What a wonderfully entertaining and educational animated film! As soon as the first frame was up and running, I was enthralled by not only the animation (which was amazing and quite original), but more with the in depth story-line it portrayed. French, with English subtitles, it took no longer than a few minutes before I completely forgot I was reading, and instead focused mainly on the story at hand. Before I begin the synopsis of the film, I read something about "Persepolis" that thoroughly caught my attention... "...Iran's government sent a letter to the French embassy in Tehran to protest against the movie..."
A compelling, captivating, and heartbreaking true story, "Persepolis" is a coming-of-age tale of a too smart for her own age, little Iranian girl by the name of Marjane Satrapi. As a child, Marjane is in the midst of a regime change and war in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
Always cleverly outspoken, Marjane is certain she is going to grow up to be a saint. Living with her mother, her father, and her hilarious grandmother, Marjane is educated about what is going on in her surroundings. Not completely clear of the reasons why these changes are occurring, Marjane begins to rebel. The new social order that invades Iran is not for Marjane, even if she is only 10 years old. As she is introduced to more stories from other family members of the horrors that surround them, Marjane's rebellious nature also seems to mature (illegally buying and listening to Iron Maiden... awesome!). With no end in sight for the war, and the situations in Iran steadily worsening, Marjane's parents are forced to make the uncomfortable decision of sending their daughter away for he own safety.
I really didn't want to add any spoilers of what happens after Marjane leaves Iran, because I really believe that this story needs to be seen. Unbelievably educational, although comedic, it entails all aspects of the war in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Wonderfully written, and amazingly directed, both by Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi, no wonder it is the front runner in this years Best Animated Feature Film Oscar. Competing against "Ratatouille," and dodging "The Simpsons Movie," which shockingly was not nominated, "Persepolis" has it's hands full this year. However, I believe it deserves an Oscar.
Pat the Movie Critic gives "Persepolis" ---- 4 Scoops.
