Based on The New York Times best-selling memoir Then They Came for Me by journalist Maziar Bahari, Rosewater highlights the terrible violations of rights and freedoms that inevitably accompany a dictatorial regime. It tells the true story of how this journalist found himself imprisoned in Iran for 118 days, with no charge and no knowledge of when or if he might be released.
By Keeva Stratton
In June 2009, Bahari returns to Iran (where he was born) to cover the local election for a London based magazine. When he arrives, he finds himself entering a state of political unrest.
On the streets there is a groundswell of support for the opposition party, and Bahari is invited into the homes of some young locals who clearly want change. But there is fear; fear for what might happen if the local people demand change.
As he documents the lead-up to the election, Bahari, who clearly feels comfortable in his Western role, takes part in a satirical interview for an American late night show, hosted by Jon Stewart (who makes his directorial debut with Rosewater). This clip will later be used against him as evidence of his collusion with America.
Following the election, when the ruling political party is returned to power (despite an obvious lack of favour with the people), riots break out. Bahari is unable to hold himself back, and soon finds his camera capturing many of the violent atrocities that take place.
His footage is shown across the world, and having upset the powers that be, he is arrested and held without charge in an isolated cell.
Imprisoned, with no end in sight, Bahari is tortured. His pregnant wife waits anxiously for him in London, and the pressure mounts for him to succumb to his false accusations, simply to trade for his freedom. It’s a terrible plight, but one that doesn’t go unnoticed by his foreign employers, or (subsequently) by political figures in the west, who begin to push for his release.
While in prison he has visions of his father and his sister, both deceased and both having spent their own time behind bars for their political views. This brings to life the generational struggles faced by a beautiful community and a loving family who are passionate in their quest for a free society.
Rosewater is a thought-provoking film that highlights the many freedoms that we in Australia too often take for granted. Given recent events, this film comes as a timely reminder of the importance of protecting journalists so the truth can be laid bare.
Directed by: Jon Stewart
Starring: Gael García Bernal,
Rating: M
Runtime: 103mins
Release Date: February 19
Reviewer rating: 3/5
