Quartile rating: 7.5/10 · 1 rating
In 1968, engineer Giorgio Rosa established the independent state called "The Isle of Roses" off the coast of Rimini, built on a platform outside the territorial waters, with Esperanto as the official language. The Italian authorities did not take it well because the micronation was seen as an expedient to not pay taxes on the revenues obtained thanks to the arrival of numerous tourists and curious people.
Rose Island tells a genuinely unusual true story — a self-built offshore platform declared an independent micronation in 1968 Italy — which gives it strong Novelty; the real-life premise is quirky, specific, and singular. The plot is charming and well-paced for a light historical comedy-adventure, though it leans into crowd-pleasing beats without much dramatic depth. Acting is competent and warm, led by Elio Germano's enthusiastic performance, but supporting characters remain thinly sketched. Cinematography is pleasant and sun-drenched but unremarkable for the genre. The ending is emotionally satisfying in a crowd-pleasing way without being particularly surprising or resonant.