Persepolis
Marjane (voiced by Chiara Mastroianni) just wants to be an ordinary kid, but that isn't easy in 1978 Iran. This profound animated film follows Marjane's childhood in a repressive society, her adolescence in France and return to Tehran as an adult. Based on Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel, this Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature Film also features the vocal talents of Catherine Deneuve and Simon Abkarian.
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» Reviewed by 9 people
I was blown away by Marjane Satrapi's great graphic novel. It's an autobiographical story, from her childhood years to her years as a young woman. Her warm family was well educated and idealistic. They enthusiastically welcomed the fall of the Shah, only to be heartbroken by the repressions and suffocating atmosphere of the Islamic regime that followed. Needless to say, I was full of anticipation when I went to see Persepolis at a movie theater yesterday. But I ended up disappointed, despite the positive reviews from critics I trust. If I could, I would give it 2.5 stars. Compared to the movie, I found the graphic novel much superior in its power, insight, humor and poignancy. I know you are not suppose to make such comparisons, but I just couldn't help myself. Instead of seeing what I expected to be a great animated movie, I simply saw an okay film. Not a bad movie, but certainly not great. If you have not read Persepolis, please do so. It's truly a great work!- NV 400169
Excellent animated version of Marjane Sartrapi's autobiographical graphic novel about growing up inside and outside Iran during and after the Iranian Revolution.
- Jack Bunny
This is just a great story, and I don't mean an entirely happy one either. There is a lot of sadness and tragedy, but the propoganda-style animation (if there is such a thing) was a brilliant way to tell the story of Marjane, a young Iranian child who grows up in Iran during the violent overthrow of the Shahs, the Iraq/Iran war and pretty close to present day Iran. There was a nice blend of humor, as well. I loved the grandma, and I loved Marjane. Anyone who wants to expand their mind on Iranian culture and learn more about this country's volatile history, please watch this movie. The director's decision to use mostly blacks, whites and greys throughout the movie added a level of simplicity, but it's more like a dark simplicity. When a crowd of black silhouetted students are protesting, a bullet that pierces a young man's body, we pay more attention to the outlining features of the crowd as they react and of the man's body as he slumps to the ground and then is lifted up by his comrades. Quite effective.
- JLo
Persepolis is the French/Iranian equivalent to Spiegelman's Maus. This is the animated version. (Intern)national tragedy + coming of age = masterpiece. Listen to the French track for Chiara Mastroianni (yes, Marcello's daughter!) voicing Marjane.
- PAolo
I really loved the books and really wanted to love this movie. The books were charming enough to overcome the disjointing storyline. A little more background on modern Iranian politics would have helped both the book and movie for the average Western viewer.
- Duke of Oysters
This a movie of themes and ideas. The animation with brief intense vivid moments of color is predominantly B&W and heightens the universality of the characters and the plot. You don't see a young man dying, but you're instead exposed to the idea of a young man dying. Marjane isn't an Iranian girl, but any precocious girl from anywhere. You follow her tripping up, learning about herself, receiving wisdom from where she can, and doing what she can. Her grandmother is one that every person should have. The other grandmother gets to be the one that knows how to cook and bake. You really get to understand the character and how she grows up into a young woman. While this movie is only 90 minutes, it's a filled-to-the-brim hour and half and feels longer than it actually is. A wonderful story that should speak to young women everywhere made even better by the minimalist hand-drawn animation style.
- Dan the Karateka
Interesting black and white film fallowing a small girl from child to adult through the uprisings and war of Iran during the late 70's. The some of the visuals in this film are very vivid and stick with you long after the film is over. Marjane's parents eventually send her to France to escape the repressing life she is surrounded by. She returns years later to lead out her life with Iraq still dealing with many political issues and unrest. This was a good film, not for everyone however. It is all subtitled and if your not much for black and while drawing all of this film may be lost on you. The point of this film is very clear and very well stated. Very depressing to think what these people are going through and what they have went through as well. A good film for the adventurous/open-minded film watcher.
- *~*Sullivans*~*
Marjane Satrapis Persepolis as a very fascinating film. Her experiences are one of a kind and they are presented in such beautiful animation, which sticks very very closely to the original drawings in the graphic novels of the same name. What is lacking in the film is part of its charm. In an interview about the film Satrapi stated that she had no idea what she was doing when she started to make the film, she had never animated or directed before, and that seems clear as you watch the film. Many normal film conventions are thrown aside, the pacing is awkward and the story is played out more like a novel than a standard film. Which is charming within the context of the film, but it also gives it a little lag at times. The film is great, yet another example of how great animated films can be made for adults that are intelligent and beautiful, that utilize the medium to its fullest extent to enhance a story that would not have been able to be told the same way in live action. Its not perfect, but its a beautiful, engaging film that will get you thinking about heritage and the ways in which cultures interact.
- Dlukenelson
A surprisingly moving film. Don't be put off by the fact that it's animated; Persepolis is not a kid's movie. The story is basically about the director's life growing up in Tehran in the late 70's, as well as her experiences in Europe as a young Iranian woman. The film possesses a dream-like quality while simultaneously showing the horrors of war without being graphic. This is a great first-person story that takes you inside the Middle East in ways that news reports or footage can't. You'll identify with the characters, and even laugh at the Rocky-inspired "Eye of the Tiger" montage (complete with music!). A great film for anyone interested in personal experiences in the Middle East, and an engaging way to introduce that part of the world's politics and religions to teens. This film is definitely worthy of the acolades it received.
- Author Allen