Persepolis

[8.5/10] This was a truly unique and beautifully told story. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was fascinating the whole way through. Despite my experiences being VERY different from those in the film, I still connected with it deeply.

Life is always a mix of the mundane, the terrifying, and the wonderful, even when we don’t see the bigger picture in the moment. _Persepolis_ captures that so well—it feels so human. It was also a beautiful tribute to a loving grandmother, which had me tearing up by the end. Overall, it did leave me feeling sad, but the experience also felt very enriching.

"Persepolis," directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud, is a poignant and visually striking animated film based on Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel. The film offers a personal glimpse into the impacts of the Iranian Revolution and subsequent war through the eyes of a young girl growing into adulthood. Its stark black-and-white animation style effectively captures the graphic novel’s aesthetic, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth and the stark realities of the political turmoil.

One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to blend humor and tragedy, providing a balanced view of life under oppressive regimes while maintaining a deeply personal and relatable story. Marjane’s character is vibrantly brought to life, her rebellious spirit and emotional journey resonating with viewers regardless of their background. The film adeptly handles complex themes such as identity, freedom, and the impact of history on personal life, making it a compelling watch.

However, "Persepolis" has faced criticism as well, particularly regarding its portrayal of Iran, which some viewers feel lacks nuance or leans heavily on Western perspectives. Nonetheless, its critical acclaim and numerous awards highlight its significance as a powerful narrative tool and a unique piece of cinematic art, bridging cultural and generational gaps to tell a story that is both specific and universal.

ouch, this was too sad for me

Beautiful animation and soundtrack, great story. Unfortunately I was too tired so I watched the last 30 minutes a few days later so I didn't feel as connected to the story.

The biography of Ms Satrapi is mundane yet saddening, while the story of her country is insane and maddening. _Persepolis_ is a must-see for Westerners who don't know the modern history of Iran: Once you've finished this primer, graduate into the haunting _Tehran Taboo_.

This movie was beautifully made–really lovely animation and visual style throughout. I’m not a comics person, but from what I’ve seen it appears to be really lovingly adapted. I loved the bits of the movie that focused on Iranian history, and felt less engaged to the autobiographical aspects of the character’s story. This is personal preference–I don’t tend toward literary memoirs either. But generally speaking, this was worth the watch.

This film is so slow, so boring. Persepolis is nothing but a lazy way to describe a film. The animation was awful and uninspired. I didn't stick with the story because I couldn’t understand a single scene fully..

yes de de de de