIS drug smugglers. The situation escalates quickly when they find themselves outnumbered and out of ammunition while barricaded inside a café. One of these officers, Kawa, portrayed by Adam Bessa, a 21-year-old Feyli Kurd who recently joined the police force, suffers a tragic loss when his uncle is killed in the ensuing chaos. Just in the nick of time, the Nineveh SWAT Team, led by Commander Major Jasem, swings into action to rescue the beleaguered officers and swiftly deal with the drug smugglers.
Recognizing Kawa’s grief and tragedy, the SWAT Team invites him to join their ranks, seeing as he has lost a family member to ISIS. Kawa accepts this call to action while his companion, Jameel, offers to carry his uncle’s body for a proper burial. As the SWAT team continues their perilous mission, Kawa is met with silence every time he questions the objective of their operation.
The tension mounts when Kawa and Jasem witness Jameel signaling an ISIS car bomber, resulting in the untimely death of a SWAT member named Tomahawk. In the aftermath, Jasem hands Kawa Tomahawk’s axe, symbolizing the heavy burden of the fight ahead. Amid the chaos, Hooka, another team member, begins to suspect Kawa of treachery, further isolating him in a time when trust is paramount.
As the team penetrates deeper into ISIS territory, they come under fire. The losses continue when Hooka is killed. Following this, a drone attack targets the team, but their fortunes shift when Colonel Isfahani of the Iranian Special Forces intervenes and provides them with essential ammunition. During this tense exchange, Kawa learns that Jameel has been captured by ISIS and is being coerced into betraying the SWAT team.
Faced with a decision that could endanger their mission, Kawa acts decisively and kills Jameel, alleviating immediate tensions. Later, in a surprising turn, Waleed decides to trade a personal item for an RPG to assault an ISIS stronghold. As they navigate further peril along the way, Commander Jasem reluctantly begins to reveal more about their mission, but Kawa, worn down by the circumstances, chooses not to pry deeper.
A mix of skill and misfortune marks their encounters: friendly fire claims the life of Youness, while Kawa is left disfigured from a grenade explosion. The SWAT team presses on through harrowing challenges, including close-quarter combat that takes Razak’s life and leaves Sinan wounded.
The gang’s mission culminates in an attack on an ISIS camp, where the loss of Commander Jasem weighs heavily on their spirits, yet Kawa rallies the remaining members, reminding them of their ultimate goal. As they infiltrate an apartment complex, Waleed uses a hidden spare key to confront an ISIS member holding his wife, Hayat, and her daughter, Dunya, hostage.
In the climactic moments, Kawa finally grasps the true essence of the SWAT mission: a desperate drive to rescue family members captured by ISIS. This revelation propels him into action as he inquires about the whereabouts of another captive, showcasing the profound stakes at play.
Timeline
Battle of Mosul Begins
The intense confrontation at the Battle of Mosul starts as three Iraqi policemen engage with ISIS drug smugglers. The chaotic environment quickly escalates, showcasing the dire situation they find themselves in as they are vastly outnumbered.
Officers Barricaded in Cafe
The three policemen barricade themselves inside a café while facing heavy fire from the drug smugglers. They find themselves low on ammunition, struggling to hold their position as the tension rises.
Kawa's Tragic Loss
Kawa suffers a heartbreaking loss when he learns that his uncle has been killed during the chaos of the battle. This personal tragedy deeply impacts Kawa, fueling his determination to fight back against ISIS.
SWAT Team's Intervention
The Nineveh SWAT Team, led by Commander Major Jasem, arrives just in time to rescue the trapped officers. Their swift action turns the tide, as they decisively deal with the drug smugglers that threaten Kawa and his colleagues.
Kawa Joins the SWAT Team
Recognizing Kawa's loss, the SWAT Team offers him a chance to join their ranks. Kawa accepts, driven by his desire for justice and revenge against ISIS, while his friend Jameel ensures his uncle receives a proper burial.
Tension Over Objectives
As the SWAT Team embarks on their perilous mission, Kawa senses growing tension as he receives no response to his inquiries about their objectives. This lack of communication weighs heavily on his mind as he braces for the challenges ahead.
Betrayal Revealed
During their operations, Kawa and Jasem witness Jameel signaling an ISIS car bomber, leading to the death of SWAT member Tomahawk. This pivotal moment heightens the stakes and provokes suspicion against Kawa from his team.
