Added to Paramount+ on Thursday, Jan 11, 2024 Rosewater is a gripping drama based on the real-life experiences of Maziar Bahari, a journalist who was detained and brutally interrogated in Iran for over 100 days. The story unfolds as Bahari, played by Gael García Bernal, travels to Iran to cover the 2009 presidential elections. His reporting catches the attention of the authorities, leading to his arrest. The film, directed by Jon Stewart, explores themes of political oppression, the power of the human spirit, and the relentless pursuit of truth under dire circumstances, all while avoiding direct political commentary.
Length: 1h43m
Genre: Drama, Biography
This Title is: Intense, Thought-Provoking
“Rosewater” IS STREAMING ON Paramount+ IN CANADA!
Trailer
Cast
- Gael García Bernal as Maziar Bahari
- Kim Bodnia as Rosewater
- Shohreh Aghdashloo as Moloojoon
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R for language and some violent content
Content warnings include scenes of torture and intense interrogations.
Trivia
- This was Jon Stewart’s directorial debut.
- The film is based on Bahari’s memoir “Then They Came for Me.”
- Bahari’s real-life footage from the 2009 election protests is incorporated into the film.
Our Review
- Quality: [4/5] – Considering the film’s overall production value, including aspects like direction and cinematography.
- Acting: [2/5] – Based on the performances of the main cast, particularly Gael García Bernal and Kim Bodnia.
- Storyline: [2/5] – Reflecting on the plot’s coherence, originality, and how engaging it is.
- Visuals: [4/5] – Focusing on the film’s visual appeal, including special effects and overall visual presentation.
- Entertainment: [2/5] – Assessing the film’s ability to captivate and engage the audience, considering pacing and suspense.
Rosewater, while a significant directorial debut for Jon Stewart, offers a powerful narrative. However, the film’s pace and character development might not resonate with all viewers. The acting, particularly by Bernal, is commendable, but some performances may seem lacking in depth. The quality of production and visuals are high, contributing to the overall impact of the film. The storyline, rooted in true events, is compelling but could be more engaging in its delivery. Overall, it’s a film that sparks thought and conversation, especially regarding freedom of press and political oppression.
Critic Scores
Critic Scores aggregate ratings from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. (Click on any score for a detailed review.)
