Tangier (2006): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2006, Tangier is a thriller and drama film directed by Frank van Mechelen, running about 105 minutes. “Hell in Tangier” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In August 1996, bus drivers Marcel Van Loock and Wim Moreels are apprehended by the Moroccan Customs for drug trafficking. Inside their bus, hidden behind a false compartment, they have discovered 700 pounds of hashish. Although the owner of the bus company is arrested as well and makes a full confession clearly indicating that both drivers were unaware of the hidden drugs, the Moroccan judge sentences both men to 5 years in the Moroccan prison of Tangiers. Nothing could have prepared the two men for life inside a Moroccan prison. Without food, clothes or medical care, they must learn how to take care of themselves to survive their stay in prison. Corrupt guards, corrupt lawyers and judges, a consul who doesn't care and frequent beatings are only part of the terrible prison. Meanwhile their families at home are left without any information, any help or any hope - finding out that their own government doesn't care for Belgian people in prisons abroad.

Who’s in it. Tangier stars Filip Peeters as Marcel Van Loock, Peter Gorissen as Rudy Vermeersch, Veerle de Jonghe as Veronique and Warre Borgmans as Jozef Van Zuylen, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Tangier has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Tangier page.

If you liked it. Fans of Tangier tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.