In the gripping feature-length documentary, “The Fall of Mosul,” the seemingly impossible tale of how 1,500 ISIS insurgents triumphed over a formidable Iraqi army of 30,000 to capture Mosul, unfolds with intricate layers. Filmmaker Graham Templeton skillfully navigates through the city’s turbulent history, dating back thousands of years, to shed light on the factors that rendered Mosul vulnerable to occupation. From ancient conflicts to the modern-day repercussions of the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, the documentary weaves a narrative that goes beyond the surface, offering a profound understanding of the city’s plight.
The film delves into the deep-seated divisions among the Kurds, Sunni and Shiite Arabs, and various religious sects inhabiting Mosul. Historical events, from World War I to Saddam Hussein’s regime and the Syrian Civil War, have left an indelible mark on the region’s vitality. Amidst a backdrop of instability, the narrative explores how Mosul became susceptible to insurgent forces, reaching a critical juncture with the cataclysmic events following the U.S.-led invasion.
“The Fall of Mosul” does not shy away from examining the disintegration of the city under ISIS rule. It unveils a story marked by mass military and law enforcement withdrawals, logistical shortcomings, and inadequate armaments. As of October 2016, Iraqi forces have initiated efforts to reclaim Mosul, hanging the fate of this major city in the balance. The documentary serves as a crucial exploration, filling the gaps left by modern media in covering these significant events, offering an eye-opening primer on a complicated history that reverberates in present-day conflicts.