Guantanamero (2007) User Reviews

The interrogator

[jotix100 · 4/10 · 21 November 2010]

Not having a clue as to what "Guantanamero", as this film was billed on a cable channel, we decided to take a chance. The film is listed as "Arritmia" in the IMDb page.

This film takes a look at the situation in Guantanamo naval base where a group of mostly Arab citizens are being detained against their will on suspicion of having performed terrorist acts against the United States. It is an unfortunate situation, to put it mildly, but the creators of the film have decided to look at it from another angle, rendering the situation absurd.

First of all, to have a prisoner escape from that highly secured compound would be almost impossible. Secondly, that a foreigner, like in the case of Ali, to be able to make it to Havana in a country where anyone's activities are spotted immediately, it just does not make sense to think Ali can fool anyone. The twist at the end, which changes the dynamic of the narrative is just plain silly. For a more satisfying account of what goes on in that prison, one can recommend to read Dan Fesperman's "The Prisoner from Guantanamo", a more realistic account of what really goes on in that place.

A film with Heart

[wtstephens · 9/10 · 9 June 2009]

Guantanamero (Arritmia) is an independent foreign film that opens the eyes of the viewer to the true human psychological damage that has been carried out in Guantanamo Bay, not just for the prisoners, but for the interrogators as well.

This film has the most heart of any film I have seen in the past year. It has a purpose, even if that purpose is completely raw. It does not, however, lack in the entertainment department. The cultural impacts on the story, the cinematography, the music, the random dance numbers... are amazing.

Once again, I must stress not only is this a foreign flick, it is also independent. Take it for what it is, not what it could be.

A common complaint that many have with this film is the ending. People do not understand it, which is why it suffers an incredibly low score. Without giving away the movie, all I can say is put yourself in the shoes of this man, and the manipulation of the psyche through the hardships that were faced and the decisions that were made. People say that the first and second acts of the film were thought provoking, but with an understanding of the third act, Guantanamero was beautifully tied together.

I highly suggest everyone with a mature mind to see this.