“Rosewater,” Jon Stewart’s directorial debut, tells the story of Maziar Bahari, an Iranian-born journalist living in London and covering the 2009 Iranian elections for Newsweek. The film was based off Bahari’s memoir, “Then They Came for Me.”

The film follows Bahari, played by Gael Garcia Bernal, as he goes to Iran to report on the 2009 elections. Bahari meets young men who push him to film the unrest that has taken over Iran in the wake of the elections.

Scenes of political demonstrations and conversations of rigged elections offer a brief look into the 2009 political climate of Iran. As the unrest turns violent, Bahari is taken to an Iranian prison, where he is held for 118 days in solitary confinement. Much of the film centers on Bahari’s time in prison where he is tortured for being a “spy.”

The film soars in its juxtaposition of intensity that characterizes the political unrest and humor that allows the film to move beyond being a wholly somber event. The film is centered on political repression and censorship and offers a moving argument for international journalism.

“Rosewater,” however, will not leave you any more educated about Iranian politics and seems limited in telling the story of a privileged journalist who was released because of widespread Western protest. The film is no masterpiece and fails to truly portray the horrific experiences of many political prisoners.

The film shines best when Jon Stewart’s signature witty commentary shines through, but most of the film is characterized by a sincerity and optimism that seems inappropriate at times for such serious material.

It was an interesting and enjoyable watch, but you’ll emerge no more enlightened or educated about the serious issues that Iranians and many political journalists face.

_MOVE gives “Rosewater” 3 out of 5 stars._