Review of Rosewater (2014) by Harry G — 13 Sep 2015

Unrepentantly noble, and founded on a core of human decency. As a story it strikes on the complexity of modern times and perhaps the confusion generated by the end of the 'simple' Cold War for a generation who knew it, but never had to fight it.

Stewart's direction is at times inspired and at others simply full of too many ideas, detracting from the arch of the film. The use of contemporary footage gives a documentary feel reminiscent of 'Welcome to Sarajevo' only for that line to be dropped a scene later for super imposed Twitter hashtags.

These are all ideas that work independently of one another, but together it feels like three or four directors working on the same film. However the last 40 minutes are what make this film, and they are exquisite in their realisation.

Iranian intelligence are made to look like the utterly human Stasi they are, information drips into the story the way it would if one were in solitary, and the end result is an excellent if not amazing piece.