Persepolis

[elface]

Anybody see this yet.

Animated film about a highspirited girl growing up in Iran during years of turmoil. The animation is simple but the story is powerful about existing in an unjust system and then being an immigrant in the west.

I took my kids, 13 yr old girl liked it; 8 yr old boy didn't care for it.

Recommend it for preteens and up.

 

[SL Xpress]

I don't see how boys of any age would like it unless they were hyper intellectualized and interested in world affairs. Girls can relate to the main character, so I could understand why they'd like it, but it's not the sort of movie I'd recommend for pre teens unless the parents are prepared to expose their children to plot points such as firing squads, living as a transient, armed militia roaming the streets arresting people who aren't following religious law, women living under complete repression. That's not to say they shouldn't be taken to see this movie, but this isn't a Pixar production.

I thought it was terrific. It's an autobiographical account from the director, who now lives in France and is an Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times among other things.

While there are some politics involved, mostly it's about her experiences as a little girl living through first the Iranian Revolution, then the war with Iraq, and finally reaching the conclusion she needed to live abroad after things got worse regarding the religious repression following the end of the war.

The grandmother as portrayed in the movie is one of my favorite characters ever in any movie. The affection the director has for her family is evident in nearly every scene, and her painting of herself as a mixed up, confused child/young adult that makes serious errors in judgement is refreshing and illuminating.

Anyone who has a curiosity about the world should see this movie. Anyone who likes revealing stories realistically delivered about the people around us, and the choices we make, should see this movie. It's the most serious animated movie I can recall seeing, with moments of poignancy and humor mixed in.

The director has found a unique way to tell a powerful story. I'd like to see her rewarded for it.

 

[YChang]

It's not as excellent as the first, but the graphic novel this movie is based on...has a sequel.

Persepolis 2 The Return

Shows you Marjane experience back in Iran as a young adult.