ROSEWATER

Iranian-Canadian Journalist Maziar Bahari was detained in an Iranian prison for 118 days under suspicion of being a spy. Set in 2009, this drama details his plight as he was blindfolded and brutally interrogated daily whilst an aroma of rosewater permeated the air.

High production values abound and solid performances are delivered from a cast led by Gael Garcia Bernal. Actual footage cleverly edited into the film complements and adds credence to a shocking story.

Adversely, the script contains many humorous moments which detract, slightly tarnishing the dramatic impact of the story.

Part of a wave of similar films depicting the horrendous maltreatment of people, their survival and resilience, Rosewater may have very limited appeal. (MMo)

***