In a feature by The Guardian published on 23 August 2023, Adrian Horton reviews the Apple TV+ docuseries Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn, describing it as a “Hollywood heist film” that unpacks the complexity of Ghosn’s life and legacy.
Documentary highlights
- The series vividly dramatizes Ghosn’s 2019 escape from Japan, hidden in an audio equipment box on a private jet, complete with commentary from Ghosn and his helpers, including ex-Green Beret Mike Taylor.
- It explores his dual legacy: the “exalted mastermind” behind the Renault–Nissan alliance and the “disgraced international fugitive,” posing the question: “victim or villain?”
Key themes
- Ghosn’s downfall stems from a combination of high-stakes corporate intrigue, cultural backlash in France and Japan, and disputes over executive compensation, he faces allegations from both countries.
- The Guardian feature quotes the docuseries director James Jones:
“It is a complicated story. It’s not black and white. It’s not necessarily even victim or villain.”
- The narrative distinguishes between Ghosn’s harsh treatment in Japan’s pre-trial system, deemed disproportionate, and the French investigation, which centers on alleged financial fraud.
23 August 2023