Rosewater Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A journalist makes a silly joke on TV, then gets thrown in jail for it, and the only thing he remembers about his captor is that he smells like grandma’s potpourri.

🍿 Rosewater: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Covering the Iranian Election

In 2009, Maziar Bahari, an Iranian-Canadian journalist for Newsweek, returns to Iran to cover the presidential elections. He’s eager to report on the political climate and potential changes in the country. While there, he connects with the younger generation who express their hopes for reform and their support for opposition candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi. Maziar witnesses firsthand the enthusiasm and energy of the reform movement. He uses social media and his journalistic connections to spread awareness of the election and the potential for change. He interviews various people, capturing the voices and opinions of the Iranian populace.

Arrest and Interrogation

Following the controversial election results that declare Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner, widespread protests erupt across Iran. Maziar films these protests, documenting the government’s response and the people’s discontent. Shortly after, he is arrested by Iranian authorities and accused of being a spy and a threat to national security. During his 118 days of imprisonment, Maziar is subjected to intense interrogations and psychological torture. His primary interrogator, whom he nicknames ‘Rosewater’ due to the scent he wears, tries to extract a confession by manipulating Maziar and using evidence, including his appearance on ‘The Daily Show’ with Jason Jones, against him.

Solitary Confinement and Mental Resilience

Confined to a small cell, Maziar struggles to maintain his sanity and hope. He has visions of his deceased father and sister, who offer him guidance and support. He uses his memories and imagination to cope with the isolation and psychological pressure. Despite the harsh conditions, Maziar refuses to break completely. He maintains a sense of defiance and inner strength, drawing inspiration from his family’s history of resistance and his love for his pregnant wife back in London. He tries to maintain his humor and wit even during interrogation, subtly challenging his captors.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Maziar Bahari (Gael García Bernal): An Iranian-Canadian journalist who is detained and interrogated in Iran on suspicion of being a spy.
• Javadi (Rosewater) (Kim Bodnia): Maziar’s interrogator, known for the scent of rosewater, who relentlessly tries to break him down.
• Maryam (Golshifteh Farahani): Maziar’s deceased sister, who appears to him in visions during his imprisonment.
• Baba Akbar (Haluk Bilginer): Maziar’s father, who also appears to him in visions, offering advice and support during his captivity.
• Paola (Claire Foy): Maziar’s pregnant wife in London, who anxiously awaits his return and advocates for his release.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Maziar Bahari: “Finally, I was free. But my joy is tempered by those I left behind.” – Bahari reflects on his release, acknowledging the many others who remain unjustly imprisoned in Iran.
• Maziar Bahari: “Country men and women whose only crime against the state is not believing in its perfection.” – Bahari speaks about the injustice faced by ordinary Iranians who dare to question the regime.
• Maziar Bahari: “And the acolytes, those without imagination, those who even in my confinement were more alone and afraid than I. Because in their hearts, they know they cannot win.” – Bahari contemplates the inner turmoil of his captors, who he believes are ultimately aware of their own moral defeat.
• Baba Akbar: “Allah is no match for chocolates.” – Bahari is told that Allah is no match for chocolates after he obtains an interview with an Iranian spokesman by offering chocolates

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,128,941
• Worldwide Gross: $3,171,593

💥 Rosewater Reviews

Personal Review

I really connected with Maziar’s struggle. Seeing him try to hold onto hope while being isolated was so powerful. The scenes where he imagines his family talking to him really hit me hard. I was so relieved when he finally got out, but also saddened by the thought of all the other people still stuck there. It definitely made me think about the importance of free speech.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of political dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in true stories”
  • “Those who appreciate international cinema”
  • “Supporters of freedom of speech and press”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Psychological torture”
  • “Political themes”
  • “Mature language”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Jon Stewart tackles a serious subject with his directorial debut, showing the importance of a free press. While the film has lighter moments, it focuses on the psychological warfare waged on the protagonist, making it a thoughtful and relevant film.
• IMDb: “Stewart’s direction brings an authenticity to the screen, filming in the Middle East, creating realistic sets. The film’s relevance to current issues involving journalists in conflicted regions is notable. The actor playing Maziar is truly captivating.
• IMDb: “Bernal’s performance is fantastic, portraying a naive spirit. But the film’s slow pace and lack of suspense are issues; since we know the outcome, relating to the protagonist’s daily misery becomes a challenge. The film emphasizes the need for a free press and raises ethical concerns for journalists.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the nuanced portrayal of Iranian officials, avoiding typical black and white caricatures.: The film thoughtfully explores the corrupt institutions of the Iranian regime.

The film successfully captures the importance of a free press and the dangers inherent otherwise.: Audience appreciates the insights into the personal struggle to maintain hope and position.

Overall Consensus: Rosewater is a well-intentioned but sometimes uneven film that effectively highlights the importance of free press and individual resilience in the face of oppression.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jon Stewart took a break from hosting ‘The Daily Show’ to direct this film, driven by his personal connection to the events after Maziar Bahari’s appearance on the show was used against him.”
• “The film is based on Maziar Bahari’s memoir, ‘Then They Came for Me,’ co-written with Aimee Molloy, detailing his 118 days of imprisonment in Iran.”
• “To maintain authenticity, filming took place in Amman, Jordan, to replicate the atmosphere and landscapes of Iran.”
• “The title ‘Rosewater’ comes from the scent worn by Bahari’s interrogator, a detail that became his only way to identify the man during his blindfolded confinement.”

🖥️ How to Watch Rosewater?

As of October 2024, “Rosewater” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Check local listings for availability on streaming services in your region. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) may be available for purchase online or at retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Rosewater, you might like these similar films:

• Argo (2012): Both films deal with the tense political climate in Iran and the efforts to extract individuals caught in difficult and dangerous situations.
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Features intense interrogation scenes and explores the moral complexities of intelligence gathering in the post-9/11 world.
• The Baader Meinhof Complex (2008): Explores political extremism and government response, offering a historical context of societal upheaval and revolutionary action.
• Taxi to Tehran (2015): An iranian movie exploring the realities of modern-day Iran, providing social commentary and a glimpse into daily life.
• Persepolis (2007): Animated movie exploring Iranian culture and its clash with western cultural, touching on the oppression within Iran.

🛒 Rosewater Related Products

• Then They Came for Me: A Family’s Story of Love, Captivity, and Survival: Maziar Bahari’s memoir tells the harrowing true story of his 118 days in an Iranian prison, offering a powerful and personal account of injustice and resilience.
• Daily Show Jason Jones Spy Interview: Watch the actual Daily Show segment that led to Maziar Bahari’s imprisonment. Offers insight on what started the initial conflict.
• Rosewater Movie Poster: A high-quality print featuring the powerful imagery of the film, perfect for fans and collectors.
• Rosewater Limited Edition Blu-Ray: Collector’s edition includes behind-the-scenes content with interviews from cast and crew.

🎧 Soundtrack

Rosewater features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “New Bloom” – performed by Mahdyar Aghajani
• “Dance Me to the End of Love” – performed by Leonard Cohen

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jon Stewart & Maziar Bahari talk ‘Rosewater’ to Andrew Marr – BBC News

Ever wondered what it was like for Jon Stewart to tackle such a serious and personal story like Rosewater? Check out this BBC interview where he and Maziar Bahari dive deep into the film and the real-life events that inspired it – super insightful!

What Jon Stewart Learned About Iran From ‘Rosewater’

Did you know ‘Rosewater’ actually changed Jon Stewart’s perspective on Iran? This Voice of America interview is fascinating – he talks about what he learned while making the film, and it’s way more than just a movie review!

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