Jun 20, 2008
Director: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi
In this day of sophisticated computer animation, here’s an animation film in simple black-and-white and grey about a coming-of-age story that you have to watch.
Persepolis, based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel, is the story of a precocious young girl from a liberal, cosmopolitan family in Tehran, and it unfolds during Satrapi’s growing up years during the Islamic revolution in the seventies.
The film discusses several grim events but it’s never dull or boring because Satrapi tells the story in a self-mocking tone that is always engaging.
Not only does Persepolis help give us a clear picture of how Iranians were suffering at the time, it also helps us understand Satrapi better – a self-confident rebel, a politically conscious teenager, a young lady with a very distinct voice and an opinion on everything.
Voiced in French by such acclaimed actors as Catherine Deneuve and Chiara Mastroianni, the film comes with English subtitles and even though it’s Satrapi’s story, it’ll find resonance with anyone who’s witnessed and survived political or fanatical upheaval.
What’s remarkable about the film is the humour in Satrapi’s writing. Even in the bleakest of circumstances she’s able to lighten up the mood.
Persepolis is an animation film for adults. It’s a film for anyone with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Three out of five and a big thumbs up.