Is Talking about Rose. Prisoner of Hissène Habré Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2015, Talking about Rose. Prisoner of Hissène Habré represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into "Parler de Rose" (Talking about Rose), narrated by Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche and directed by Isabel Coixet examines the life and death of Rose Lokissim a prisoner of Hissène Habré, the former dictator of Chad. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: ""Parler de Rose" (Talking about Rose), narrated by Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche and directed by Isabel Coixet examines the life and death of Rose Lokissim a prisoner of Hissène Habré, the former dictator of Chad. Survivors of Habré's jails remember Rose as a brave inmate who took care of the sick and kept up the prisoners' morale. She also delivered clandestine messages to the outside world to inform relatives of their loved ones inside. Ultimately, Habré's political police, the DDS, learned of the messages and murdered her. Among the DDS files uncovered in 2001 by Human Rights Watch was the police report of Rose's last interrogation. Rose's questioners wrote that Rose said that even if they killed her, "Chad will thank her and history will talk about her." Now, 29 years later, Rose's courage is finally being remembered as Hissène Habré stands trial beginning 20 July 2015 before a special court in Senegal, where he has lived since he was overthrown in 1990."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Juliette Binoche provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Isabel Coixet is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 30 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Talking about Rose. Prisoner of Hissène Habré truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Talking about Rose. Prisoner of Hissène Habré explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Isabel Coixet respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Talking about Rose. Prisoner of Hissène Habré is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Juliette Binoche or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Talking about Rose. Prisoner of Hissène Habré is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.