Mosul (2019): Cast, Ratings & Ending
Mosul is a 2019 documentary directed by Dan Gabriel, starring Anouar H. Smaine as Muezin, Ali Mula and Mahdi Chalkhaoui. It runs 1 hour 26 minutes. Critics gave it 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 26m (86 min)
- Director
- Dan Gabriel
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Gravitas Ventures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Mosul About?
The premise of Mosul without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
In war-torn Mosul, a team of determined policemen confronts a network of ISIS drug traffickers, navigating a dangerous landscape where survival is a daily struggle. Amidst the intense fighting, a young officer experiences a devastating loss when his uncle is killed, forcing him to grapple with the harsh realities of conflict and the unwavering strength of those around him. They risk everything to dismantle the criminal operation and restore order to their city.
Mosul Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- 2010s
- iraq
- based on true story
- police
- one word title
- open ended
- suspense
- no opening credits
- no title at beginning
- title at the end
- city
- city name in title
+38 more Show fewer
- mosul iraq
- urban setting
- urban decay
- urban warfare
- guerilla warfare
- anti war
- middle east
- police officer
- police officer killed
- police car
- police vigilantism
- ex cop
- police raid
- swat team
- armored car
- humvee
- tank
- military
- army
- soldier
- special forces
- baseball cap
- bulletproof vest
- explosion
- exploding car
- car bomb
- traitor
- flare
- moral dilemma
- rookie
- rookie cop
- cafe
- watching tv
- cigarette smoking
- apartment
- spiral staircase
- based on article
- written by director
Mosul Cast & Characters
Anouar H. Smaine leads the cast as Muezin, with Ali Mula and Mahdi Chalkhaoui as Hadi. Directed by Dan Gabriel.
- Director Dan Gabriel
- Anouar H. Smaine as Muezin
- Ali Mula as themselves
- Mahdi Chalkhaoui as Hadi
Mosul Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Mosul 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in rewatch factor (90) and weakest in sensory experience (78).
Mosul Echo Score Breakdown
Mosul offers a compelling and visceral depiction of urban warfare through its focused documentary style. Reviews highlight the film’s immersive portrayal of frontline combat and its measured pacing that balances action sequences with reflective moments. Though a few critiques note uneven emotional beats, the film’s authentic perspective and cohesive execution generate a consistently engaging experience. Overall, Mosul stands as a memorable and thought-provoking work that resonates well beyond its runtime.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 80
In terms of art and craft, Mosul delivers a polished visual presentation grounded in hand-held cinematography and purposeful editing. Reviewers note the effective use of Steadicam and raw footage to convey immediacy, alongside coherent production design that reflects the urban environment. The measured visual choices support the film’s intensity, resulting in a cohesive and convincing portrayal.
- Character & Emotion 82
When it comes to character and emotion, the film places focus on frontline personnel and the Iraqi journalist guide, yielding genuine moments of human connection. Performances are praised for their nuanced portrayal of fear, honor, and camaraderie, though some observers find certain emotional beats heavy-handed. Overall, the cast anchors the narrative with sincere conviction.
- Story & Flow 82
When it comes to story and flow, Mosul unfolds in a single-day timeline that sustains relentless engagement. Pacing is brisk yet allows reflective pauses, offering contextual depth through embedded interviews. While a few critics cite occasional narrative leaps, most acknowledge the film’s coherent structure and immersive approach. The result is an engaging and purposeful account.
- Sensory Experience 78
In terms of sensory experience, Mosul leverages a stark sound design and raw combat sequences to immerse viewers in urban conflict. The amplified audio, including distant gunfire and ambient city noise, heightens tension. Visually, a subdued color palette and realistic production choices reinforce the film’s immediacy. Together, these elements create a visceral and affecting sensory impression.
- Rewatch Factor 90
When it comes to rewatch factor, Mosul maintains strong enduring appeal through its provocative subject matter and unflinching documentary style. The film’s blend of action and contextual interviews encourages repeated viewings for both analytical reflection and emotional impact. Some viewers may find the relentless intensity challenging, yet most agree that the film’s thoughtful execution rewards subsequent experiences.
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IMDb 7.1 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 83% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 99%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 71% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.3 /5
37 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Mosul Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Mosul from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
** One of the officers, Kawa, a 21-year-old Feyli Kurd (played by Anouar H. Smaine), loses his uncle in the initial firefight, a personal blow that threads through the ensuing chaos. The rescue comes not from civilian relief but from the Nineveh SWAT Team, a Mosul-born police division forged by tragedy and led by Commander Major Jasem. They find the stranded policemen, dispatch the remaining danger, and carry out the drug-smugglers’ end with a cold efficiency. After the firefight, they offer Kawa a place among them because his loss makes him eligible for their ranks, a choice he accepts with a cautious resolve; Jameel, his partner, agrees to take his uncle’s body for burial as a final gesture of respect.
Full summary
The whole story of Mosul, scene by scene, with the ending explained
How Well Do You Know Mosul?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the 21-year-old Feyli Kurd who loses his uncle in the initial firefight?
Cars in Mosul
35 cars on screen, including the AM General HMMWV M1151 and the 1994 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Turbodiesel W124.
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AM General HMMWV M1151 Main role -
1994 Mercedes-Benz E 250 Turbodiesel W124 Important role -
1997 Toyota Hilux Minor role -
2002 Toyota Hilux Minor role
Mosul Also Known As
12 alternative titles, including “โมซูล” and “Мосул”.
- Also known as
-
- โมซูล
- Мосул
- 모술
- Musul
- Moszul ostroma
- Μοσούλη
- 血戰摩蘇爾
- 血战摩苏尔
- מוסול
- Mossul
- Thành Phố Mosul
- Mosulas
Seen Mosul?
Movies Like Mosul
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Mosul, City of Ghosts and 49.
Mosul FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Mosul, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Mosul?
Mosul runs 1 hour 26 minutes (86 minutes).
When was Mosul released?
Mosul was released on April 12, 2019.
Who directed Mosul?
Mosul was directed by Dan Gabriel.
Who is in the cast of Mosul?
Mosul stars Anouar H. Smaine as Muezin, Ali Mula and Mahdi Chalkhaoui as Hadi.
How is Mosul rated?
Mosul has 7.1/10 on IMDb, 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71% on TMDB and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Mosul have a post-credit scene?
No. Mosul has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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