In light of the recent election in Iran and the turmoil following its outcome, I decided now would be an excellent time to review one of the best-animated films I have seen in years. Adapted from the autobiographical graphic novels of Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis is a bittersweet tale about growing up in the wake of the Iranian revolution.

The film opens with an adult Marjane trying to board a plane to Iran from France, but she is turned away for not having a passport. This opening scene serves as a setup for the entire film as Marjane sits down in an airport cafe and begins to reflect on her life, beginning with her childhood in Iran. Told using a black and white art style, Marjane’s memories is as much a hilarious heartwarming celebration of her life and family as they are a condemnation of the repressive regimes that have run her country for as long as she can remember.

Despite it’s less then glowing views on America and the western world in general, Persepolis is an insightful look into Iranian culture and how much has changed since the new Islamic regime came into power in the late seventies. In a world where having a bunch of friends over for a party, listening to rock music, or even just holding hands will bring the wrath of the government down on your heard; Marjane’s stories of illicit parties and black market purchases of goods we take for granted here in the west are both funny and terribly, terribly sad. Several of Marjane’s stories are so dark, that it is hard to imagine the sheer evil that would motivate such decisions. Whether it was the murder of a close family member for political reasons or the legalized rape of an acquaintance so that she could be hung the next day, there were times that my mind was just boggled at the solutions that the Iranian government came up with to get around sticky religious edicts.

As I mentioned earlier, much of the film is in black and white with only a few scenes being in color. Despite its limited palette, the film is an amazingly beautiful feat of animation. Like a Sunday comic strip come to life, the film flows with a smooth animation style that is as charming as it is unique. Produced in France by Sony Pictures Classics, Persepolis is available in the U.S. in both English and French.

Bottom Line:

I highly recommend everyone take the time to watch Persepolis. This perfect mixture of drama and comedy will warm your heart even as it educates you about the Iranian people and their culture.

Final Score: 5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by: LC1
Review Format: Netflix streaming video via Xbox Live