Kawa Takes a Heavy Burden
In the aftermath of Tomahawk's death, Jasem hands Kawa Tomahawk's axe, symbolizing the profound burden of their fight against ISIS. This gesture reflects the expectations and responsibilities that now rest on Kawa's shoulders.
Casualties Mount in Combat
As the team penetrates deeper into hostile territory, they face an onslaught of gunfire and experience devastating losses, including the death of team member Hooka. Each loss ricochets through the team, challenging their morale further.
Colonel Isfahani's Support
In a moment of desperation, Colonel Isfahani of the Iranian Special Forces appears and provides crucial ammunition to the beleaguered SWAT Team. This intervention marks a turning point, rejuvenating their mission amidst dire circumstances.
Jameel's Capture
Kawa learns that Jameel has been captured by ISIS and is being coerced to betray the SWAT Team. This revelation forces Kawa into a challenging moral dilemma regarding loyalty and the greater good of their mission.
Kawa's Heart-Wrenching Decision
In a critical moment, Kawa chooses to eliminate Jameel to protect the team, showcasing both his resolve and the heavy burden of duty he now bears. The decision reveals the harsh realities of war and the sacrifices made.
The Assault on ISIS Camp
The SWAT Team embarks on a climactic assault on an ISIS camp, realizing the risks of their mission. The loss of Commander Jasem during this attack resonates deeply with Kawa, testing his leadership and strength.
Waleed's Personal Sacrifice
Waleed makes a significant personal sacrifice by trading a cherished item for an RPG in an effort to strengthen their assault on the ISIS stronghold. This moment solidifies the team's resolve and highlights their desperation.
Kawa's Final Revelation
In the climax, Kawa recognizes the true essence of their mission: a desperate quest to rescue family members held by ISIS. This understanding ignites his determination to save others, propelling him into action with newfound purpose.
Characters
Kawa (Adam Bessa)
Kawa is a determined young officer whose journey is marked by loss and personal sacrifice. After witnessing his uncle's death, he grapples with grief, which fuels his commitment to fight against ISIS. His evolution from a rookie to a brave participant in the SWAT team is vital to the narrative, embodying resilience amid chaos.
Commander Major Jasem
Jasem leads the Nineveh SWAT Team with a no-nonsense attitude, navigating the dangerous landscape of urban warfare. His character is defined by leadership and the burden of responsibility, especially when faced with losses. He offers guidance to Kawa, showcasing his role as both a mentor and a soldier.
Jameel
Jameel is Kawa's friend and a fellow officer, who becomes entangled in the chaos and ultimately faces tragic circumstances. His actions reflect the complexity of friendship amid conflict, as he grapples with loyalty and survival. Jameel's fate serves as a catalyst for Kawa's transformation.
Setting
Time period
2016
The movie takes place during the Battle of Mosul in 2016, a critical period marked by military offensives to reclaim the city from ISIS control. This time was characterized by significant loss and heart-wrenching sacrifice, as local forces and allied groups fought against the terror organization. The stakes were high as communities grappled with personal tragedies amidst the larger battle.
Location
Mosul
Mosul is a historic city in northern Iraq, known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic significance. During the Battle of Mosul, the city became a focal point in the fight against ISIS, leading to intense urban warfare. The setting vividly illustrates the struggles and resilience of its people amidst chaos and conflict.
Themes
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Courage
Courage is a predominant theme in 'Mosul,' as characters face overwhelming odds in their fight against ISIS. The story follows Kawa and the SWAT team as they navigate immense dangers, showcasing their bravery and determination to protect their community. Their willingness to face fear head-on highlights the essence of heroism in dire situations.
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Loss
Loss deeply permeates the narrative, particularly through Kawa's emotional journey after losing his uncle in the chaos. The presence of grief among characters underscores the human cost of conflict, reflecting how personal tragedies intersect with the collective struggle. This theme amplifies the stakes and motivates the characters in their mission.
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Trust
The theme of trust plays a critical role in the dynamics of the SWAT team as suspicions arise among members, especially towards Kawa. Trust is portrayed as a fragile element that can be easily shattered in the high-stress environment of warfare. The struggle for trust complicates their mission, reflecting real-life challenges faced in times of crisis.
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