YMMV / Mosul (2020)

• Spiritual Antithesis: Though both are directed by Americans and are obviously against terrorism, Mosul has been seen somewhat as an Antithesis to War On Terror movies featuring largely American casts as the movie emphasizes its focus on an Arabic-speaking cast with the main characters being the Iraqis themselves that are bearing the brunt of the conflict's weight. Jasem's men lack the equipment and training of US and NATO forces and are far more motivated to Pay Evil unto Evil on ISIS, fighting an uphill battle in their own home city against a brutal, violent occupying force.
  • Furthermore, the protagonist Kawa dons a mask just like that of The Punisher, with The Punisher's mask having also received attention in American Sniper albeit worn by Americans which in turn prompted the Iraqis to adopt it as a symbol of their retribution against ISIS for having destroyed their home.
  • In fact, Jasem's Iraqi actor Suhail Dabbach previously played a Suicide Bomber in The Hurt Locker, a role which was stereotypically one of the roles Arabic actors could look forward to during the peak of the War On Terror, but here he gets to portray Jasem who will do anything he can to crush the terrorists that have ruined his Iraqi homeland.