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France, United States · 2007
Rated PG-13 · 1h 35m
Director Marjane Satrapi
Starring Chiara Mastroianni, Danielle Darrieux, Catherine Deneuve, Simon Abkarian
Genre Animation, Drama
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When the Shah is toppled during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Marjane Satrapi's anti-government family is thrilled. As Marji grows up, however, she witnesses firsthand how the new Iran---now ruled by Islamic fundamentalists---has become a repressive tyranny of its own. And, no matter where she runs to, she can't escape the feeling that she doesn't belong.
Persepolis is a small landmark in feature animation. Not because of technical innovation--though it moves fluidly enough, and its drawings have a handcrafted charm forgotten in the era of the cross-promoted-to-saturation CGI-'toon juggernauts--but because it translates a sensitive, introspective, true-to-life, "adult" comic story into moving pictures.
The New Yorker by Anthony Lane
There is no denying the boldness of Persepolis, both in design and in moral complaint, but there must surely be moments, in Marjane’s life as in ours, that cry out for cross-hatching and the grown-up grayness of doubt.
Los Angeles Times by Carina Chocano
A familiar story set in an unfamiliar context, it's a paean to the universality of human experience, a testament to the endurance of individuality during great political and fanatical upheaval, and a reminder that even the most complex situations, identities and stories are heartbreakingly simple.
Cinematic poetry in black and white. It also is a deeply affecting tale of the power of resilience and an unflagging sense of humor through the worst of situations
It's not to be missed in any language. In a year that has given us such marvelous animated movies as "Ratatouille" and "Paprika," this vibrant, sly and moving personal odyssey takes pride of place.
The Hollywood Reporter by Kirk Honeycutt
The filmmakers were right to believe that a live-action version of this story would have failed to achieve the universality Persepolis does.
This autobiographical tour de force is completely accessible and art of a very high order.
The two main points Persepolis makes are that strife is relative, and all politics are personal.
It is a vivid, at times heartbreaking, portrait of a life and a nation in crisis.
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I'm not usually one for this style of animation, but something about Persepolis just works; the animation captures everything from her youthful exuberance to her intense loneliness with masterful use of color. Although it features poignant moments from Iranian history, the story is so achingly universal: we have all been Marji. It's definitely a must see.
I absolutely adore this film. Persepolis' style of animation is definitely effective in its ability to convey the cruelty of war, political conflict, and discrimination without taking away from the seriousness of these topics. Still, Marjane's portrayal is so endearing - her personal struggles and journey to adulthood are in many ways universal, which makes it possible for young women of various backgrounds to resonate with her character.