Mosul

Mosul’s ending leaves a lasting impression by revealing the true purpose behind the intense violence. Throughout the film, Kawa’s journey of understanding the Nineveh Squad’s motives comes to a head when he realizes that their actions—killing militants rather than arresting them—are driven by a need to protect what remains of their families and their city. The squad members, all former police officers, turned to deadly force after militants started killing their loved ones and destroying their city, turning what was originally meant to be a mission of justice into a desperate effort to save their personal and communal futures.

The film’s conclusion underscores the complex reality of war, showing that sometimes, violence cannot simply be justified as good or bad. Jasem’s character embodies hope and resilience; he strives to clean and rebuild Mosul, refusing to let the city succumb entirely to chaos. His acts of kindness, such as comforting orphaned children and rejecting external help like American support, emphasize the local fighters’ insistence on independence and the rejection of foreign intervention.

In the final moments, the audience sees Kawa trying to grasp the depth of this struggle—understanding that these men fought not out of hatred or cruelty, but from a deep sense of duty to restore their land and protect their loved ones. The ending acknowledges that some conflicts are unavoidable when personal loss and national trauma collide, and it invites viewers to see these soldiers not just as fighters, but as tragic heroes shaped by grief and hope. Ultimately, Mosul leaves us with a powerful message: the fight for peace is complicated, often driven by love and loss rather than simple notions of right and wrong. It’s a poignant reminder of the human side of war, emphasizing that even amidst chaos, humanity and hope can endure.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:59