Persepolis review

Watched Persepolis last night and I had to write about it!



It is an animated movie in French, based on autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi (the graphic novel was adjudged the Best Comix of 2003 by Time magazine).

Without giving away too much story, the movie chronicles Marjane's growing up as a young girl in Tehran against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution. She is a playful and outspoken daughter of an educated couple who hope for a better life in Iran. Marjane is sent to Vienna to study but she comes back disillusioned in a few years. But there is a lot more to the story and it unfolds in many layers.

The style of the movie is very subtle yet very artful. Right from the beautifully animated credit sequence, to the wonderfully ornamented black & white 2D animation, it grabs you with its earthy charm. The simplicity and honesty of the animation, moves you, makes you feel a part of Marjane's cosmos as you smile, laugh and cry with her.

The story is told in a very poignant and soulful tone. The little girl's getting familiar with the political surroundings, her interaction with God, her turning away from God(and going back to God), her relationship with her grandmother, her romantic escapades, her pro-western outlook in a turbulent orthodox political climate- everything unfolds in an intelligent, witty and fun way.

I have to say, its totally different to what I have seen so far and brilliantly original. And its a piece of art. A yummy watch!