Review of Persepolis (2007) by Bobby B — 08 Jun 2009

If someone said to you "Hey, would you like to watch a black and white Iranian animation about a girl who struggles to find her identity during a time of complete social upheaval?", you'd probably say something like "I'm actually washing my hair tonight thanks amigo.

" "It's got Iggy Pop's voice in it." Wait a minute. Now I don't want to reduce the craft and care behind "Persepolis" into 'some cartoon with Iggy Pop in it', but one has to admit it's a difficult sell.

Luckily for writer/directors Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi (who wrote the autobiographical graphic novels upon which the film is based), they manage to craft a humorous, engaging and affecting coming of age story from one of the most unlikely scenarios.

Telling the story of a young girl's struggle for identity through a tumultuous period of Iran's history the film fills you in with the exposition and history, while also creating well-rounded empathetic characters.

Marjane's family is a wonderful mix of characters and some of the film's most touching moments come in its exploration of family dynamic. As things in Iran go from bad to worse, Marjane is sent to Europe where she discovers everything she can't do in Iran.

Sex, drugs and rock and roll basically. It's a great portrait of adolescence and as the film comes full circle to find Marjane back in Iran, as an audience we've been on an incredible journey with these characters.

It's a refreshing story that is complimented by stunning visuals and some great vocal performances (big shout to the Pop), and results in a wonderfully different, honestly moving film.